| Many fisherman choose their lures by trial and error. They keep
changing until they find one that catches bass. But choosing a lure is
not a random choice for expert bass fisherman. They select a lure only
after considering the following factors.
Depth. This is a prime concern in lure selection. For
example, bass in deep water will seldom chase a lure to retrieve just
under the surface. Try to estimate the most probably depth based on
the season, time of day, weather, water clarity and past experience on
the body of water. In water shallower than 10 feet, bass anglers use
surface lures, spinnerbaits, spinners, or shallow running crankbaits.
Lightly weighted plastic worms will also work. In deeper water, use
deep running or sinking crankbaits, jigging lures, heavily weighted
plastic worms or spinnerbaits helicoptered to bottom. Live bait can be
used in both shallow and deep water.
Cover. When fishing in thick weeds or brush, use a weedless
spoon, Texas rigged plastic worm, spinnerbait, brushgaurd jig, or any
lure with a device to prevent snagging. When fishing with live bait,
use a cone sinker and a weedless hook.
Activity Level. The activity level of bass determines the
size and action of the lure and the speed of the retrieve. Water
temperature affects bass activity more than any other factor. However,
weather conditions, especially cold fronts, can also play a role.
Bass in their optimum feeding range of 68 to 80 degrees are more
likely to strike a larger, faster moving lure or bait than bass in
warmer or colder water. An 8 inch plastic worm may be a good choice at
75 degrees, but a 4 inch worm would probably work better at 83
degrees. In 55 degree water, bass will respond better to a small lure
retrieved slowly. But lures like buzz baits would not work properly if
retrieved slowly.
Live baits work well in cold water because it can be crawled along
bottom or suspended from a bobber. Lures such as jigging spoons and
small jigs are also good coldwater choices. Constantly lifting and
dropping the lure through a tight school of bass will eventually pay
off with a strike.
Water Clarity and Light Levels. Bass fisherman have
different theories for selecting lure color. However, most agree that
water clarity affects their choice of colors.
Many anglers insist that light colored lures are better for fishing
in clear water. But that does not explain the success of black or
purple plastic worms in clear waters. Fluorescent lures in yellow,
chartreuse or orange seem to work best in murky water. Dark colors
usually out produce light colors on overcast days or at night.
When fishing at night or in a murky lake, use a noisy lure or bait.
Good choices include a popper or chugger, a spinnerbait with large
blades, a buzz bait with a blade that ticks the shaft, or a crankbait
with beads that rattle. Some anglers hook on a lively frog that will
kick across the surface.
Some beginners go to the opposite extreme. They catch a few fish on
a particular lure, then refuse to change. The lure may work well at
times but too often catches nothing.
Top bass fisherman contend that you cannot catch fish unless you
have confidence in your presentation, meaning your choice of lure and
how you retrieve it. When buying lures, select a few of each basic
type, then learn how and when to use them. Catching fish is the
quickest way to gain confidence in a lure.
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