The Top 5 Best Bass Lures of All Time

As a seasoned bass angler, I’ve spent years compiling an arsenal of lures that I believe are the best at their specific technique. From deep diving crankbaits to topwaters, I’ve covered everything you need to know to take your bass fishing to the next level.

• Soft-Plastic Senko: Yamamoto 5-inch Senko
• Crankbait: Strike King KVD Elite 1.5
• Jerkbait: Zoom Fluke
• Jig: Keitech Casting Jig
• Swimbait: Megabass 6-inch Magdraft Swimbaits

Best Crankbaits

Crankbaits are a staple in any bass angler’s arsenal. Each has a very specific diving depth associated with the bill or lack thereof. Rather than oversimplifying and picking one crankbait to rule them all, I’ve broken it down to four choices to consider depending on the depths you’re fishing in.

Best Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are a top choice among bass anglers. They offer a unique presentation that gives bass a reason to strike without hesitation. Whether you’re picking a hardbody jerkbait or a soft-plastic option, jerkbaits flat out catch fish.

• Hardbody Jerkbait: Megabass Ito Vision 110+1
• Soft-Plastic Jerkbait: Zoom Fluke

Best Chatterbait

The chatterbait is a relatively new but incredibly effective lure. It provides a thumping action that bass can’t resist. My go-to chatterbait is the Z-Man Evergreen Chatterbait Jack Hammer.

Best Spinnerbait

Spinnerbaits are a classic lure that still produces amazing results. They’re ideal for covering water and can be fished in a multitude of ways. My favorite spinnerbait is the War Eagle Nickel Spinnerbait Double Willow.

Best Jigs

Jigs are a versatile and effective way to catch bass. Whether you’re skipping, swimming, dragging, hopping, or punching a jig, there’s a jig for every situation. My go-to jigs are the football jig and the swim jig.

• Football Jig: Queen Tungsten Finesse Peanut Football Jig
• Swim Jig: Dirty Jigs Swim Jig

Best Swimbaits

Swimbait lures are designed to mimic baitfish and can be incredibly effective. They’re ideal for covering water and can be used in a variety of situations. My favorite swimbaits are the Megabass 6-inch Magdraft Swimbaits and the DRT Tiny Klash – Low Float.

Best Topwater Lures

Topwater lures are a thrill to use and can produce explosive bites. They’re ideal for open water schooling bass and can be used in a variety of situations. My favorite topwater lures are the Rebel Pop-R, SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Frog Jr. 60, River2Sea Whopper Plopper, Nichols Reflex Buzzbait, and Evergreen SB Topwater Plugs.

Best Soft-Plastic Baits

Soft-plastic baits are a great way to imitate baitfish and can be incredibly effective. My favorite soft-plastic baits are the Strike King Rage Tail Craw, Berkley Powerbait 7″ Power Worms, Zoom Lizard, Reaction Innovations Smallie Beaver 3.50, and Strike King Coffee Tube 3.5″ Pro-Model.

Honorable Mentions

The lures below deserve an honorable mention, because they’re all killers when used in the right conditions.

• Bait for Forward-Facing Sonar: Jackall Driftfry 4.0 + Dirty Jigs Tungsten HD Guppy Swimbait Head
• Blade Bait: SteelShad Blade Bait
• Spybait: Duo Realis Spinbait Spybait Series
• Alabama Rig: Shane’s Baits Mini Blades of Glory
• Spoon: Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon

I’ve spent years compiling an arsenal of lures that I believe are the best at their specific technique. Each lure has been tested in various situations and has proven itself to be effective.

As a seasoned bass angler, I’ve learned that selecting the right lure for the situation is key to catching more bass.

The Ultimate Bass Lure Arsenal

The best bass lures are those that are seasonally and situationally specific. This arsenal includes a variety of lures that cover everything from deep diving crankbaits to topwaters. It’s a collection of lures that I’ve compiled over the years and that I believe will help you catch more bass. This arsenal includes:

• Soft-Plastic Senko: Yamamoto 5-inch Senko
• Crankbait: Strike King KVD Elite 1.5
• Jerkbait: Zoom Fluke
• Jig: Keitech Casting Jig
• Swimbait: Megabass 6-inch Magdraft Swimbaits

Whether you’re a new or casual bass fisherman, or an experienced angler, this arsenal will help you beef up your bait box and increase your chances of catching more bass.