5 Best Bass Lures – 2023 Buyer’s Guide

Last updated on August 18th, 2023

Leonard Friedrich

Are you looking for the best bass lures to help make your next fishing trip a success? Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, knowing which type of lure is most effective can be tricky. From color selection and size matters to seasonal considerations and techniques, we’ve got all the information you need on choosing the right bass fishing lures! Read on to learn more about selecting the best lures for bass for your needs.

Crankbaits are some of the best bass lures
Crankbaits are some of the best bass lures

Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. Learn more about our review process here. We use so-called affiliate links in this article. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.

Table of Contents:

Types of Lures for Bass Fishing

Bass fishing is an exciting and rewarding sport, but it’s important to know which type of lure will be most effective for the situation. Hard baits are a popular choice among anglers due to their versatility and effectiveness in catching bass. Crankbaits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and depths so you can choose the right one for your needs. Jerkbaits are another great option that imitate injured baitfish when retrieved with jerking motions. Topwater lures also work well for targeting bass near shorelines or vegetation beds.

Soft plastics are another popular option for catching bass as they offer more realistic action than hard baits. Worms come in many different styles such as ribbon tail worms, finesse worms, creature baits like crawfish imitations or frogs can be used around submerged cover or structure while jigs and spinnerbaits provide added flash to attract fish from farther away distances.

When selecting lures it’s important to consider color selection as this plays an important role in attracting bass depending on water clarity conditions. Natural colors such as brown, green, black and white/silver tend to work best in clear waters while brighter colors like red orange pink yellow purple do better in murky waters where visibility is limited. Size matters too – smaller lures (1/4-1/2 ounce) should be used when fishing clear water while larger ones (3/4-1 ounce) should be chosen when fishing murkier waters with thicker bodied baits equipped with large hooks being preferred over thin bodied ones with small hooks .

Lastly, proper technique must also be taken into account. Retrieve speeds vary based on lure type and water clarity conditions, while presentation techniques include cast and reel or vertical jigging. With these tips, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect lure combination that works best for you.

Bass fishermen fishing from a boat
Bass fishermen fishing from a boat

5 Best Bass Fishing Lures on the Market in 2023

Bass fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers, and having the right lures can make all the difference. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are best for bass fishing with a rod.

To help you out, here are five of the best bass lures on the market in 2023:

Best Crankbait: Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait

Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait: One of the best bass fishing lures
Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait

Key features:

  • Multiple color options
  • Various depths to choose from
  • Wide range of sizes and weight

Why it made the cut: The Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait has been designed by professional angler Kevin VanDam and comes in several colors that will attract any bass. It dives deep quickly and produces plenty of action to entice strikes from even finicky fish.

Over the years I’ve become a big fan of using crankbait lures. Their action in the water mimics real life fish movements to perfection. Nowadays, I use them to fish for species such as bass but also walleye or pike. If you’re fishing a water that holds all of these species, don’t be surprised to hook one of them. If you practices catch and release fishing it might be worth considering to remove one of the treble hooks or even remove both and fish with a single hook at the tail. It simply makes releasing fish without harming them so much easier.

My verdict: The Strike King KVD Square Bill is my number 1 choice when it comes to crankbaits for bass fishing. Its action is superb and they are very durable so you can fish them for an entire season.

PROS:

  • Great build quality
  • Various sizes and colors
  • Excellent hooks

CONS:

  • Hooks are borderline big
  • The eyes sometimes don’t last too long

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait: Review of the best Bass Fishing Lures
Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait: Review of the best Bass Fishing Lures

Key features:

  • Super realistic color ways
  • Little feather tail
  • Multiple sizes and colourings

Why it made the cut: I’ve found the Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait to be perfect for targeting suspended bass during colder months when they’re not actively feeding near cover or structure. The unique design creates an erratic swimming motion that imitates injured baitfish perfectly, making it irresistible to hungry predators like largemouths and smallmouths alike!

The little feather on the tail end, often creates this little bit of extra attention that you need if the bass are somewhat lazy and not actively feeding. When it comes to color design, I have to admit that I am a big fan of the fire tiger decor (pictured above). It has proven so successful to me over the years that I often come back to it. If you want to give the Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait a try, I’d recommend going for the fire tiger decor.

