Best Bait For Bass

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Best bass lures

Topwater Family of Bass Lures Buying Guide

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Ever tried surface water fishing? You do not know what an experience you are missing. Topwater lures are real thrillers as they lie seemingly harmless but once they are attacked from underneath they give the excitement that every angler wants. You have a variety to choose from in terms of shapes, designs and other preferences that you want in your bass baits.

Topwater Baits

Topwater lures, or surface baits, are just what the names suggest, fishing lures that float on the surface of the water. Most topwaters have a cupped head or lips attached to make a splashing or popping sound when fished. The noises that are created attract fish from great distances.

Generally you cast topwater lures near cover. A common technique is to retrieve the lures in quick jerks with short pauses in between. You will get the most luck with topwaters in shallow water in the morning and evening.

Topwater Lures For Bass

Here are the rich varieties of topwater lures that you can choose for your bass fishing adventure:

  • Buzzbaits: they are close to spinnerbaits but these ones are for surface fishing. They are best in grass and submerging weeds. For the abundant catch use them at the middle of spring to mid-fall seasons when the water temperature is as high as 65 degrees.
  • Poppers: their popping and grudging sound is what draws bass to them. They should not be left to lie on the water for long since they lose their clarity. You have to regularly pop them in and out of the water in frequent successions.
  • Jerkbaits: their versatility in different fishing conditions has kept them a top priority among many bass fishermen. Jerkbaits will be at their top performance both in clear and dingy water.
  • Stickbaits: they are popularly referred to as “walking baits” since they do not have their own action. It will take the skills of a fisherman to make them perform manoeuvres to lure bass into biting them.

topwater lures for bass

Topwater Lures Reviews

Many bass tournaments have been won with topwater fishing lures in shallow water! In this entry we want to discuss a couple of the most popular surface baits that even the pros won’t leave behind.

Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug

The Fred Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug has been often called “most action-packed topwater lure available”. The Arbogast company produces some of the best baits available to professional and amateur anglers and the Jitterbug is no exception. The splash on the surface of the water created by the jointed tail will attract large fish from afar and not just bass either. Musky and pike have been caught on this lure just as often I’m sure.

Arbogast Jitterbug

Are you looking for a lure that is easy to fish with but still keeps a lot of top water action? The Arbogast Jitterbug is probably your answer. To be honest, there is really only one way I would recommend fishing this lure, and that’s to use it how it is designed. The small plate in the front was designed to cause the lure to shimmy back and forth by itself. Therefore, instead of having to use a slack retrieval method like walking the dog, you can just let the Jitterbug do a smaller side to side motion for you by a steady and medium speed retrieval.

Can The Arbogast Jitterbug Be Used For Night Fishing?

The noise on a Jitterbug is also very unique. Since you are doing a consistent retrieval and there is a consistent noise, many fishermen enjoy using this for any type of night bass fishing. What you will hear is a consistent popping noise that is produced by the way it disperses the water in front of the lure. It also has to do with the way the lures plate on the front slaps against the lure as it goes through the water which gives it another different type of noise which fish seem to be attracted to.

Does This Topwater Lure Come In Different Models?

There are actually three different models. Your first would be the standard Jitterbug which comes with a treble hook on the back and is the classic Jitterbug that many fishermen have been using for years. I think Arbogast got in on a good market when they produced the Weedless Jitterbug. Now, obviously, there is still some risk of getting the lure snagged, but the smaller hook protected by the body of the lure and with it being skirted it will significantly help reduce the amount of times you will be snagged on logs and other brush. The last option you have is the Jointed Jitterbug. This actually has a wagging tail to produce a bigger motion in the water than the classic Jitterbug.

Fred Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug Review

The special lip on the Jitterbug creates a tremendous splashing sound on the surface of the water that bass can hear from great distances. Add to that the action of the tail of the Jointed Jitterbug and start attracting even bigger gamefish looking for their next meal. It has been said that the Jointed Jitterbug is the “most action-packed topwater lure available”. I don’t know about that because there are plenty of action packed topwaters, but it has proven to be quite successful for pulling in some big bass and pike.

