Bass Fishing with Baitcasting Reels: Types, Techniques and Reel Features

There are two types of rods and reels used to cast lures and jigs. These are spinning and casting setups. Spinning reels cast the furthest and are the most common among novice anglers. However, accuracy and control can be greatly improved with a casting setup which is also called a baitcasting rod or baitcaster. These are very popular with bass fishermen that like to jig and have control of the lure as it enters the water.

When you compare the two types of poles with their respective reels, it might be obvious as to why this is. A baitcaster reel and rod are positioned opposite that of a spinning rig. On a baitcasting setup the reel and line guides both face skyward, while the spinning reel and guides both run along the bottom, underneath the pole. The baitcaster expels the fishing line by spinning the spool, while the spinning reel spool does not add much resistance as the line un-coils. The spinning method works very well for small, lightweight lures and bait. A baitcaster delivery allows for heavier tackle, which is nice for fishing larger species, in heavier cover, and deeper water.

The top-sitting guides on casting rods are also much smaller in diameter than spinning rods. There is a lot less bouncing around of the line as it flies through a casting rod’s guides, and their small diameter is more efficient at putting your lure more precisely where you aimed at.

The construction of rod blanks for casting rods can be a little different than those of spinning rods, as well. Typically, they start off longer in length, as is probably expected, but they tend to start off in higher modulus and tensile strengths, too. This all goes towards their fundamental purpose for bigger fish and heavier lines. With their enhanced casting precision and fish-fighting control also comes the need for more balance not only in how much graphite or fiberglass is in it, but in its entire construction. From the material on the grips to the flex at the tip, the resin to the guide wraps, everything must be fine-tuned in order to deliver sensitivity, power, and action.

Understanding Baitcasting Rod Actions for Bass Fishing

You may have heard of a rod’s taper used interchangeably with its action, and that’s because how much of the rod’s material diminishes from the butt to the tip affects its stiffness and how it bends. This tapering is the primary cause of rod flexing, with the material of the blank and how tightly wound together being contributing factors, as well.

Different actions in baitcasting rods are ideal for different techniques, and especially for hook sets and how you’re going to fight a fish in order to land it. Action ratings typically range from slow, moderate, and fast, with some combinations like moderate-fast, and extra-fast. They may make more sense to think of how soon a rod snaps back into being straight when you bend it and let go, and are measured like this.

Description of Rod Actions

Slow: also known as “parabolic” just like the graphs you saw in high school algebra, these rods will bend easily from the tip to the butt-end. This action is great for casting small lures long distances, and fighting fish that make hard runs toward you or the boat, allowing you more “play” without much risk of the rod breaking from sudden bending pressure. What will be a problem, however, is having enough pressure to set a large hook easily into the fish’s mouth.

Moderate: bends at the middle of the rod and loads up well with small to medium-sized lures. This action goes well with crankbaits with treble hooks. The moderate action is slow enough to let a bass get its lips around those sticky trebles before you’ve pulled the rod away in a hook set- a common frustration using a fast-action rod for this technique.

Fast: begins bending closer at the tip, and therefore the rod straightens much quicker when pressure is released. Fast action rods have a lot more backbone support behind the flex, providing good hook sets and strong lifting capacity. In bass fishing, this is a good all-around rating, providing much more sensitivity, as well.

Advantages of Baitcasting Rods for Bass Fishing

The main advantages of using a baitcasting rod as opposed to a spinning rod are more accurate casting, heavier fishing line, and control. Lures can be set softly into the water exactly where you want them to be placed.

Line comes off of a baitcaster with more control than a spinning reel, in a straight motion towards your intended target off the spool as opposed to un-coiling. The casting rod’s line guides are therefore much smaller in diameter, allowing for a more accurate controlled cast. With the stiffness of a casting rod and the mechanics of casting reels, heavier lines can be used with reduced risk of breaking offline or snapping the pole while fishing.

Your control of the line on a casting rod is much improved versus a spinning rig. Different casting techniques can be employed at short distances, like “pitching” lures into dense cover where fish are suspected to be, silently and accurately. Also, while fighting a fish, a single finger can manage the amount of drag by placing it over the spool, minimizing the time you need to make last-second adjustments.

Selecting the Best Length for Bass Fishing Rods

Long-distance casting is synonymous with long rods, and you will rarely find a baitcasting rod shorter than six feet. But the huge amount of specific fishing techniques out there still means a wide range of rod lengths to choose from. Lakes, creeks, oceans, on a boat, on a bank, wading in the surf—casting rods offer the angler a way to cast a reasonable distance and have better control of the line post-cast. So where and how you’ll be fishing determines if a 6’6″ or 9’–14′ pole will be more efficient.