My verdict: The Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait ticks all the boxes of a great bass lure. Like I said with the Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait, don’t be surprised if you catch walleye or pike with it too.

PROS:

  • Tricks inactive bass
  • Feather tail for added trigger

CONS:

  • Feather can sometimes get tangled a little bit when wet

Zoom Super Fluke

Zoom Super Fluke: One of the best fishing lures for bass
Zoom Super Fluke: One of the best fishing lures for bass

Key features:

  • One year warranty
  • Vast variety of color options
  • Split tai

Why it made the cut: In my eyes, the Zoom Super Fluke is one of the most versatile soft plastics available today and works great when rigged weightless or with a jighead depending on your situation. Its lifelike profile mimics shad perfectly while its tail flutters enticingly as you retrieve it through the water column perfect for triggering strikes from lethargic post-spawners!

Fishing soft plastics is a great way to fish in areas that hold a lot of weed as well. Since you fish them with a single hook setup, lures such as the Zoom Super Fluke don’t get tangled in the weeds as easily as crankbaits do for example. Since they are not as expensive as crankbaits or spinners, it also doesn’t hurt as much if you loose one of them. On the downside, if a pike decides to go for you lure, they are most gone afterwards.

My verdict: If you’re serious about bass fishing, you need to add soft plastics such as the Zoom Super Fluke to your tackle box. They are a lot of fun to fish and they can be a game changer if you’re looking to catch big bass.

PROS:

  • Split tail for increased attraction
  • Very realistic motion

CONS:

  • Material is not as durable as the Rapala or Strike King

Booyah Blade Spinnerbait

Booyah Blade Spinnerbait: One of the best bass fishing lures
Booyah Blade Spinnerbait: One of the best bass fishing lures

Key features:

  • High quality blades
  • Wiggle motion
  • Incredibly flashy

Why it made the cut: A spinnerbait may seem simple but don’t let that fool you; the Booyah Blade Spinnerbait is incredibly effective at catching big bass when retrieved slowly over weed beds or around woody cover like stumps or logs where larger specimens tend to hide out during summer months waiting to ambush prey items passing by their ambush points!

This lure uses multiple ways of attracting fish: the spinner blade creates waves underwater that bass can pick up and flashes in the sunlight. The flash fibres and the realistic eyes are further great attractors of the Booyah Blade Spinnerbait. It takes some getting used to, retrieving this lure smoothly but once you’ve mastered that, don’t be surprised if you start outfitting your bass buddies regularly.

My verdict: Yes, the Booyah Blade Spinnerbait looks flashy and shiny and you can be sure bass like that. The only downside of this lure is the fact that due to its shape with the “external” spinner blade, it can get caught up in the weeds (where bass often hold) more easily than the Zoom Super Fluke for example. Despite that, it’s definitely one of the best bass lures out there.

PROS:

  • Favorite bait for big bass
  • Bass can’t resist its motion

CONS:

  • On bright days it can be tricky to catch bass with this lure

YUM Dinger Worm

YUM Dinger Worm: One of the best fishing lures for bass
YUM Dinger Worm

Key features:

  • Flavored with salt
  • Slow sinking
  • Multiple sizes and colourings

Why it made the cut: Last but certainly not least we have YUM Dinger Worm; this soft plastic bait features an elongated body shape with ribbed sides that give off plenty of vibration as well as a wide tail section that undulates seductively behind it as you work it through weeds or other heavy cover where big often hide to ambush their prey.

Due to its slender shape, the YUM Dinger Worm is also a great lure to be fished on a vertical setup. This technique often works great if the fish are holding close to the bottom. The bouncing motion often triggers a take where a crankbait of a spinner lure might not have worked before. If the bass are somehow reluctant, play around with your retrieve and include spin stops. From my experience, that’s often when the takes are going to happen.

My verdict: Worms are a favorite prey of bass, hence it’s not surprise that the YUM Dinger Worm is one of the best bass fishing lures in waters where worms are present. But even if that’s not the case their enticing action often triggers a strike.