The treble hooks hanging from the lure are bright plated and the action from the jointed tail sends out some extra flash to the fish below. When fished slowly, the Jointed Jitterbug makes a sort of plop-plop sound. Reel it a bit faster and the plopping sound becomes a bit more frantic mimicking wounded prey having a heckuva struggle and needs to be put out of it’s misery.

Arbogast Topwater Jointed Jitterbug 2.0 Bass Fishing Lure

Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug 2.0 Bass Lure

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The Jitterbug, whether it be the straight bodied Jitterbug or the Jointed, offers awesome action when fished in the shallows at night. With the jointed tail, I tell you, the bass can’t resist the side to side action. My favorite time to fish this lure is in the warmer summer months during a full moon. The Jitterbug howls to these big predators and they can’t ignore. For even deadlier action try the Jitterbug Clicker.

One downfall that I’ve found with the Jointed variety of the Jitterbug is that the tiny screws come loose after catching several big fish, which in general doesn’t take too long with this lure. Just keep a tool handy and keep an eye on the screws and tighten it up when necessary. It’s worth the little bit of work and the extra attention, believe me.

I’ve pulled up everything from big bluegill, to 5,6,7 pound bass, to northerns and musky on this lure. I’m not kidding when I say the big fish will be tugging at this lure, so be sure to add some heavy abrasion resistant line to your spool, you don’t want them wrapping you around something that can cause your line to break.

Heddon Crazy Crawler

The Heddon Crazy Crawler is another oft-used lure by professional anglers. The Heddon name attached to the lure should tell you something right off the bat. Heddon is been around a long time and boasts some of the top used lures to date.

The Crazy Crawler is a great lure to use for even beginner topwater anglers. No special technique is required, it has crazy action without any extra effort on your part. You can just cast and retrieve. Try going slow and then speed up if you don’t see strikes. After the cast, wait until the rings are gone before retrieving. Upon landing is often when the strike will occur.

The Heddon Crazy Crawler has been around for years. Many people will remember fishing with them as a kid because they are so easy to fish with. Unlike plastic worms or other various types of lures, this is one of those that you simply cast and pull it in. However, many people still use other techniques for better results.

Heddon Crazy Crawler Topwater Bass Fishing Lure

Heddon Crazy Crawler Topwater Bass Fishing Lure

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While, in theory, you should be able to just reel it in, it is recommended to do a popping method with it. The advice from other regular users of the Heddon Crazy Crawler was to let it sit for a few seconds before reeling. The bass seem to bite it just as it stops or is sitting in the water after you pop it or reel it a couple of feet at a time.

This lure is good if you just have to find a way to it to pull those cold water bass to the surface. Not many lures will do that, but the Heddon Crazy Crawler is notorious for having a crazy action to it. Obviously, it gets its name from the crazy motion it has. Some people feel as though the motion itself does not resemble anything in particular, but for some reason the bass seem to like it.

You are not limited to just bass with this lure. Almost anything that will actively hit topwater lures will find this lure appealing. It is relatively small so you can expect to catch crappie and large perch with it as well. Many fisherman claim that they have had a lot of luck catching pike with this lure too. Although some people get a chuckle when seeing someone tie this lure on, they will not be laughing long when you start pulling in the lunkers! They’ll be asking where they can score the Heddon Crazy Crawler!

Heddon Zara Spook

The Heddon Zara Spook produces a side-to-side action that bass and pike can’t resist. It can be used even when the water is a bit choppy or if there is rain disturbing the surface of the water, because of the great action created.

For even more action to attract the big game fish, anglers often look to the “wounded” variety of the Zara Spook. The Wounded Zara Spook comes equipped with propellers on the front and back ends creating a ruckus on the surface of the water. It mimics prey that has been injured, and in the wild predators sniff out the weak and attack with a vengeance.

The Heddon Zara Spook produces a side-to-side action that bass and pike can’t resist. It can be used even when the water is a bit choppy or if there is rain disturbing the surface of the water, because of the great action created.

For even more action to attract the big game fish, anglers often look to the “wounded” variety of the Zara Spook. The Wounded Zara Spook comes equipped with propellers on the front and back ends creating a ruckus on the surface of the water. It mimics prey that has been injured, and in the wild predators sniff out the weak and attack with a vengeance.

