Story By: Nick Dumke

MONTEVALLO, Ala. –

When it comes to choosing the right lure when bass fishing, it can be a little difficult at first. Between all the different colors, styles, and brands of baits, picking the right one may seem daunting. Although there are thousands of options out there, there’s no need to overthink it when it comes to targeting bass. Here are a few of the staples you need in your tackle arsenal to catch bass.

  1. Skirted Jig

The skirted jig is a classic bait that has been around since the beginning of bass fishing, and for good reason. This lure is a go-to for many, and it can catch fish at all times of the year. A key characteristic of this bait that makes it so good is that it is easy to fish. As far as the retrieve, it can be as simple as casting the bait out and dragging it along bottom. With colors and trailers, it’s best to keep it simple with natural colors like green pumpkin or brown, as well as black/blue. Having a handful of jigs between the sizes of 1/4-3/4 ounces will cover you for all scenarios you may face.

  • Squarebill Crankbait

“When looking for a bait that is super versatile and can catch fish at all times, the squarebill crankbait can be one of your best bets.”

Justin Onslow

This is a bait that can be thrown around all types of cover, including wood, rock, grass, and whatever else you might find on the water. These are intended to be fished in relatively shallow water (anywhere from 2-6 feet). As far as colors go, having some brighter colors like chartreuse for dirty water and natural colors for clean water will keep you covered.

  • Vibrating Jig

The vibrating jig is a relatively new bait in the bass fishing world, but it has created quite a name for itself in its short time on the market. This bait is similar to a skirted jig, but it has a specially curved metal blade on the front of it which vibrates when pulled through the water. This vibration gives the bait a very unique sound and action that drives fish crazy. The best trailers to put on this type of lure and crawfish and baitfish imitating plastics, such as the Zman Razor Shad, or the Strike King Menace. All you will need is a couple of these in colors like green pumpkin, black and blue, and a few shad colors. For the weights, the best sizes are usually 3/8-3/4 ounces.

  • Senko

When dealing with tougher conditions where fish may be finicky, the senko can often save the day. This is a lure that is extremely easy to fish, and it can also be rigged multiple ways. One of the best ways to fish a senko is weightless on a smaller hook with light line on a spinning rod. This is a more finesse application that can thrown anywhere and works when fish are biting well, or if fishing tough. Another great option to fish this bait is by rigging it weedless on an EWG hook with a small weight above it, preferably 1/8-1/2 ounce. Both of these options work extremely well from the early spawn, all the way to the end of the fall season.

  • Topwater

A topwater lure is one of the most fun ways to target bass of all species. There are a handful of different topwater baits that can shine throughout the season, some of these being a spook, a popper, and a frog. Spooks and poppers are best worked around the edges of cover and in open water scenarios. A frog really shines in heavy cover where most other baits can’t go, making a very effective and versatile lure.

Although there are a lot of scenarios you may face while on the water, there’s no need to worry about lures to throw. With all the videos and marketing pushes out there, it can be overwhelming when it comes to knowing what lures to buy and throw, but these staples will keep you covered whenever, wherever.

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