PROS:

  • Hard to resist when fished slowly
  • Can trick bass when nothing else works

CONS:

  • Like the Zoom Super Fluke, the material is not super durable

Color Selection for Fishing Lures for Bass

When it comes to bass lures, color selection is an important factor. The right colors can help you catch more fish while the wrong ones can leave you empty-handed. Natural colors like brown, green and black are often used in clear water conditions as they blend into the environment better than bright colors. White and silver are also good choices for these conditions since they reflect light well and create a flash that attracts bass from far away distances. Chartreuse and bluegill patterns are also popular among anglers due to their ability to mimic baitfish in certain environments.

Bright colors such as red, orange, pink, yellow and purple work best in murky or stained waters where visibility is low. These hues stand out against the dark background of muddy waters making them easier for bass to spot from a distance. Additionally, bright colors can be used when fishing at night or during periods of low light when natural colored baits may not be visible enough for bass to detect them easily.

It’s important to remember that color selection isn’t always about blending into your surroundings; sometimes it’s about standing out. Knowing which color works best for each situation will give you an edge over other anglers on the lake or river system, so make sure you experiment with different shades until you find what works best for your fishing conditions.

When it comes to bass fishing, color selection is key. Natural colors for clear water and bright hues for murky waters – mix it up until you find the perfect combination that will have those bass biting. #bassfishing #lurecolorselectionClick to Tweet 

Size Matters for Bass Lures

The right lure size can make all the difference in your fishing success. Smaller sizes are better suited for clear water conditions while larger sizes are better suited for murky water conditions.

For clear water conditions, you’ll want to use smaller sized lures such as 1/4 to 1/2 ounce baits with thin bodies and small hooks. These lighter weight lures will be easier for fish to spot from far away distances and they won’t sink too deep into the lake or river bed where they could get snagged on rocks or debris.

In contrast, when fishing in murky waters you’ll need a heavier lure that can cut through the murkiness and reach deeper depths of the lake or river system. Larger 3/4 to 1 ounce lures with thick bodies and large hooks work best in these situations as they have more weight behind them so they don’t get lost among the murkiness of the lake bottom. Plus, their bigger size helps attract attention from any nearby bass who may be lurking around looking for an easy meal.

No matter what type of lure you choose, remember that size matters when it comes to catching bass. Make sure you select a lure that is appropriate for your specific fishing needs based on both water clarity and depth levels; this way you will maximize your chances of reeling in a big one.

Size matters when it comes to bass fishing. Choose the right lure size for your water clarity and depth levels – small for clear waters, big for murky ones. #bassfishing #luresizeClick to Tweet 

Hard Bait: Unique Fishing Gifts
Small hardbaits like the Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait are a great choice for bass

Seasonal Considerations for Bass Lures

Fishing season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about what type of lures you should be using. Bass fishing can be tricky, as the right lure selection for a particular season can make or break your success. Depending on the time of year, different types of bass lures may work better than others. Here are some seasonal considerations for choosing the best bass lures:

Springtime Fishing Tactics: During springtime, water temperatures are usually cooler and fish tend to stay in shallow areas near shorelines or vegetation beds. Slow-moving crankbaits in these areas will often entice bass into biting. Topwater lures such as poppers and walking baits also work well during this time since they create a commotion that attracts attention from nearby fish. Soft plastics like worms and creature baits around submerged cover or structure can also produce good results when fished slowly with subtle movements.

Summertime Fishing Tactics: As summer approaches, water temperatures rise which causes bass to move deeper into lake systems looking for cooler waters near drop-offs or points of land jutting out into the lake system. Crankbaits in these deeper areas can be effective if retrieved at varying speeds while jerking them up off bottom occasionally; this will help draw attention from any lurking predators below waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey items passing by their hiding spots. Jerkbaits around submerged cover or structure in deep water areas also work well during summer months when fished with short pauses between jerks followed by quick snaps back towards you before pausing again – this technique mimics an injured baitfish trying desperately to escape its pursuer.

By taking seasonal conditions into consideration when selecting your next set of bass lures, you will increase your chances of landing more fish throughout the year.

Key Takeaway: Take seasonal conditions into account when selecting bass lures for the best success: spring – slow-moving crankbaits & topwater; summer – deep water crankbaits & jerkbaits.