Heddon Zara Spook Bass Topwater Fishing Lure

Heddon Zara Spook Legendary Walk-The-Dog Lure

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The Heddon Zara Spook is designed for topwater and primarily used for bass and pike fishing. The lure is probably best fished with a slack retrieval known as “walking the dog”. A Heddon Zara Spook when popped across the water will have a side to side action. This is a great action if you are in rainy weather where you need a lot of action on the top of the water. It has a very hard knock noise as well. The fish will often bite when the Zara Spook stops momentarily in the slack retrieval process.

One of the greatest things about this lure is that it comes in a huge variety of colors. You will be able to find almost any type of paint you are looking for. They have things that mimic frogs to shad to minnows and basically everything in between.

Night fishing is also a different game for most people. If this is something you will be trying in the near future, many fishermen swear by the performance of a black Heddon Zara Spook. As well, you should not feel that you will be limited to just bass and pike, this lure is also known to attract musky, crappie, and other small fish.

If you are looking for something that has a little bit more of a splash to it, then the Wounded Zara Spook might be something you are looking for. Essentially, the Wounded Zara Spook acts much like the normal Zara Spook, but the difference being that the Wounded has two spinning blades on it. One on the front, and one in the back which seems to make more of a splash than the original. Still, it is used to catch the same type of fish, but may perform slightly better in rainy weather where you need your lure to stand out from the rain hitting against the water.

Heddon Torpedo Lures

Are you one of those fisherman who get extremely bored with the lure fishing? The Heddon Torpedo might be a solution for you. The lure is actually very versatile in the way you can fish with it. It works well whether you want to do a steady retrieval or anything that is sporadic. Many people will try different methods with the lure to hopefully figure out what the fish are biting on that specific day. Once you figure out what works for you, I do not think you will be disappointed.

This top water lure is designed to make a unique sound and motion on the top of the water. It has a small propeller-like action on the back. As you retrieve the lure in after a cast, it will make a tremendous wake and splashing disturbance which the fish seem to love. It probably mimics a scared or wounded shad the most but does come in various colors and paint that might be said to mimic other things such as sunfish or minnows.

Heddon Torpedo Topwater Bass Fishing Lure

Heddon Torpedo Fishing Lure

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One of the better things about the Torpedo’s is that they come in several different sizes. You can find Teeny Torpedo’s, Tiny Torpedo’s, Baby Torpedo’s, or even Magnum Torpedo’s at most sporting goods stores that sell bass lures. Obviously, the smallest torpedo is likely to catch smaller fish such as sunfish or crappie, but is still capable of catching something much larger. However, if you are only interested in the bigger bass, I would recommend one of the larger versions. The bigger the torpedo is, the larger the water disturbance it makes. The large noise and lure seems to draw in the bigger fish.

Heddon Lucky 13

The Heddon Lucky 13 has been around longer than I have been alive. Still, many fisherman will have this in their tackle boxes for any day of bass fishing where they may need a top water lure. The typical retrieval process is a popping retrieval. The front of the lure with its indented nose will cause the Lucky 13 lure to dive down into the water and cause water to splash up in front.

The Lucky 13 is a good lure for water that is less than about six feet deep. Its top water action will keep you out of the logs, but may allow your bait to be taken underwater since it does have a diving action to it. You can have it dive behind logs, then wait a few seconds allowing it to return the surface. Even though it has two treble hooks, it is still great at avoiding snags in areas with a lot of logs or stumps above and below the water.

Heddon Lucky 13 Topwater Bass Fishing Lure

Heddon Lucky 13 Lure

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You are not limited to one type of retrieval with this lure. If you feel that the diving method is not working, you can keep this lure on the top of the water by lifting your rod a bit. This may allow you to have the lure dart back and forth, also known as walking the dog, or pop across the top of the water.

The Heddon Lucky 13 comes in two sizes. There is the standard Lucky 13 which is a 3 ¾” long sleek lure and weighing in at 5/8 ounces. Then you have a Baby Lucky 13. The Baby Lucky 13 offers a few more colors, is 2 5/8” long, and weighs 3/8 ounce. The lure in both sizes has a very bulky appearance which will allow it to disperse a lot of water and make a huge splash at both sizes. The Lucky 13 (regardless of size) seems to be one of the more popular plugging lures on the market today.

