Best Lures for Trophy Largemouth Bass

Ever wanted to know the best lures for Trophy Largemouth Bass? Catching trophy largemouth bass is a thrilling challenge that many anglers dream of. I’ve spent years chasing these monsters, and Bass Online has taught me that using the right lures can make all the difference. The best lures for trophy largemouth bass include jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits. These lures mimic the natural prey of big bass and can trigger aggressive strikes.

When I’m targeting big bass, I always have a few go-to lures in my tackle box. Jigs are great for fishing in heavy cover where big bass like to hide. I’ve had a lot of success with soft plastics too, especially when rigged Texas-style for weedless fishing. Crankbaits are another top choice, as they can cover a lot of water quickly and attract bass from a distance.

I’ve found that matching my lure choice to the conditions and time of year is key. In spring, I often use jigs to target bass in shallow waters. During summer, I switch to deep-diving crankbaits to reach bass in cooler, deeper areas. Fall is a great time for topwater lures as bass become more active in cooling waters.

Key Takeaways

• Jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits are top lures for trophy largemouth bass
• Match lure choice to seasonal patterns and fishing conditions
• Proper lure presentation and technique are crucial for success

Understanding Largemouth Bass Behaviour

Largemouth bass behaviour changes based on several factors. I’ll cover key patterns during spawning, how water affects them, and their feeding habits.

Spawning Season Patterns

Bass start spawning when water temps hit 60°F. Males make nests in shallow areas. Females lay eggs, then leave. Males guard the nests.

During this time, bass are very protective. They’ll attack anything that comes near their nests. This makes them easier to catch.

After spawning, bass move to deeper water. They rest and recover from the stress of spawning.

Impact of Water Conditions on Behaviour

Water temp is crucial for bass behaviour. In cold water, they’re sluggish and feed less. As it warms up, they become more active.

Clear water makes bass cautious. They often stay deeper or hide near cover. In murky water, they’re bolder and may feed more aggressively.

Wind and rain can push bass closer to shore. This is because these conditions often bring food to shallower areas.

Feeding Habits and Times of Day

Bass are most active at dawn and dusk. These are prime feeding times. They often move to shallow water during these periods.

In summer, bass may feed at night when it’s cooler. In winter, they’re more likely to feed during the warmest part of the day.

Bass are opportunistic eaters. They’ll eat anything from small fish to frogs and even birds. Their diet changes with the seasons and available prey.

I’ve found that understanding these patterns helps me catch more trophy bass. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time with the right lure.

Selecting the Right Lure

Picking the best lure for trophy largemouth bass takes some know-how. I’ll share my tips on choosing colours, sizes, and shapes that will attract big bass in different conditions.

The Role of Colour and Vibration

When I’m bass fishing, I pay close attention to lure colour and vibration. In clear water, I use natural colours like green pumpkin or watermelon to mimic baitfish. For murky water, I go with bright colours like chartreuse or white to help bass see the lure.

Vibration is key for attracting bass in low visibility. I love using chatterbaits or lipless crankbaits that put out a lot of vibration. These lures help bass zero in even when they can’t see well.

I also match my lure colour to the local baitfish. If shad are the main forage, I use silver or white lures. For bluegill-heavy lakes, I pick green or orange patterns.

Sizes and Shapes for Different Conditions

Lure size and shape can make or break your success. In cold water, I downsize to 3-4 inch soft plastics or small jigs. Bass are less active and prefer an easy meal.

For summer fishing, I go big with 6-10 inch worms or large swimbaits. Trophy bass are more aggressive and willing to chase larger prey.

In heavy cover, I use compact lures like jigs or texas-rigged worms. These slip through grass and branches without snagging.

For open water, I throw long, slender lures like flukes or jerkbaits. These mimic fleeing baitfish and trigger strikes from cruising bass.

Top Lures for Trophy Largemouth Bass

I’ve found some key lures that work great for catching big largemouth bass. These lures mimic natural prey and trigger strikes from trophy fish in different conditions.

Crankbaits for Depth and Action

Crankbaits are my go-to for covering water and finding active bass. I use deep-diving models to reach bass in 15-20 feet of water. Square-bill crankbaits excel in shallower areas with cover. I pick bright colours like chartreuse in murky water and more natural shad patterns in clear water.

For trophy bass, I upsize to 2.5-3 inch bodies. The large profile and wobbling action attract big fish looking for a meal. I vary my retrieve speed and add pauses to trigger strikes.

Utilizing Topwater Lures Effectively

Topwater lures create exciting visual strikes from big bass. I use them early morning and evening when bass feed near the surface. Poppers work well in calm water. I twitch them to create noisy splashes.

For windy days, I switch to walking baits like Zara Spooks. The side-to-side action imitates wounded baitfish. I also love buzzbaits for covering water fast and drawing aggressive strikes from trophy bass hiding in cover.

Versatility of Soft Plastics

Soft plastic lures are my most versatile option for trophy bass. I rig 10-inch worms Texas-style to punch through thick vegetation. For open water, I use large swimbaits that mimic shad or bluegill.

Creature baits like craws and lizards work great for pitching to cover. I often use them as trailer lures on jigs for a bigger profile. For finicky bass, I downsize to smaller finesse worms on a drop shot rig.

Best Practices for Lure Presentation

I’ve found that how you present your lure is just as important as which lure you choose. The right technique can make a big difference in attracting trophy largemouth bass.

Perfecting the Retrieve

I always vary my retrieve speeds to see what the bass respond to best. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works well. Other times, I’ll use a faster, erratic motion to trigger reaction strikes. With jerkbaits, I like to pause between jerks. This mimics an injured baitfish and can entice big bass to strike.

I’ve had success using a stop-and-go retrieve with crankbaits. I’ll reel quickly for a few turns, then pause briefly. This change in speed often gets bass to bite.

Mimicking Natural Prey Movement

I try to make my lures move like real prey fish. For soft plastics, I use a lift-and-drop motion. This imitates a baitfish feeding on the bottom.

With topwater lures, I’ll walk the dog or create a popping action. These mimic struggling prey on the surface.

I’ve found that letting a jig fall on a slack line can trigger strikes. The natural, fluttering descent looks just like a real creature to hungry bass.

When fishing weedlines, I bump my lure into cover then let it fall. This looks like a disoriented baitfish – an easy meal for a big bass.