When targeting a species like bass at the lake, most anglers have on hand several rods of different lengths (as well as power and action ratings), because the fish can oftentimes be found in different locations, deep and shallow, in the open or hidden in the cover. Most of the time a range of six to eight-foot poles is used. A shorter rod, in the low six-foot area, is good at permitting the fisherman to have better control in techniques like walking a frog and skipping lures under docks and low hanging branches. Both require the rod to be worked close to the water’s surface, so a longer rod might be more prone to inadvertently striking the water and ruining the lure’s action.

Many things are taken into account when selecting the rod length, but one of the most important is the fisherman’s own preference. Your height might mean you can wield a long pole in close quarters more effectively, or a shorter one. Bank fishermen often have to contend with tree branches directly above them, and all around them, making too long of a pole impracticable to cast. Trial and error are the main keys to determining which size rod is best for you.

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Premium Tournament-Grade Rods

1. St Croix Mojo Bass Baitcasting Rod

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Length	6’8″, 7′, 7’1″, 7’4″, 7’5″, 7’6″, 7’10”, 7’11”.
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Action	Moderate Fast, Fast, X-Fast

The St. Croix Mojo Bass series offers high-end quality at a reasonable price point. I have found that each model delivers technique-specific performance that serious anglers appreciate. Their crankbaiting versions use S-glass for ideal flex and action, while all rod blanks are constructed with SCIII graphite that significantly improves sensitivity.

With weights ranging from 3.7-6.1 ounces, depending on the model, these lightweight rods reduce fatigue during long days on the water. The premium-grade cork handles, 3-D guides with aluminum rings, and Fuji reel seats enhance both performance and comfort. The Mojo line comes in multiple lengths from 6’8″ to 7’11” with various power and action combinations to match your specific bass fishing approach.

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2. G. Loomis IMX-Pro Bass Casting Rod

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Estimated Price	$325 to $425
Length	7’1″, 7’5″
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Action	Fast, Extra Fast

G. Loomis has always been at the forefront of rod technology, and their IMX-Pro Bass series demonstrates why. These rods weigh 18 percent less than their predecessors without compromising strength. The high-modulus blanks deliver exceptional performance, particularly the 7’1″ and 7’5″ Jig and Worm models that excel in those applications.

The AAA-grade cork split-grip handles feature a narrowed butt-end that improves balance and control. The Fuji K-Guides provide excellent corrosion resistance while preventing line tangles. Available in medium to heavy power ratings with fast and extra-fast actions, these rods represent the upper tier of casting performance for serious bass anglers.

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3. Lew’s Custom Lite Speed Stick Baitcasting Rod

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Estimated Price	$128 to $190
Length	7’4″, 7’6″, 7’11”
Power	Medium Heavy, Heavy, X-Heavy
Action	Moderate, Moderate Fast, Fast

Lew’s Custom Lite Speed Stick baitcaster rods are tournament-grade, technique-specific custom sticks. Made with HM85 85-million-modulus graphite, they could pull a car out of a lake while still being highly sensitive and, as the name implies, extremely light.

Lew’s uses their proprietary Power Core blank construction of several layers of graphite running in multiple directions, which equates to less material for the lighter weight, but without sacrificing strength. The stainless steel guides with titanium inserts provide fast and smooth castability, and vibrations from the line are felt significantly on your finger through the SoftTouch skeletal reel seat. Polymer grips on the handles are extra durable and give you a sturdy hold no matter how wet the conditions. The butt-stock is also shortened, which makes for easier frog-walking and jig-pitching.

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4. Team Lew’s Custom Pro Series Casting Rod

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Estimated Price	$220 to $280
Length	6’8″, 6’10”, 7′, 7’3″, 7’4″, 7’6″, 9′
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Action	Moderate Fast, Fast

These professional-grade rods feature LFS-X5 Nano-Technology blanks with an 85-million-modulus outer core, placing them among the strongest yet lightest offerings available. The broad selection of lengths, powers, and actions covers virtually all bass fishing techniques.

The SS316 stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts reduce line tangles while enabling smooth, long casts. Skeletal graphite reel seats maximize blank contact for enhanced sensitivity. A-grade cork handles with EVA inlays provide comfort during extended fishing sessions. Having fished these rods in tournaments, I can attest that their precise actions set a new standard for performance.