Where To Use Topwater Lures

Different bass bait will be used in varying conditions. The same goes for topwater lures for bass. These are the best places to use these kinds of baits:

  • Calm water: a popper’s noise will stir bass to move towards still water at the top. They are not particularly noisy but they are effective in luring bass to clear top water.
  • Warmer conditions: in warm water, bass tend to cling to the surface. This is the time to use floating baits and you will have countless bites.
  • Schooling bass: bass are social fish and will tend to flock together especially near water surface. Topwater lures are the best pick to incite the school to attack. They cover a large area and you do not have to worry about the bait staying in one position for long.

What are the general ways to fish topwater fishing lures?

Well that really depends on the bait. There are some topwater lures that needs to be fished fast. I’m thinking of lures that will sink if you don’t reel them in quickly. A good example of this would be a buzzbait. A buzzbait is kind of like a spinnerbait that is designed to stay on the surface. Blades twirl in a circle and cause a ruckus on the surface designed to get the fishes attention. But generally, the lures that I have had the most luck fishing on the surface are slow movers. Often a good rule of thumb is to cast the lure to a likely spot and let it sit there until the ripples dissipate. This can be hard to do, but often pays off in spades. As soon as it hits the water, trust me the fish will notice. If you move it right away the fish may be spooked. By leaving it sit they get a chance to come up close and check it out. Often from here it is best to just twitch the lure with your rod tip and move it a few inches at a time in a haphazard fashion. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when the fish wants it to really be moving, but it seems more likely they want a sporadic retrieve. Twitch then wait. Rinse repeat. Another option is to “walk the dog” as they say, and basically twitch the rod back and forth. The intent is to get the lure to “walk” back to the boat atop the water. This can be very effective in the right conditions.

Topwater Lures For Bass – Quick Tips On How To Use Them

There is no formula to becoming a good angler but learning a few bait tricks makes a lot of difference. With topwater lures, these tips will bring the best even for a first time fisherman;

  • Quieter baits are the best in clear water. It is easier to disguise the lure and attract quick bass bites.
  • No-action lures like the Stickbaits are the best for surface fishing. They can lie in one place for long and attract frequent attacks.
  • It is advisable to have follow-up baits once you miss an attack. Bass never run away from potential food.

The difference between a successful angler and one who struggles to catch one fish is how best they choose their best baits for bass. Know when to use the top water lures and you will always love your experience every time you go fishing.

Get to know jerkbaits for bass

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Jerkbaits

For any professional angler who wants a fuller basket at the end of the day, jerkbaits will be his closest tools. They are one of the most preferred artificial bass fishing lure and having it by your side may be a reason to bring home good loot all the year round. But as you know, having the best bait for bass is not an assurance to plenty of fish, you have to know how to use it at the appropriate conditions. Jerkbait, just like all the bass baits has a way with the water and this knowledge marks a difference between a successful angler and a failed one.

rapala jerkbait

Jerkbait Basics

Any bass fishing lure will not be effective unless you know how to put it into the best use. You have to get all the basics for your bait and your experience will be a tale of plenty and happiness. So, what should know about these exceptional bass baits?

  • These baits are built to be struck from below. That is the reason they do not have a hook on the lure. They are the horizontal kind and you should be aware of the depth you want them to go. It is therefore the best bait for shallow conditions but that does not mean it cannot be designed for deep water adventures.
  • The Jerkbait design is one of a reaction lure. They trigger bass to their trap and then react. The action jerk is the one that stirs the water thus attracting fish from the long range.
  • Adding rattles and bright colors will make your bait more effective. It will be able to cause ripple in the water and the bright color will make it visible from a far.

Popular Types Of Jerkbaits

  • Rod vs reel baits: there is always a hot debate on whether best bait for bass should be on spinning gear or a caster of baits. The answer to this debate will vary from one angler to another. However, the better of the two is the caster baits. These kinds cover a larger ground and you do not have to keep changing your hand as it is with the reeling type.
  • Soft vs hard baits: you have either the choice of a hard or soft Jerkbait. It depends on where you are going to fish before you make your final choice. The better part is that each of the 2 types is versatile and you can use it both in deep and shallow water.
  • Diving rouges: if you are planning on a deeper jerking then this is the best bass fishing bait to bring you a fortune. It sinks and floats easily depending on how you float it.

