Best Bass Lures & Baits To Catch Hawgs in Every Season

6th Sense Curve Finesse Squarebill Crankbait

Why we chose it: This squarebill crankbait lure by 6th Sense is a staple for an angler’s tackle box! You’ll usually see this lure sink between 1-3 feet deep — making it the perfect option for fishing bass in the middle of shallower water columns.

The wide color selection makes it easy for you to fish in murky or clear water, too. Overall, this crankbait’s sharp hooks make it easy to attract bass paired with its delicate rattling.

How to Use This: For the best results, try a variety of retrieves to hone in on what the bass prefer. Mix up how fast you reel it in. Throw in some pauses.

Maybe even add some jerks and twitches! A good rule of thumb is the colder the water, the slower the retrieve.

Strike King KVD 200 Slash Bait

Why we chose it: Hard suspending jerkbait lures like this slash bait from Strike King and Kevin VanDam (KVD) are a favorite among bass fishers. This one is a unique classic that took almost two years to perfect.

In the water, its action lends anglers plenty of options from jerking side-to-side, rowdy wiggling, flashing, and darting. For bass fishing, this is the ideal lure to cause that ruckus in the water for consistent catches.

How to Use This: Unsurprisingly, you need to shuffle between repeated jerks and pauses when you use this lure. When the line is slack, quickly jerk it to pique that bass’ interest.

Next, simply stop moving it. Repeat this process erratically until you land a bite. Bass tend to strike when you pause the lure.

Strike King Bitsy Bug Mini Jig™

Why we chose it: This jig by Strike King packs so much in something so small! When your prize hawg is hiding in the weeds, throw this.

The weedguard fibers prevent your line and hook stuck in the weeds and amongst the rocks. The silicone skirt also attracts bass by producing lively action in a variety of colors.

How to Use This: The most popular way to retrieve a jig is to either bounce it along the bottom with quick jerks of the rod or to reel it in just above the grass on the bottom. These are especially handy in areas of thick vegetation and great for fishing structures like cypress trees and lily pads.

Bill Lewis Original Rat-L-Trap® 1/2 oz. Lipless Crankbait

Why we chose it: The Bill Lewis Original Rat-L-Trap® makes a good lure for beginners and experienced anglers alike. This particular compact lure comes in a plentiful selection of both vibrant and ordinary colors for both murky and clear water conditions.

Academy’s expert anglers love casting this lipless crankbait for bass since it has excellent diving depth capabilities and superior movement action. It performs well when other lures don’t — even in weeds!

How to Use This: Fish these the same way you would a crankbait. The standout (and only) difference with a lipless crankbait is that you can fish at several depths. Cast and let it fall as deep as you'd like before beginning your retrieve.

Strike King Rage Tail Rage Craw 4" Lures 7-Pack

Why we chose it: When you want to catch that prize largemouth bass, soft crawfish lures like the Rage Tail Craw from Strike King make it that much easier! Rage Tails have a huge following and come in a good variety of species types.

This craw lure goes the extra mile to ensure you hook that hawg with its coffee scent. The tail is designed to splash around and make noise to really capture a bass’ undivided attention.

How to Use This: These can be paired with a jig for larger presentations or rigged up like a Texas or Carolina style. Hop it across the bottom like a jig, swim it above the vegetation, or simply drag it slowly across the bottom to entice strikes.

SPRO Bronzeye 2-1/2" Topwater Frog Bait

Why we chose it: This topwater frog bait by SPRO Bronzeye can lure in bass hiding in the thickest mats, dwelling in the weeds, or on the move in open water. The profile of this soft frog lure is narrower than most others out there — allowing it to shine at the top of the water!

While you’d think that the silicone leg skirts mimic legs, SPRO’s design creates a massive amount of noise in the water. This lure has a durable Gamakatsu Superline EWG double hook to secure hook sets.

How to Use This: Just like a real frog, hop it across the top of the water quickly and pause frequently. Add some left and right movements when twitching your rod to give a more panicked presentation.

Zoom 4" Mini Lizards 15-Pack

Why we chose it: If you want a durable soft plastic lure that can take the toughest largemouth bass bite, these lizard lures by Zoom are a great option! Anglers can enjoy a variety of rigs in shallow, deep, weedy, or open water with this one.

This lure has the perfect balance of softness so its tail moves in an irresistible flowing motion and strength to endure multiple aggressive bass.

How to Use This: Much like the soft plastic craw lure, pair this with a jig for larger presentations or rigged up like a Texas or Carolina style.

Zoom U-Tail 6" Worm Baits 20-Pack

Why we chose it: The U-Tail worm lure by Zoom is beloved by many an angler. The U-shaped tail flaps around as it moves in the water to resemble the real thing.

Every tackle box should have these in them. They’re a tried and true classic bait that fishers can use from childhood onward. This specific worm bait is salt-impregnated, which helps it to sink faster!

How to Use This: Worms are some of the most versatile soft plastics in your arsenal. Rig it up Texas or Carolina Rig style to hop it or drag it across the bottom. You can also use a Wacky rig to shake it at a preferred depth.

BOOYAH Tandem Blade 3/8 oz Spinnerbait

Why we chose it: Out of all of them out there, the tandem blade spinnerbait by BOOYAH is a must-have for any serious bass angler! It survives the toughest, most aggressive bass bites.

The best part is that it’s also easy to fish and has an experience all its own with its fantastic action. While most spinnerbaits appear realistic in the water, this one is built with a 0.037-gauge frame — meaning anglers can have maximum vibration and long-lasting use.

How to Use This: Reel it in depending on the water temperature: slow if it's cold and fast if it's warm. Try fishing at multiple depths too — just under the surface, bump it off a structure, or slow roll it across the bottom.

Catch Co. Mike Bucca's 3-3/4 in Baby Bass Hard Swim Bait

Why we chose it: This swimbait was made especially for fishing in the south. This is the perfect representation — in terms of size, shape, action, and profile — of common baitfish like shad that those big hawgs love hunting.

This size specifically makes for a strong, versatile option no matter if you’re fishing in a pond or a big lake. For the fall, this lure particularly can bring in some good catches, since they’ll likely be looking for those smaller baitfish to feed on.

How to Use This: The right speed is key with this lure! Make sure you are reeling this in fast enough to give it a swimming action — but not too fast that you are dragging it across the water. Add some left and right jerks with your rod to add erratic movement.

River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90 3.5" Topwater Bait

Why we chose it: Though this Whooper Plopper topwater bait by River2Sea is revered by largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers, it was originally intended for musky but ultimately adapted for bass fishing.

Crawl it slowly or crank up your speed — either way, this lure can attract bass beautifully! The Whopper Plopper is specially engineered so that the tail makes a sound that makes the fish wild.

How to Use This: Reel this in at a moderate speed to cause the most commotion. Again, let the water temperature dictate your speed.