Bass fisherman standing on a boat rod in hand
Bass fishing along shorelines covered with weed can be very successful

Techniques for Using Bass Lures Effectively

Knowing how to use them effectively can make all the difference in your success rate. There are two main techniques for using bass lures: retrieve and presentation.

Retrieve techniques involve varying speeds of reeling in a lure depending on water conditions. In clear water, you should use a slow retrieve as bass can easily spot the lure from far away distances. On the other hand, when fishing in murky waters, opt for a fast retrieve since bass will have difficulty spotting your bait from afar.

Presentation techniques involve casting out into open waters and then reeling back towards you at different speeds or dropping straight down to the bottom of lake or river bed and jigging up and down while re-angling it back towards you. Cast & reel is great for targeting fish that are suspended mid-water column while vertical jigging works best when trying to target fish near structure like rocks or vegetation beds on the lake floor.

Knowing which technique works best under certain conditions is essential if you want to catch more fish. If there is no wind present, try casting and retrieving slowly with pauses every few feet so that your lure has time to sink before continuing its journey back towards the shoreline. This method works especially well during springtime when most fish are still relatively shallow due to cold temperatures further down in deeper parts of lakes or rivers. During summertime, however, focus more on deep water areas where drop-offs occur as these spots usually hold bigger concentrations of larger sized gamefish such as largemouth bass.

Key Takeaway: When bass fishing, use retrieve and presentation techniques to effectively target fish. Retrieve involves varying speeds of reeling in a lure depending on water conditions, while presentation involves casting & reeling or vertical jigging. Use slower retrieves for clear waters and faster ones for murky ones; cast & reel works best when targeting suspended fish, while vertical jigging is better suited for structure near the lake floor.

Conclusion on the Best Bass Fishing Lures

Knowing which type of lure to use, what color and size are best for a given season or situation, and how to properly use them is key. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be sure to find success with your next bass fishing adventure. Don’t forget that when it comes down to it, finding the best bass lures is essential for any angler looking for a successful day on the water!

Are you ready to become an expert bass angler? Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s time to start fishing like the pros with our guide on best lures for bass. We have everything from tackle and techniques for recreational fishing, to special tricks and tips for targeting bigger fish. Take your game up a notch today by learning about the latest in lure technology and catch more fish than ever before!

FAQs in Relation to Best Bass Lures

What lure catches the most bass?

The answer to this question depends on the type of bass being targeted, as different lures will be more effective for different species. Generally speaking, crankbaits are a great choice for catching bass due to their versatility and ability to imitate baitfish. Jigs are also popular among anglers targeting bass, as they can be used in many different ways and offer plenty of action when retrieved through the water. Soft plastics such as worms or creature baits are another good option that can often entice even finicky fish into striking. Ultimately, it is important to experiment with various lures until you find what works best in your particular situation.

What is the number 1 bass lure?

The number one bass lure is undoubtedly the plastic worm. This versatile bait can be rigged in a variety of ways, making it suitable for any situation. It’s also incredibly effective when used to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The plastic worm’s ability to imitate an actual worm makes it irresistible to hungry fish, and its flexibility allows anglers to customize their presentation depending on the conditions they’re fishing in. Whether you’re fishing shallow or deep water, slow or fast-moving currents, the plastic worm will always be your go-to choice for catching big bass.

What is the hottest bass lure?

The hottest bass lure on the market right now is undoubtedly a soft plastic jerkbait. This versatile bait can be fished in a variety of ways, from slow and steady retrieves to fast twitches and jerks. It has proven effective for catching both smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as other species like walleye or pike. The lifelike action of the lure makes it irresistible to fish, making it one of the most popular lures among anglers today. With its versatility and effectiveness, it’s no wonder why this particular type of lure is so popular among fishermen.

What color lure is best for bass?

The best color lure for bass fishing depends on the time of day, water clarity, and weather conditions. During low light hours such as early morning or evening, dark colors like black or purple are most effective. In clear waters with bright sunlight, lighter shades such as white or chartreuse can be used to attract attention from larger fish. For overcast days in murky waters, a combination of both dark and light colors may be necessary to draw bites from bass. Experimenting with different lures is key to finding out what works best in any given situation.

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