There is no better way to go for bass fishing than with bait that promise a plentiful day. The jerkbaits have been used for ages and their modern modifications make them a better choice whether you are fishing for sport or making a livelihood from it. Choose your bait today and see how your fishing expeditions will change for the best. Have a bountiful day!


Crankbaits for bass

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Those who fish for spot know the versatility of crankbaits and that is why they never miss it by their sides. It is the kind of a companion you would want for your bass fishing expedition. Here is all that you would want to know about this must-have bass bait.

crankbaits for bass

Types Of Crankbaits For Bass

Experienced anglers know what a weapon crankbaits for bass is and how to choose the best type for their needs. As much as there are different types to make your pick from, the working principle is always the same. Here are some kinds that you should have in your boat as you go out for fishing,

  • Hand-curved baits: computer technology has replaced the conventional baits but not to its entirety. Hand-curved baits are still popular and effective among a considerable share of fishermen. To make them more effective, the baits are designed with computerized equipment.
  • Clun-square bill crankbait: these are made from hard plastic and their buoyancy is something you will like. It is a perfect bass lure that will be an assurance to a bountiful bucket of fish.
  • Square bill crankbaits: this is shallow-based bass bait and will make a lethal kill as long as you know where and when to place it.

Advantages Of Crankbaits Over The Other Baits

These bass baits have not earned a favorite spot among professional competing fishermen for the mere sake of it. They come with advantages over the other kinds;

  • They cover a vast quantity of water for deep divers. For 10-20 feet, this is the best bass lure you should take down with you.
  • Their protruding ‘lips’ feature makes them sink beneath the surface when you try to retrieve them. This is an effective trick for the fish.
  • They have built-in action for easy cranking

How To Use Crankbaits For Bass

If you hear someone complaining of how they never get a single bass with their crankbaits then you should understand that they do not know how to use it. Do not fall into this group as you can get the best experience and massive fish loot with this bass bait. These tips will be of much help once you are out there fishing;

  • The sharpness of your bait is of essence. Many anglers will have their baits sharp at all times. It is a guarantee of hitting your target without any miss.
  • Erratic retrieve is the best. You just have to let the bait for bass run to the right and move your line to the left and vice versa.
  • The depth of your bait is far more important than color. There are those who will never be bothered with how low or shallow their bass bait should run. You need to master the precise depth of your bait since this is a determinant to how successful your day on the water will be.
  • You will need larger baits on the onset of the spring season. You can make it smaller as the season wears on.
  • Crankbaits are more effective in drop offs with varying length of ledge, muddy water and around stumps and rocks.

As long as you are using the best bass lures, your promise for a full bucket is assured. You need to become better with your crankbaits and all the bass will be at your mercy.

Swimbaits for bass

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If you have been stuck with other bass fishing lures, it is time you try the swimbaits and they may become you favorite. They are easy to use, suitable for many conditions and will give you a big catch.

swimbaits

Swimbaits – When And Where To Use

The versatility of these bass baits makes them suitable in a myriad of conditions. You can use them in dirty and dingy water as well as in clear water. The only place you will face some limitations is in muddy situations but it is not anything you need to be worried about. You can also use it for shallow fishing and go as deep as 50 feet. In a nutshell, you have your fishing needs covered in this one of the best bass fishing baits. On the temperature of fishing grounds, these bass lures will be excellent in cold water but not as good as in warm water. There is never a bad time or place to use the swimbait and your catch will always be a generous one.

How To Use Swimbaits For Bass

There is no way you will be taught how to be a better angler but a few tips on how to use your swimbaits will go a long way to sharpen your skills. Here are a few tips that will give you an edge every other time you go out fishing;

  • The weight of your bass lures should be matched to the fishing conditions. For instance, if you want to get to the shallow fish then your bait has to sink slowly and you will need lighter baits. For the deeper fish you will need your bait to sink faster and thus your lure should be heavier.
  • If you want your catch to increase, you should cast your baits on windy and partly cloudy days. The fish can never locate you and the cloudy weather will hide the silhouette of your baits.
  • If you are going for the bigger bass then your bait has to match that size. An 8 feet swimbait length with a strong reel should be adequate to trap any size of a bass.