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Mid-Range Quality Rods

5. St Croix Triumph Baitcasting Rod

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Estimated Price	$105-$115
Length	6’8″, 7′, 7’6″
Power	Medium Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
Action	Moderate, Moderate Fast, Fast

The St. Croix Triumph casting rod series comes in different options for different types of fishing, including inshore, salmon, steelhead, and musky fishing. Their good range of power and action ratings, however, means they are applicable for many other species, like panfish and bass, redfish, snook, and many more. They are made with St. Croix’s SCII carbon blank technology for lightweight and strength.

Aluminum-oxide guides are strong enough to handle braid while being very good at resisting saltwater corrosion. All models feature a reel seat and hook keeper by Sea Guide, as well as cork-gripped handles. While all of this is top-of-the-line, the SCII blanks are slightly inferior to the SCIII of the St. Croix Mojo series, and with the Triumph only ranging 10 to 60 dollars cheaper, depending on what specifications you’re looking for it might make sense to go with a Mojo.

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6. Abu Garcia Vengeance Baitcasting Rod

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Length	6’6″, 6’9″, 7′, 7’6″
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Action	Fast

Abu Garcia’s Vengeance baitcasting rods are great mid-level poles. The available lengths, powers, and actions are kept simple while providing suitable specifications to fit a wide variety of fishing techniques. Their 24-Ton graphite blanks make for an adequately lightweight and sensitive fishing pole. Bass Pros shops has this as a combo with a Vengeance rod and low profile baitcasting reel.

Other features that make the Vengeance series stand out from lower-end rods are its EVA foam grips, which are high-density for extra comfort and tough enough to last under the beating sun and water saturation. The line guides, too, are corrosion-resistant stainless steel, while their inserts are titanium, making them great for use with heavy braided lines.

Although 24-Ton graphite is the base-point material for a good rod blank, it still provides better sensitivity than many fiberglass rods at a similar price. There is only one action available, too, but the fast tip is great for throwing jigs and wrenching bass out of heavy cover, and will still provide good success for other techniques that are more ideally used with a moderate action, like crankbaits. If you want some good fishing without paying a fortune, Abu Garcia’s Vengeance baitcasting series are a good value.

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7. Berkley Shock Baitcasting Rod

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Estimated Price	$50 to $60
Length	6′, 6’6″, 7′, 7′,6″
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Action	Moderate Fast, Fast

The Berkely Shock Baitcasting rods are designed specifically to resist the damaging properties of a braided fishing line. Braid having no stretch, the tip is supposed to be more accommodating during your hook set, and the stainless steel guides have titanium inserts to stop it from cutting grooves into them. The blank is a carbon composite that provides a lot of durability with some decent sensitivity.

It is surprisingly light, and this is helped by its reel seats being made out of plastic. The plastic, unfortunately, is not a good material for reel seats, and you can bet that too many strong hook sets are going to have bad consequences. The handgrips are rubber, which maybe goes into the whole shock-absorption philosophy, but rubber tends to grab clothing and skin more than EVA or cork, which can be a problem during a fish fight. It’s not the greatest option or overall value, but you might appreciate it if you use a lot of braid.

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8. Lew’s American Hero IM6 Baitcasting Rod

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Estimated Price	$85-110
Length	6’6″, 6’10”, 7′
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy
Action	Fast

A great all-around rod that supports a great cause, Lew’s American Hero Baitcasting Rod is made with their exceptional IM6 graphite blanks with multidirectional construction technology. Not only strong and durable, but their acute sensitivity allows you to feel the slightest of nibbles so you catch more fish.

The guides are tough stainless steel all around, from the frames to the inserts. It also has a graphite reel seat for lighter weight and durability, as well as a hook keeper. The handles are split-grip design with high-density EVA, so you’ll always have a firm grip in any conditions. It’s limited in specs, but it’s a true one-size-fits-most. Plus, some of the proceeds from your purchase will go towards an American veteran’s organization. A Lew’s rod at this price, especially if it’s in the specifications you’re looking for, is a great deal.

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Entry-Level Baitcasting Rods

9. Ugly Stik GX2 Baitcasting Rod

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Estimated Price	$39-$50
Length	5’6″, 6′, 6’6″, 7′, 7’6″
Power	Medium Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
Pieces	1 and 2 Piece

The Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod by Shakespeare are redesigned models of the original iconic Ugly Stik. They still use a mixture of graphite and fiberglass to make their blanks as strong as the legendary ones, but in a refined process to make the GX2 more sensitive with less weight. So no more back-breaking labor casting an Ugly Stik on a 14 hour fishing day. Plus it still comes with a seven-year warranty like the old one, which shows Shakespeare believes these will hold up just as long.

Some of the original Ugly Stik features remain, like the Ugly Tuff one-piece guides made in stainless steel for corrosion resistance, and the Clear Tip on the end of the rod made of solid fiberglass for added strength and sensitivity. The one-piece steel guides work best with a monofilament line. What is new is a better balance in the blank design, reducing weight, and more modern and stylish cosmetics. The options are also available in one-piece or two-piece construction. At such a low price and a name that’s iconic for strength and durability, the Ugly Stik GX2 is one of the best values out there.

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10. KastKing Crixus IM6 Baitcasting Rod

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Estimated Price	$40
Length	6′, 6’6″, 7′
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Action	Fast

The ever popular KastKing has a value-oriented product with their Crixus IM6 two-piece casting series. Made from IM6 graphite blanks, the KastFlex technology has proven to be able to mix durability and performance without hurting your wallet. There are limited options available in length and actions, but the few have been chosen for good all-around technique specifications.

Golf-style grips made from polymer provide your hands with good leverage and comfort. They are in the split-handle design with EVA material on the butt, so your grip will stay sure during the cast, hook set and fight. The guides are the same great quality you’ll find on much more expensive rods, made from stainless steel and zirconium inserts. All of these features on top of a durable blank make the Crixus casting rods good not only for freshwater but the corrosive elements in saltwater fishing, too.

The two-piece design is a nice feature for travelers who want to use a casting rod versus the more abundant two-piece spinners on the market. Although the specs are limited, it’s a durable, budget-friendly option.

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Specialty Baitcasting Rods

11. St. Croix Mojo Yak Casting Rod

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Estimated Price	$152 to $165
Length	7′, 7’6″
Power	Medium, Medium-Heavy
Action	Fast

If you need a kayak rod with a lot of mojo, you’ve found it with St. Croix’s Mojo Yak Casting Rods. This elegant and mighty rod is made with St. Croix’s light and tough SCIII graphite blanks. They have Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with aluminum rings which are great for casting and slim enough to fit in the kayak without worrying about being damaged, and reduced weight in the tips provides excellent maneuverability that yak anglers require.

There are more premium features designed for kayak fishing, too, like a shorter split in the split-grips to make casting easier and more accurate sitting in your watercraft. The handles are super-tacky and shock absorbent, made in partnership with Winn grips. Fuji reel seats and a Keegan hook keeper also come equipped. These yak rods will highly improve any fisherman’s performance, their materials and technique-specific specs being finely tuned and of great quality.

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12. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Baitcasting Rod

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Estimated Price	$50 to $60
Length	6’8″, 7’1″, 7’3″, 7’6″, 8′
Power	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Action	Moderate Fast, Fast

Finding a quality telescopic baitcasting rod can be challenging, which makes the Blackhawk II notable. With multiple lengths, power, and action combinations, these rods adapt to various fishing environments from creeks to surf. The 24-Ton carbon-graphite composite blanks include a solid fiberglass tip that enhances durability, a common concern with telescopic designs.

The snug-fitting ferrules and floating line guides reduce the “dead spots” often found in sectional rods. Compact down to just 21 inches, these rods travel easily while expanding to full fishing capability when needed. The stainless steel guides, graphite reel seat, and EVA foam handles complete a surprisingly capable telescopic package.

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Bass Fishing Techniques with Baitcasting Rods

The Overhead Cast

To begin, start with some line already out, so that the lure is hanging about nine to twelve inches from the rod tip. One hand should be on the rear grip, and your dominant hand goes upfront with part of that thumb simultaneously depressing the spool release button and the line around the spool at the same time.

Your dominant hand is next brought up and back towards that side’s shoulder, your elbow is bent in a right angle pointing directly at your target, and the rod tip tilts a little past vertical behind you. There is no whipping motion as with a spinning rod, but instead, a sweeping motion as you jerk the rod forward until the dominant arm is fully extended at a 45-degree angle with the reel at eye level, lobbing the lure to its destination.

The tip of the thumb keeping the line against the spool is loosened just enough halfway into this motion to feather the line as it comes out, keeping it in check so that the lure does not overshoot, or a birds nest does not form as it strikes the water. When you are satisfied with where the lure is positioned, a simple hair-turn of the reel handle re-engages the spool release button and locks it.

How To Pitch With a Baitcaster

This is an extremely exciting way to fish for bass hiding in cover, and done correctly, it provides a stealthy presentation that tends to catch mostly large fish. It is only difficult at first, and hard to understand the concept and intricacies until you try it for yourself.

Different fishermen recommend different lengths of rod for this, but it all comes down to personal preference. The length of a rod you can use, however, the further the distance you can get with this cast. It tends to work best with a medium-heavy to heavy powered baitcasting rod, seven-foot or longer, and a fast action tip. You will benefit from a heavier line, either solid braid or braid with a fluorocarbon leader works best when these fish try to bury themselves deeper.

The expectation is pinpoint accuracy and quiet entry. You see an opening through a mat of grass or tree trunks, and you want to pitch a jig into it without spooking the fish. First, depress the spool release button and let your lure fall until it is exactly level with the reel when the rod is in the 12 o’clock position.

Then, rotate the pole so that the reel faces sideways, towards the non-dominant hand which is holding the lure. Of course, your dominant thumb is acting as a break, preventing any more line from coming out, and it will stay like this until the end motion of the cast. The other hand should be able to pull on the lure without pulling out more line, and this pulling pressure between both the rod and lure are actually going to help launch the jig into your target, almost in the same way a catapult works.

You do not want to pull too hard. Just enough that the rod tip almost flexes, but doesn’t. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered, with the dominant side forward. Now, the rod tip is facing down, reel facing inward, and your elbow up and out at an awkward angle while the hand clutching the lure (beneath the hook, no fingers in front of it, for safety) is down and slightly pulling it towards your back.

Both hands then move towards the target, still applying pulling pressure on one another until the release, where you let go of the lure and the spool (feathering the line with the thumb as it comes out) and the rod tip is extended forward, all in a fluid, sweeping motion. When perfected, the lure should enter the water with minimal splash or noise, and jigged up and down to elicit action and a strike.

Flipping Techniques for Bass

Flipping can definitely be done with a baitcaster, and with even more control than a spinning rod and reel. Also, flipping or pitching techniques are designed for getting bass out of dense cover in shallow water, like matted grass and submerged tree branches, so a baitcaster is perfectly suitable for use with the tough, heavier lines necessary to do this.

The proper length of rod and distance away from the cover you’re fishing depends somewhat on the individual fisherman’s height, and what he’s comfortable using. A rod somewhere around seven to seven and a half feet works best for this application. Twenty-pound braided line or stronger is usually recommended, but some people find fluoro or braided line with a fluoro leader successful.

To start, you need to have enough line out that you are able to pull enough in your free hand straight off of the spool until your arm is fully extended out to your side, and also enough line hangs off of the rod tip until your lure of choice rests in the air evenly with the reel. Different people have different wingspans, so how much line this actually comes out to will vary.

Your dominant hand will remain on the rod and reel as always, with the thumb acting as a break against the spool, while the other hand is holding the excess line from between the spool and first guide ring. You will turn the dominant wrist so that the reel faces inward, towards the hand holding line, and begin lifting and lowering the rod tip so that the freely hanging lure swings back and forth. As you underhand swing the rod tip down, you the other hand pulls its line out to your side. As you underhand swing the rod tip up, that other hand comes in towards the reel while the line slides through its fingers.

Do that motion a few times to warm up or get the hang of. When you actually make the cast and send the lure to the target, it will be as you are underhand swinging the rod tip up, so the other hand will be releasing its line back to the reel, providing more distance. It works similarly to a pendulum, building up enough pressure but with enough control to ease the lure into the target zone, with minimal splash or noise.

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Line Selection For Baitcasting Rods

Baitcasters are designed for heavy fishing lines, usually starting at ten pounds and up. Every rod has a power rating, however, which indicates how much weight is necessary in order to make it flex, and using a line too heavy or too light as specified will either negatively affect its casting ability, or possibly even cause the rod to break.

There is no industry standard for power ratings. A medium heavy rod from St. Croix might be noticeably different from a medium-heavy rating on a Shakespeare, but this is why most brands print both a power rating and a line and lure weight on each rod. The line and lure weight should be followed because this is the maximum amount of weight the manufacturer has found can be used with the rod before it fails, either in performance or more catastrophically with breakage.

This is just an average estimate, but generally, a rod that has a medium-heavy power will also say its line weight is 12-25 pounds, and its lure weight is 1-4 ounces. A heavy power rod might say it’s line weight is 20-40 pounds, with a lure weight of 4-8 ounces. As long as you do not go above the high ends of these specifications, your rod should be fine.

That said, baitcasting rods can handle all types of fishing lines including monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braid. Braided lines can potentially cause some extreme damage to line guides, as the thin diameter and heavier weight capacity can cause grooving into a rod’s guide inserts. This is a common problem when using a rod with cheaper components, such as stainless steel guides. Better rods use ceramics and other materials for their guides, and resist grooving very well.

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Materials and Construction Quality

The best casting rods today are made primarily out of graphite, which was first produced by the Fenwick rod company in the 1970’s. Graphite provides the best sensitivity and strength while also being lightweight of all the materials used for rods, but the construction process can be very complex, and not all graphite rods are made to the same standards. Companies like G. Loomis and St. Croix follow a lot more steps than others making graphite rods.

Extreme temperatures are needed to work the graphite, and good rod makers are trying to do two things to it, create tensile strength, and tensile modulus, which equate to strain and stiffness. Creating enough heat to do this is expensive on its own, but the balance has to be struck between them, or else you get companies offering cheaper rods that advertise as having high modulus graphite which breaks easily from lack of tensile strength.

The graphite is then layered, and another balance has to be made between that and the resin added which holds them together. Too much or too little of either can make a rod too soft or too heavy, and, again, there is not much industry standard so some companies skip steps and cut corners, but still advertise to the consumer as having used the same materials as a respected rod maker did. It is a very complicated process, with the materials used is only part of the story. Someone looking to buy a good casting rod must be very diligent in understanding the finished product.

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Common Questions about Baitcasting Rods for Bass

What is the best baitcasting rod for bass?

The best baitcasting rods for bass are made with high modulus graphite and should have a power rating anywhere from medium to heavy with an action rating of fast. A power from medium to heavy is most efficient for the lifting and hook setting ability required for this lively species. That is not to say that bass, and even large-sized ones, cannot be caught on light or ultralight rods. However, you risk losing a fair amount of hook setting power.

A fast action rod will be useful for bass fishing the majority of the time. The way a fast rod flexes closer to the tip of the rod provides a lot of support from the rest of the pole for hook sets, lifting power, and overall control of the fish. The general consensus for one particular technique, however, is that a slower action is better when using crankbaits. A moderate to moderate-fast flex happens more at the middle of the rod, allowing the bass to get better contact with a lure that is being retrieved (and usually in an erratic pattern of movement) before the angler pulls the rod for a hook set.

What type of lures work best with a baitcasting rod?

The basic rule is that baitcasters are used with fishing lines that are ten pounds and up, and spinning rods when casting distance is most important. This would mean that heavier lures, too, are used for baitcasters. But all basic “types” of lures can be used on both, whether topwater, jigs, Carolina and Texas rigs, cranks, spinners or jerk baits, etc. Most bass fishermen prefer using a baitcaster for its control and castability, so if they can get away with it, that is what they’ll choose.

It is all about efficiency. Smaller lines are less visible to fish, and in many circumstances, it is necessary to reduce visibility and increase stealth as much as possible. On low visibility conditions, however, like cloudy days and murky water, you might be able to get away with using a heavier line or even straight braid for many techniques you’d usually go about with more finesse. What baitcasters definitely have over spinning rigs, though, are speed and power. Big topwater lures like frogs, buzz baits and spooks, and pitching and flipping jigs, on their own these techniques should be reserved for baitcasters.

Do baitcasting reels cast further than spinning reels?

In most cases spinning reel with cast further. However, there are several casting leagues and tournaments throughout the world that show baitcasting reel setups casting further. In 2019, Will Nash set the American record for casting a 100-gram lead weight 873.06 feet, which is almost the length of three football fields. He did it using a Chief Xtreme 530CXS baitcaster, and a rod made by Zziplex at 14 feet and 4 inches long.

For people who are not practicing record-breaking casting distances with super technical grade gear, a spinning reel will likely cast further. The technique is extremely important, as casting a spinning or a baitcaster rod is a little different. Casting a spinner is a whipping motion, while a baitcaster is more of a lob. The kind of line on the spool matters, too, as different weights and frictions can speed up or slow it down. Braided lines generally cast the smoothest, and furthest.

Some people will argue which type of reel will cast further. Baitcasters are notoriously difficult to learn how to cast with at first, and no doubt some people are just always going to be more successful sticking to the simpler spinning gear. The mechanics of baitcasters can be set up to be superior for casting far.

Bass fishing is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and for good reason. These aggressive predators are found in nearly every state, put up a great fight, and can be caught using a variety of techniques. After years of fishing in bass tournaments throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I have learned that successful bass fishing depends on understanding their behavior and adapting your approach to different conditions.

In this article, I will share what I’ve learned about catching bass throughout the seasons, the most effective techniques, and how to select the right lures for specific situations.

Understanding Bass Behavior

Bass are opportunistic predators with behavior that changes dramatically based on seasons, water temperature, and time of day. Understanding these patterns is crucial to consistently catching bass.

What Attracts Bass?

In my experience, bass are primarily sight predators. When a bass can see a lure or bait, there’s the highest chance it will strike. Their lateral line (a sensory organ running along their sides) is their second most important feeding tool, allowing them to detect vibrations in the water from about 20 feet away. This is why vibrating lures work so well, especially in low visibility conditions.

While less important than sight and vibration, scent can make a difference, particularly on tough fishing days when bass are being finicky. When I’m struggling to get bites, adding scent to my lures has often turned a slow day into a productive one.

Bass Feeding Patterns

Bass are opportunistic predators that will eat almost anything they can fit in their mouths. Big bass commonly feed on:

• Baitfish (shad, shiners, perch, bluegill)
• Crayfish (especially smallmouth bass)
• Frogs and other amphibians
• Insects and worms
• Even small mammals and birds that fall into the water

Juvenile bass typically feed on smaller prey like aquatic insects, flying insects, crustaceans, worms, and tadpoles.

Bass Fishing Techniques

After years of tournament fishing, I’ve found that mastering several different techniques is essential. Here are the most effective approaches I use:

Soft Plastic Fishing

The most common and often most productive bass fishing method is using soft plastics including worms, creature baits, crayfish, tubes, and lizards. These can be fished in several ways:

• Weightless: The bait sinks slowly to appear as an easy meal for bass. This works best in water less than 6 feet deep.
• Texas-Rigged: Using an offset hook with the point buried in the plastic makes it weedless for fishing in cover.
• Carolina-Rigged: With weight pegged 1-2 feet above the bait, allowing it to float off the bottom.
• Jig Heads: For more direct control of the bait’s movement.

When fishing soft plastics, I’ve learned that patience and stealth are crucial. Approach fishing spots quietly, make gentle casts, and pay attention to the subtle movements of your line that indicate a bite.

Spinner Fishing

The second most common way to fish for bass is with inline spinners and spinnerbaits. This method allows you to cover a large amount of water quickly, which is perfect when bass are actively feeding.

I typically cast perpendicular to the shoreline, especially during spring when bass are enjoying the warmer water in the shallows. Start reeling as soon as the lure hits the water to get the blade spinning, then adjust your retrieve speed to control depth.

Spinners have an advantage over soft plastics when bass are aggressive because you can efficiently search for active fish. They’re also great for teaching kids since the bite is easy to feel and the hook set is straightforward.

Topwater Fishing

There’s nothing more exciting in bass fishing than a topwater strike. Bass topwater baits include poppers, jitterbugs, buzz baits, chatterbaits, and frogs. These work best in low light conditions (dawn, dusk, or overcast days) or when bass are actively feeding.

When fishing topwater, I’ve found that timing is everything. During the day, focus on shaded areas or heavy cover. At dusk, bass become more active on the surface as nocturnal creatures like frogs and mice become active. When fishing at these transition times, work the bait slowly with pauses between movements.

Crankbait Fishing

Crankbaits are excellent for covering water at different depths. They mimic baitfish and create vibration and flash that trigger reaction strikes from bass. The diving lip determines how deep they’ll run, making them versatile for various water depths.

I prefer using crankbaits around structure like rocky bottoms, ledges, and points. They’re also excellent for locating fish in new waters because you can quickly cover large areas.

Seasonal Bass Fishing Strategies

Understanding how bass behavior changes with the seasons has been crucial to my tournament success.

Spring Bass Fishing

In spring, bass move from deep winter locations to shallow spawning areas as water temperatures rise. This is one of the best times to fish as bass are actively feeding to prepare for spawning.

Pre-spawn bass are often found along the first drop-offs from spawning flats or in staging areas like points and creek channels. They’ll aggressively strike at lures as they pack on calories for the spawn.

During the spawn, bass are protective of their nests and will strike at anything that threatens them. Sight fishing for bedding bass can be productive, though I often practice catch and release during this vulnerable time.

Summer Bass Fishing

Summer presents both challenges and opportunities. As water temperatures rise, bass establish predictable patterns based on oxygen levels and food availability.

Early morning and evening are prime times, as bass move shallow to feed before retreating to deeper, cooler water during the day. I’ve found that baby brush hogs excel in summer, especially around lily pads and other vegetation that provides shade and oxygen.

On bright sunny days, when many anglers struggle, I focus on precise presentations to bass holding tight to cover. Bass won’t travel far to strike baits when it’s sunny, so make sure to drop your bait near every promising spot.

Fall Bass Fishing

Fall can offer some of the year’s best fishing as bass feed heavily to fatten up for winter. Bass follow baitfish schools, so locating baitfish is key during this season.

Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and umbrella rigs that mimic baitfish schools can be extremely effective in fall. Bass often school up during this time, so when you catch one, it’s worth making multiple casts to the same area.

Winter Bass Fishing

Winter bass fishing requires slowing down. Bass metabolism slows in cold water, making them less likely to chase fast-moving baits.

In winter, I focus on deep structure and use slower presentations with jigs and soft plastics. Fishing during the warmest part of the day can improve your chances, as bass may move shallower as water temperatures rise slightly.

Lure Selection Based on Conditions

Fishing for bass in tournaments and in many different states, I have learned that choosing the right lure for specific conditions is crucial for success.

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Soft Plastics for Bass

Baby Brush Hog with Red Specks

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Baby brush hogs are 4 inches in length and come with 12 per pack. Brush hogs are the same shape bait but are 6 inches in length and come with 8 per pack. Baby brush hogs come in over 40 different color patterns. My favorite colors are watermelon red, green pumpkin red, Junebug red, and black emerald. I like the baby brush hogs the better than the larger brush hogs for most situations.

Baby brush hogs are my favorite bass lure to use. The key to fishing with Brush Hogs is to be quiet. Very quietly approach an area and then realize that it is all about the “splash” literally. This lure makes an awesome splashing noise and bass come into investigate and find this lure slowly sinking in the water and simply can not resist. Even when bass are being lethargic and not hitting other lures, fish often still bite the baby brush hog.

On bright sunny days, when bass are not biting for most people is when they actually work the best. Cast this lure near Lilly pads, weeds, structure or near ledges. Watermelon red works best on bright days and in clear water. Green pumpkin red is probably the most versatile to work in all conditions. Junebug red works best in stained muddy water in rivers. Black emerald is the best color for low-light and night fishing. Adding scent to the bait is a good idea for night fishing and does not hurt during the day either.

Because baby brush hogs sink slowly they work best in water less than 6 feet deep. Cast it out and keep a very small amount of tension on the line so you can feel when the big bass engulfs the lure. If there is any movement in the line bring the line tight and set the hook! If a bass does not bite while it is initially sinking, it is not likely that bass will bite on the retrieve. Count to ten after the initial splash and then just crank the bait in fast to save fishing time. Obviously, if there is good structure the bait can be paused and twitched to see if a bass will take it during the retrieve.

A 20-pound braided line with a 5-foot 20-pound fluorocarbon leader is recommended. The leader line should be tied to the braided line with a line to line connection called a double uni knot. The heavy line helps when pulling out snags in lily pads and weeds. The braided line is thinner and lighter than mono which allows for further casting. The fluorocarbon makes the fishing line less visible to the fish. When slowly presenting baits to fish having less visible line is important.

When fishing tournaments it is good to have two poles with fluorocarbon leaders and offset hooks tied and ready to fish the Baby Brush Hogs. I like fishing them with conventional spinning reels, not baitcasting reels.

The newt or salamander above was found near a lake in New Jersey. In this case, the newt is eating a worm. Notice the red specs on the back of the newt. This looks very similar to a baby brush hog and the red spots are key.

Offset Hooks for Baby Brush Hogs

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Size 3/0 offset hooks work great with baby brush hogs. Size 4/0 works well with the larger brush hogs. The baits are rigged Texas-style onto the offset hook. A bullet weight could be added on the line. However, if you are fishing a weighted bait there are better options on this list. Having the bait aligned straight on the hook is important. When pulling it through the water the bait should not spin.

In the picture, my fishing partner Ryan O and I are bass fishing with baby brush hogs. Being patient and slowly working in different areas is very important when fishing these baits.

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Zoom Worm Bass Soft Plastic

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Zoom trick worms are 6.75 inches long and come with 20 per pack. These worms come in over 50 different color variations. My favorite colors are watermelon red for bright sunny days and clear water. Junebug is a great color for murky rivers and low-light conditions.

My preferred way to fish a trick work is weightless, