Fishing for bass can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, choosing the right lure can make all the difference when it comes to catching these elusive fish. There are many types of bass lures available on the market, and each one has its own unique characteristics that can attract bass in different ways. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of bass lures and their features.
- Crankbaits: Crankbaits are one of the most popular types of bass lures. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Crankbaits are designed to mimic the movements and actions of baitfish, making them a great choice for anglers who are targeting bass that feed on small fish. Crankbaits are usually made of plastic or wood, and they have a diving lip that helps them dive to different depths in the water. They are retrieved by cranking the reel handle, which causes the lure to wiggle and swim through the water.
- Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are another popular type of bass lure. They are made up of a spinner blade and a jig head that is typically adorned with a soft plastic trailer. The spinner blade creates vibration and flash in the water, which can attract bass from a distance. Spinnerbaits are versatile and can be fished at different depths and speeds. They are also effective in murky water, where their vibration and flash can help bass locate the lure.
- Jigs: Jigs are a type of bass lure that consists of a lead head and a soft plastic trailer. They are designed to be fished on the bottom of the water column, where bass often feed. Jigs can be rigged with a variety of trailers, including crawfish, worms, and creature baits. They are versatile and can be fished in a variety of ways, including dragging, hopping, and swimming. Jigs are especially effective in clear water, where their natural appearance can entice even the most finicky of bass.
- Topwater lures: Topwater lures are designed to be fished on the surface of the water, where they create a commotion that can attract bass from a distance. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including poppers, prop baits, and walking baits. Topwater lures are especially effective in low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. They can be retrieved in a variety of ways, including popping, spitting, and walking the dog.
- Swimbaits: Swimbaits are a type of soft plastic lure that is designed to mimic the appearance and movement of baitfish. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be rigged on a jig head or weedless hook. Swimbaits can be fished at different depths and speeds, depending on the type of fish you are targeting. They are especially effective in clear water, where their realistic appearance can fool even the most wary of bass.
- Jerkbaits: Jerkbaits are a type of bass lure that is designed to mimic the erratic movements of injured baitfish. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be fished at different depths. Jerkbaits are retrieved with a series of quick jerks, which cause the lure to dart and twitch through the water. They are especially effective in cold water, where bass are less active and more likely to be fooled by the erratic movements of a jerkbait.
- Texas rigs: Texas rigs are a type of bass lure that is designed to be fished in heavy cover, such as weed beds and brush piles. They consist of a bullet-shaped weight that is rigged above a soft plastic worm or creature bait. The rig is designed to be weed
What is the best Depth to Catch bass?
The best depth to catch bass can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of day, the season, and the weather conditions. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed to increase your chances of success.
In general, bass are most active in the early morning and late evening, when the water is cooler and there is less sunlight. During these times, bass tend to be more shallow, often feeding in water that is less than 10 feet deep. This is because the cooler water near the surface contains more oxygen, which bass need to breathe.
As the day progresses and the sun gets higher in the sky, bass tend to move deeper in the water column, often to depths of 10 to 20 feet or more. This is because the deeper water is cooler and contains more dissolved oxygen than the warmer water near the surface.
During the summer months, when the water is warmest, bass tend to spend more time in deeper water. This is because the deeper water provides a cooler, more comfortable environment for them to live in. However, even in the summer, bass can still be caught in shallower water early in the morning and late in the evening.
In the fall, as the water begins to cool down, bass tend to move back to shallower water. This is because the cooler water near the surface contains more oxygen, which bass need to breathe. Additionally, in the fall, bass are often feeding on shad and other baitfish that are also moving shallower.
In the winter, when the water is coldest, bass tend to move to the deepest water in the lake, often to depths of 20 feet or more. This is because the deeper water is the warmest and most stable environment for them to live in.
When trying to determine the best depth to catch bass, it is important to pay attention to the weather conditions as well. On cloudy days or days with low light conditions, bass tend to stay shallower for longer periods of time, while on sunny days, they tend to move deeper more quickly.
In addition to these general guidelines, it is important to experiment with different depths and fishing techniques to find what works best in your particular fishing location. Some anglers prefer to fish deep with jigs or drop shot rigs, while others prefer to fish shallow with topwater lures or spinnerbaits.