2 Major Types Of Swimbaits

There are generally 2 types of swimbaits. You can choose any of them depending on your fishing conditions. They work in the same way but there is a slight variance that makes a difference;

  • Soft swimbaits: they are supposed to be dropped slowly into the water and the same care should be taken as you reel them back to the boat. They do not have snagging hooks as it is with the hard types and they are cast near your location. They come in different sizes and it depends on the size of fish you want. Anyway, the size is not of much concern so you can ignore it.
  • Hard swimbaits: they are made in segments as many as 6. They come in different buoyancies which can be machine-created or handcrafted. They are cast far away from you and their drop and retrieve speed is faster than the soft kinds.

Chatterbait

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Chatterbait For Bass Fishing

The Chatterbait is undoubtedly among the most effective and unique fish catching lures that have been introduced to the market in recent times. It is essentially a bladed jig. The blade is the secret to the effectiveness of the Chatterbait. It is mostly used to cast out and then reel in, this is why it is referred to as the constant retrieve bass lures. It usually delivers in most occasions because of its versatility in fishing applications. An individual can fish it like a spinnerbait, a jig or even a lipless rattle crank bait. On retrieve, the blade is known to give off a clicking sound as well as exemplary vibration. The clicking sound and good vibration happen to be the most essential ingredients for fishing in dirty muddy water.

z man chaterbait

Chatterbait Secrets

The following are some of the secrets of fishing bass with the ideal bass baits i.e. Chatterbait:

Trailers – The ideal trailers to use are Gene Larew Biffle Bug, Gene Larew 4in Salt Craw and Gene Larew Sweet Swimmer. They can be attached to the hook using the gel version of Super Glue. Swimbait trailers are good to use with chatterbaits. Trailers improve the profile of chatterbaits and positively affect their performance. They also contribute to the vibration. Lastly, they contribute to the weight of the rig in cases where casting is a challenge.

Sizes and colors – The Green Pumpkin Chatterbait with a black blade in a 3/8 ounce is arguably the most popular and effective for that matter. The 1/4 ounce is ideal for shallow water while the 1/2 ounce for deep water.

Weather – It is advisable to go slower on the retrieve in colder weather as the fish are less active.

Fishing – On locating a strike zone, the bass lures should be retrieved as parallel to the shore as possible. Time at the strike/target zone should be maximized.

How To Use Chatterbait For Bass Fishing

The Chatterbait can be used for bass fishing in several ways. The following are some of the ways that an individual can explore the bass baits called Chatterbait with regard to bass fishing:

Chatterbait As Jig

When the Chatterbait is being used as a jig, the weight size should be given due consideration. The most effective sizes range between 3/8 oz and 5/8 oz. The color choice should lean towards darker colors such as green pumpkin, pumpkin, black/blue or brown/orange. These are the darker colors that are considered to be quite effective. The retrieve utilized should closely resemble the retrieve of a jig that is used normally. The weed guard model is ideal for heavy cover but the standard swim jig can successfully substitute it.

Chatterbait As Spinnerbait

The Chatterbait can also be worked as a spinnerbait. It can be slow rolled and retrieved at a constant medium retrieve or an individual can burn it by using a fast retrieve. The major advantage of the Chatterbait is that one does not have to be exemplary in using it so as to catch fish. A majority of fishermen utilize a standard cast and retrieve and manage to achieve excellent results.

Chatterbait As Swim Jig

The Chatterbait can also be worked as a swim jig. However, it should not be confused with other swim jigs as its blade is directly attached to the eye of the hook. The blade is designed in such a way that it wobbles to and fro while striking the head of the Chatterbait. This creates 2 things that attract fish, the clattering sound and the erratic wobbling action. The close the head and the bass baits are, the more enhanced the action will be.

