What Do Bass Bite On? 7 Lures To Catch Bass In Any Season

Have you ever wondered what bass like to bite on? I sure have! That’s why I put together a list of 7 of the most irresistible lures for bass.

These lures have consistently caught bass for me, and to be extra sure, I spent a total of 4 hours double-checking each one of them.

Bass can be choosy with their prey, but having these 7 lures will ensure you’re ready for any fishing situation:

Jig

A jig is a lure with a lead sinker attached to it. It’s not just a regular lure; it’s a setup. Any lure that has a sinker attached is considered a jig.

The jig is considered the best setup because it is versatile and effective in all seasons, weather conditions, and types of water. Whether you pull it, drag it, or let it sit, the jig performs exceptionally well. This makes the jig magical, and it’s suitable for catching all species of bass.

Crankbait

Moving on, a crankbait is a type of lure made from hard plastic or wood. There are two main types: lipless crankbaits and billed/lipped crankbaits. The billed crankbait, as shown in the picture above, has a long, translucent beak, while the lipless crankbait lacks this feature.

When in the water, the crankbait wiggles and wobbles, mimicking the movement of baitfish and making it an enticing target for unsuspecting bass. This lifelike action makes it one of the best lures for bass fishing.

Crankbaits are effective throughout spring, summer, and autumn. However, during winter, when bass tend to stay closer to the water’s surface for warmth, opt for crankbaits with slimmer profiles that will remain in shallow waters. In contrast, during the summer months, use crankbaits with rounder profiles, as bass tend to swim deeper to escape the heat. Crankbaits are particularly successful for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Another useful application of the crankbait is to swiftly explore unfamiliar waters and locate the areas with the most bass. Its versatility and realistic swimming action make it a go-to lure for bass fishing enthusiasts.

Finesse Worm

A finesse worm is a lure designed to imitate both baitfish and long worms. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to look like an easy meal for bass, enticing them to take a bite.

The finesse worm works effectively in all seasons but shines particularly during winter when fish become more selective about their prey due to the cold making them less active. During this time, finesse worms are highly successful since they appear vulnerable and easy to catch, especially for largemouth bass.

Please note that I have not included a picture of the finesse worm to avoid any potential discomfort. If you’re interested, you can easily find images of it by searching for “finesse worm” on Google.

Jerkbait

A jerkbait is a long lure designed to resemble an injured baitfish, making it appear like an easy meal for bass. Like the finesse worm, the jerkbait’s ability to imitate struggling fish makes it a preferred choice for selective bass.

Furthermore, jerkbaits can also mimic minnows, which are a regular part of a bass’s diet. Their irresistible nature makes them effective throughout the year, as bass find them tempting to bite. Just like the finesse worm, jerkbaits are particularly effective during winter when bass are more cautious and deeper underwater. Jerkbaits excel at enticing weary bass and encouraging them to strike.

One key distinction is that jerkbaits are not only effective for catching largemouth bass but also work well for smallmouth bass. Their versatility and lifelike action make them a valuable addition to any angler’s fishing arsenal.

Spinnerbait

A spinnerbait is a lure designed with a shape that induces spinning and vibrating movements, hence the name “spinner” bait. The metal blades attached to the lure create flashes and strong vibrations. These vibrations are keenly detected by bass through their lateral line organ, which grabs their attention.

Spinnerbaits are most effective when used during summer, spring, or autumn. They prove especially advantageous for fishing in muddy or murky waters during summer when other lures may be harder for bass to spot. The flashing and vibrating action of the spinnerbait ensures that bass won’t miss the lure (unless they happen to be blind, poor things).

Spinnerbaits excel at attracting aggressive bass, particularly white bass. Their unique design and action make them a valuable tool for luring and catching bass, especially in the specified seasons and water conditions.

Lipless Crankbait

As mentioned earlier, a lipless crankbait is a type of crankbait without the translucent lip.

Although I’ve already discussed crankbaits, the lipless crankbait deserves special attention.

Lipless crankbaits are specifically designed to imitate fleeing baitfish, making them highly appealing to actively feeding bass.

The lipless crankbait is most effective during winter or spring and can be used at various depths and speeds. It works exceptionally well for catching smallmouth bass.

Swimbait

As the name suggests, a swimbait is a lure crafted to not only resemble baitfish but also swim like them.

Swimbaits are designed with special colors and a seamed break in the center, along with a paddle tail, which mimics the swimming motion of real fish. Their lifelike appearance and realistic swimming action make it challenging to distinguish a swimbait from an actual fish. This characteristic makes swimbaits incredibly attractive to bass, especially larger ones.

Swimbaits are particularly effective for catching largemouth and big bass during the spring season. Their realism and enticing swimming action make them a top choice for anglers looking to target bigger bass.

Deciding Which Bait To Use

Armed with these 7 baits, you are now fully equipped to catch bass whenever you please.

If you’re in a hurry or unsure about which lure to use, here’s a quick summary:

• Winter: Finesse worm or jerkbait
• Spring: Lipless crankbait or swimbait
• Summer: Spinnerbait
• Autumn: Crankbait
• All seasons, all depths, all waters: Jig

Additionally, keep in mind that bass prefer to target wounded prey. So, even if you come across a lure not listed here, it can still be effective if it imitates injured prey. Just ensure it resembles wounded prey, and it will likely work for bass.

Before you go and get your lures, consider checking out our top 10 tips for catching bass for further insights and fishing success. Happy fishing!