Best Bass Lures: A Comprehensive Guide

Bass fishing enthusiasts know the value of having the right lures in their tackle boxes. This guide dives into some of the most iconic and effective bass fishing lures ever created, highlighting their unique features, fishing techniques, and historical significance. Whether you're targeting bass in weedy conditions or cold water, these lures have proven their worth time and again.

Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon

The Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon, invented in 1923, is a classic weedless lure known as the "Original Weedless Wonder." Its precise 35-degree wobble executes a deadly back-and-forth flutter that entices a wide range of species in both freshwater and saltwater. The single metal weedguard allows it to slide through heavily vegetated areas where other lures tend to get hung up. Available in sizes ranging from 1/16 oz to 1 1/8 oz and lengths from 1.1 inches to 4 inches, the Silver Minnow can be cast, trolled, jigged, or twitched to attract bass. As a tackle box standard, this classic spoon is an effective and versatile choice for anglers targeting bass in weedy conditions.

Sources: The Fisherman's Hut, Lures and Lead, Tackle Warehouse

Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue Jerkbait

The Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue, a classic jerkbait that has been a go-to lure for early spring bass and trophy walleye for over 30 years, stands out from its imitators due to its unique "Rogue Roll." This 4 1/2 inch suspending jerkbait features a standard minnow shape, three treble hooks, and a signature side-to-side listing action that mimics the flash of real baitfish. To effectively fish the Rattlin' Rogue, use varied jerks of your rod tip, alternating between light and hard, slow and fast, and short and long. Available in both floating and suspending models, this versatile lure can be fished in depths ranging from 0-6 feet when cranking, and 10-14 feet when trolling, making it effective for targeting bass, walleye, salmon, trout, panfish, and pike.

Sources: Discount Tackle, Harpeth River Outfitters, Discount Tackle

Yamamoto Senko: Soft Plastic Sensation

The Yamamoto Senko, a simple yet effective soft plastic stickbait, has revolutionized bass fishing since its introduction. Available in sizes ranging from 3 to 7 inches, the Senko's versatility allows it to be fished in various ways, including wacky rigging, Texas rigging, and weightless. The lure's high salt content creates a seductive side-to-side tail action on the fall that drives bass wild. Anglers praise the Senko for its effectiveness on pressured fish and its ability to catch big bass, with many citing it as their go-to bait. While the Senko has spawned countless imitators, the original Yamamoto Senko remains the top choice among anglers due to its unique action and durability.

Sources: Tackle Addict, Discount Tackle, Tackle Warehouse

Basstrix Paddle Tail Swimbait

The Basstrix Paddle Tail Swimbait, a hollow-bodied soft plastic lure, has become a staple for many bass anglers due to its ultra-realistic appearance and thumping swimming action. Available in sizes ranging from 2.5 to 7 inches, this versatile bait can be rigged on jigheads, weighted hooks, or even as part of an Alabama rig, making it effective in a variety of situations from open water to heavy cover. The Basstrix Paddle Tail's profile matches a wide range of forage fish, and its color patterns allow anglers to match the hatch in their local fisheries. Hand-made in the USA, this swimbait has accounted for over a million dollars in tournament winnings across various circuits, cementing its status as a reliable choice for both trophy hunting and tournament fishing.

Sources: Tackle Warehouse, Basstrix Lure Co., Tackle Express

Rapala Shad Rap: Coldwater King

The Rapala Shad Rap, introduced over 40 years ago, remains the best coldwater crankbait for consistently catching bass when water temperatures drop below 55°F. Its tight wiggle and balsa wood construction create a unique action that bass can't resist, even in the coldest conditions. While the original Shad Rap only came in four colors, it now boasts over 50 color options, with crawfish patterns excelling in early spring and shad colors dominating in late fall. To make the Shad Rap even more effective, many anglers modify it by upsizing the hooks to make it suspend in the strike zone longer. Despite its casting difficulties and snag-prone design, the Rapala Shad Rap's ability to catch big bass in cold water is unmatched, making it a must-have for any serious angler's tackle box.

Sources: Half Past First Cast, Mike Iaconelli's Blog, Wired2Fish

Mann's Jelly Worm: Scented Classic

The Mann's Jelly Worm, introduced in 1967, is one of the most iconic and best-selling plastic worms of all time. Its soft, lifelike texture and slow-waving tail action have been coaxing bass to strike for decades. The original Jelly Worms were named for their colors, such as Blueberry for blue and Grape for purple, rather than their scent. However, newer versions feature flake colors and a strawberry scent that further enhances their appeal to bass. The Jelly Worm's "Rhino Nose" technology uses a tougher consistency of plastic in the head, making it more durable than other soft baits.

Sources: Wired2Fish, Tackle Express

Norman DD22: Deep Diving Legend

The Norman DD22 is a classic deep diving crankbait that has been winning tournaments since 1987, setting the standard for deep-diving crankbaits. Made of butyrate, this hard-diving lure features a dull thud that offers bass a different sound profile than other crankbaits. With a precisely angled bill, the DD22 can reach depths of 18 feet on a long cast, making it perfect for targeting deep ledges and brush piles. The lure's naturalized attitude enables it to come through and over obstructions easily, and if hang-ups occur, the DD22 floats backwards when paused to help free it from potential snags. The DD22's butyrate body and boisterous rattle system create a distinct acoustic profile, while its deep lustrous finishes and wide variety of colors make it stand out from other crankbaits in terms of detail. Backed by two razor-sharp treble hooks, the Norman DD22 offers a time-tested action, exceptional value, and true tournament-winning performance.

Sources: Discount Tackle, Amazon, LureNet

Rapala Original Floater Lure

The Rapala Original Floater, the lure that started it all, remains a go-to choice for anglers worldwide. This classic balsa wood minnow can be fished in various ways, including twitching it on the surface, retrieving it as a shallow runner, or weighting it with a split shot for medium depths. Available in sizes ranging from 1-1/2 to 7 inches and over 10 colors, the Original Floater's wounded minnow action is irresistible to a wide range of species, including trout, walleye, bass, and panfish. Each lure is hand-tuned and tank-tested to ensure its renowned action right out of the box, and comes pre-rigged with premium VMC black nickel hooks for optimal performance.

Sources: Bait Finesse Empire, Discount Tackle, Bass Pro

Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap: Lipless Legend

The Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, the original lipless crankbait, has been a staple in anglers' tackle boxes since its introduction in 1964. Known for its versatility and effectiveness, the Rat-L-Trap can be fished in a variety of ways, including ripping through grass, yo-yoing off the bottom, or simply casting and retrieving. The lure's unique design produces a sound nearly identical to distressed baitfish, attracting bass and other species in both fresh and saltwater. Available in sizes ranging from 1/8 oz to 1 oz and a wide array of colors, the Rat-L-Trap accommodates any angler's needs across various situations. While some anglers argue that newer lipless crankbaits outperform the Rat-L-Trap, many tournament pros and guides still rely on this classic lure as one of their go-to choices for catching bass throughout the year.

Sources: Tackle Warehouse, Amazon, Bass Resource

Arbogast Hula Popper Lure

The Fred Arbogast Hula Popper, first introduced in 1941, is a classic topwater lure known for its unique rubber skirt that mimics the flared shape of a hula skirt. This vintage lure, available in various sizes ranging from 3/8 oz to 1/2 oz, features a deeply cupped mouth that generates loud popping noises and an enticing surface disturbance when retrieved. The Hula Popper's wooden construction and colorful finishes, such as the popular yellow and red combination, have made it a favorite among bass anglers for decades. While the original lures are highly sought after by collectors, modern reproductions of the Hula Popper continue to catch bass with the same effectiveness as the vintage versions.

Sources: US Lures, Folu India

Snagproof Phat Frog: Hollow Innovator

The Snag Proof Phat Frog, a hollow-body topwater lure, has been a go-to choice for bass anglers fishing heavy cover for over 55 years. Completely redesigned, the new Phat Frog features a flatter profile for smooth tracking through weeds and a super soft body that collapses easily to expose razor-sharp hooks. The frog's rear button weight keeps it in a heads-up position for optimal action, while the innovative water evacuation system expels any water infiltration during a cast for unbeatable buoyancy. Designed and created in the USA by award-winning lure designer Andrew Gardner, the Phat Frog is available in new 360-degree paint designs covering every angle the fish sees. As a staple in tackle boxes, Snag Proof produces many styles of weedless lures and is best known for their variety of hollow-body frogs.

Sources: Tackle Warehouse, American Baitworks, ACK Inc

Lunker Lure Original Buzzbait

The Lunker Lure Buzzbait, introduced in 1976, was the first buzzbait on the market and remains a popular choice among bass anglers due to its incredible fish-catching ability. This classic topwater lure features a single blade that churns the water's surface, creating a commotion that mimics prey like baitfish or frogs, triggering explosive strikes from bass. The Original Lunker Lure Buzzbait is available in a 1/2 oz size and comes in a variety of skirt colors to match different fishing conditions. Its durable construction and quality components, such as a heavy-duty wire frame and a premium black nickel hook, ensure reliable performance cast after cast. Whether fished around structure or over open water, the Lunker Lure Buzzbait's unique sound and vibration make it an effective choice for enticing bass to strike on the surface.

Sources: Amazon, Lunker Lure

Heddon Zara Spook: Topwater Classic

The Heddon Zara Spook, first introduced in 1939, is a classic topwater lure known for its "walk-the-dog" action that drives bass wild. This cigar-shaped plug, typically 4-1/2 inches long and weighing 3/4 oz, features a cupped lip that allows it to spit and splash water as it zigzags across the surface. The Zara Spook's unique design enables anglers to work it using short twitches of the rod tip, creating an erratic side-to-side action that mimics a wounded baitfish. Available in a wide range of colors, the red head pattern remains one of the most popular choices among bass anglers. The Zara Spook's effectiveness has made it a staple in tackle boxes for over 80 years, cementing its status as one of the greatest topwater lures of all time.

Sources: LureNet, Tackle Direct, Redbubble

Roboworm Straight Tail Dropshot

The Roboworm Straight Tail Worm has become a staple for finesse fishing, particularly for drop shot rigs. Available in 4.5", 6", and 7" sizes, these super soft plastic worms feature well-defined colors created using state-of-the-art robotic technology. Roboworm infuses the head of the worm with salt, which slowly leeches out during the cast and releases a burst of salt when a fish bites, causing them to hold on longer for solid hooksets. The 4.5" and 6" sizes are ideal for drop shotting and other finesse techniques, while the 7" worm excels for Texas rigs. Anglers praise the Straight Tail Worm's sensitive, alluring action and its effectiveness during warmer months when fishing pressure is high. With a wide range of colors to choose from, the Roboworm Straight Tail Worm is a must-have for any finesse bass angler's tackle box.

Sources: Amazon, Roboworm, Tackle Warehouse

Lunker City Slug-Go Jerkbait

The Lunker City Slug-Go, introduced in the 1980s, is credited with starting the soft stick bait revolution in bass fishing. This slender profile lure with its erratic darting action broke boundaries and exposed the effectiveness of imparting random movement into soft plastics. Originally developed as a bass lure, the Slug-Go is now used globally in both fresh and saltwater. It comes in 3", 4.5", 6", 9" and 12" sizes to cover a wide range of applications. The 6" and 9" models are the most popular for bass, while the 12" Slug-Go, weighing 3 oz, excels for targeting trophy fish. Rig it weightless with an offset worm hook or weighted on a jig head or weighted hook, depending on the situation. The Slug-Go's versatility and ability to draw reaction strikes have made it a favorite among anglers for decades.

Sources: Lunker City

Z-Man TRD Ned Rig

The Z-Man Finesse TRD (The Real Deal) is a 2.75 inch soft stickbait designed specifically for the increasingly popular Ned rig, a Midwest finesse fishing technique pioneered by Ned Kehde. Crafted with a floating ElaZtech material, the TRD exhibits a precise sink rate, lifelike action, and irresistible feel that result in longer holds and increased hook-up ratios. While originally conceived as a bass bait, the Finesse TRD has proven effective on a multitude of species worldwide due to its subtle profile and ElaZtech construction. Pair it with a Finesse ShroomZ jig head for the ultimate Ned rig setup that excels in even the toughest fishing conditions.

Sources: Discount Tackle, Z-Man Fishing

Z-Man ChatterBait Vibrating Jig

The Z-Man ChatterBait, a bladed swim jig, has revolutionized bass fishing since its introduction in 2006. Its patented design features a hexagonal-shaped blade that produces a unique vibration and flash, mimicking a fleeing baitfish. The ChatterBait's head design, paired with a strong Gamakatsu hook, allows it to come through cover with ease while providing excellent hook-up ratios. Available in various sizes from 3/8 oz to 1 oz and a wide array of colors, the ChatterBait can be fished in multiple scenarios, from open water to thick vegetation. The Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer, a collaboration with Japanese lure maker Evergreen International, is considered one of the most refined and successful versions, accounting for numerous tournament wins. While the ChatterBait's price point is higher than its competitors, anglers and professionals alike praise its durability and unparalleled fish-catching ability, solidifying its status as a must-have lure for any serious bass angler.

Final Thoughts on Bass Lures

The lures covered in this guide represent a diverse range of styles, techniques, and innovations that have proven effective for catching bass over the years. From topwater classics like the Heddon Zara Spook and Arbogast Hula Popper to versatile soft plastics such as the Yamamoto Senko and Zoom Brush Hog, these lures have earned their place in tackle boxes through their consistent performance and ability to adapt to various fishing situations. While some lures, like the Creme Wiggle Worm and Lunker Lure Buzzbait, have historical significance as pioneers in their respective categories, others, such as the Z-Man ChatterBait and Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, represent more recent advancements in lure design and materials that have quickly become staples for modern bass anglers.

Ultimately, the key to success lies not only in selecting the right lure but also in understanding how to effectively fish it based on factors like water conditions, seasonality, and bass behavior. By familiarizing themselves with the strengths and applications of each lure type, anglers can build a well-rounded arsenal that allows them to adapt and excel in any given situation on the water.

Sources: Henry Gilbey, Woods 'N Water News, Bass Resource