Retrieving A Chatterbait

Everything depends on the retrieve. The Chatterbait’s blade to head design will cause it to come straight back in and erratically veer off course when retrieved. The instant darting action is a good strike getter. An ideal tip on retrieving a Chatterbait is every four or five turns of the reel handle interrupt the speed by which the retrieve is being done by quickly speeding up. This is what will result in the swim jig darting either right or left to produce a more erratic action.

Final Thoughts

The above insightful information vividly explains why bass lures called chatterbaits are often used for purposes of freshwater bass fishing and how to maximize on catches when utilizing the popular bass fishing lure. Their main strength lies in the variety of ways by which they can be retrieved and it goes without saying that versatility is the only thing in fishing.


Carolina rig

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THE CAROLINA RIG – BASS FISHING

Carolina rigging has become a well-respected method for catching large numbers of fish. A good Carolina rig can not only place well in a fishing event but can also make the difference of a win. The Carolina rig originated in South Carolina a few decades ago. It didn’t become popular until a man named, Jim Nolan used it to win a Bass Master’s tournament in 1991. Most of his record-breaking catch of 86 pounds and 6 ounces was caught using the Carolina rig. For his bait, he used a plastic lizard. One thing that is critical to remember when using the Carolina rig always uses a bait that floats.

The simplest Carolina Rig is a line with a weight and a bead attached to a barrel swivel than a leader and a hook. Now the fun part is that you can dress it up as much or as little as you like.
You should be using the rod in a dragging motion from side to side to move your bait. If you get a strike halfway through your drag, then return to where you started at the same time keeping the line tight and set the hook.

You will need a half ounce bullet sinker are heavier with a barrel swivel. Some people use a glass bead to protect the knot and swivel. You will need a wide band, locking style hook. The bigger your bait, the bigger your hook will need to be. You will slide your sinker onto the end of your line, and then your glass bead, and then tie on your barrel swivel. At the end of your swivel, tie a three-foot leader. And at the end of your leader tie your hook and apply your bait.

This technique is often referred to as dragging. This explains it well, once you cast, wait till your sinker hits bottom and retrieve your bait with slow drags. Sometimes, just setting your pole down, not even dragging your bait can provoke a strike. For bass, use a plastic lizard or a plastic worm. However, this technique can be used for trout, walleye, or even panfish.

When fishing the Carolina Rig for bass, don’t throw it in heavy, dense weed beds. It works better in sparse weed beds or just outside of heavy weed beds. You can also use it to fish the base of structures. This technique is designed to catch fish that are feeding on the bottom.

This technique is simple and very effective. It’s not hard to master, and it will put fish in the boat in a hurry. When fish are feeding on the bottom, it puts your bait right in the strike zone and keeps it there. The hardest part is learning how to tie the rig. You will also need a bigger hook set because of the way it’s rigged. A long fishing rod works great for the Carolina rig. You will have a hard time setting the hook with the short flipping stick.

 

Carolina rig

The Carolina rig excels in current and sparse cover. When it comes to catfishing, the Carolina rig is perfect for suspended presentations. When you want to decide how much distance you want your hook to be of your weight, focus on two things. How thick is the cover and how fast is the current?

If the cover is really thick, you run the risk of your live bait swimming into the cover and getting tangled. If you get a big catfish to bite like this, you will struggle to pull him out of there. A short leader line will reduce the chances of this happen and will give you more control over the location of your bait.

The current will affect how well a catfish can grab the bait. In current, a carolina rig will have the bait swaying wildly in the water. A 2 foot leader will sway more wildly than a 6 inch leader. In heavy current a catfish will have trouble trying to catch that bait on longer leaders. To reduce this problem, we will down size the leader.

When you have super heavy cover or a strong current, a leader of 6 inches is your best option. When you have sparse and medium current, use 1 foot to 1 and a half feet. And for little to no current or cover, you may use a long 2-3 foot leader.

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Best rubber worms for bass fishing

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What You Should Know When Choosing Fishing Worms For Bass

Have you ever wondered why each tackle shop has a massive stock for rubber fishing worms? The answer is simple; they are the best bass fishing lures. They are actually more efficient than live baits! But that is not all that makes them best bait for bass. They are the least expensive of the baiting types you will get in the markets. Besides, worm baits are also suitable for both shallow and deep fishing.

But just knowing the right kind of bait will not bring you fishing success. You need to learn a few things on how to make your bait choices. It is important that you know what you should look for in your worm baits. Not every water or conditions will be successful with the same kind of worm bait, so you have to know the considerations in your choices.

rubber worms

Considerations When Choosing Rubber Worm Baits

It is true that rubber worms are the best bass fishing lures but you will not just go for any plastic worm. You have to consider the water and other conditions on your fishing grounds. Here are 4 factors that determine what kind of a plastic worm you will have as your bass bait;

Plastic Worm Weight

The weight of your bait will make it sink faster or slow it down. The rule of the thump is that baits that sink faster are better disguise and bass will fall for the trick. Add more weight to your bait and yours will always be a full bucket of fish.

Fishing Worm Color

The color of the worms you are using will depend on the water you are planning to venture into and that is why it is popularly said “match the hatch”. For stained or dark water, you will need baits in lighter colors. They will be easy to spot and that is an attribute for the best bait for bass. On the other hand, in clear water you will need a dark hue for the bait. Natural colors are the best for these situations.

Tailed or not tailed

You should be aware of where you are going fishing before you pick your worm baits. The water and surrounding conditions may necessitate that you make a choice between tailed or non-tailed worm baits. In clear conditions you will not need the worms with tails; they will be too obvious to dupe the fish. You will need tailed worms for dark, stained and warm water.

Size of the worm bait

Sometimes size is not a prerequisite to your bass fishing. But that does not mean under varying conditions you shouldn’t be worried on the sizes of your baits. For stained water you will need bigger baits to make them more visible. In clear conditions the smaller sizes are better since they can easily pass as real worms.

If you were wondering why every successful bass angler uses the plastic worm baits, now you have an answer. It is time to make the change and bring more from your fishing expeditions. There is no better secret than having the best bait for bass and now you have that knowledge.

The A-Z about Jigs Bass fishing baits

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It is beyond me to tell you how to become a better angler but the only thing would be to tell you the best bass lure to have and the rest is upon you. It is important as beginner that you know how to hit out the water and come back with a bucket full of bass. Ever gone for Jigs fishing? Well, this is simply using jigs bass baits. There is a tale that jigs are the long-time used bass baits and if you try them you may come to understand such an argument.

jigs

Why Are Jigs Considered Among The Best Bass Baits?

Fishermen like adventuring into new waters and it would also be in their nature to try new kinds of baits. The jigs have been long used by anglers and their returns have never disappointed. One would ask why that is so;

  • They are good for the big game: there is a popular saying that if you want a bigger bass then you just jig it. There is a lot of truth in this since jig lures are some of the best for big fish.
  • A rich variety: fishing grounds and conditions change with time. You need an adaptable bass lure to keep pace with the variance. A jig would be the best bet on this one.
  • Ease of use: you do not need an expert to show you how to use a jig. It is easy and you will be the best angler you ever wanted to be in a short while.

Basics To Using Jigs Bass Baits

The first thing you should know about this versatile bass bait is that it is the dropping kind. It is thus suitable for both deep and shallow fishing. It can trap a bass as it goes down or get it once it settles at the bottom. The best depth is between 0-6 feet since this is where you will get most of the bass. But do not be worried that you have not jigged something on your way; you can still have your fortune at the bottom. For shallow fishing, you cast the bait close to you while the deeper fishing will require you to cast it far away from you so as not to give away your position. Another important thing is to know how it feels when your jig is dropped, when it hits the bottom or when it is lifting from the bottom. These are skills that you will learn on the job.

Different Types of Jigs

As said earlier, the jigs come in a rich variety and you will be spoiled for choice. But here is the top 3 types that should be in your bass fishing accessories;

  • Swimming jigs: these are designed to a swimming like figure and bass will be tempted to attack. They look like a small aquatic organism escaping danger and that is what dupes the fish.’
  • Football jigging: they have a football-like knot at their end. They are the best bass bait for the deep water.
  • Arkey power jigs: they are made in the shape of a T-spinnerbait. They are light and thus suitable for shallow conditions.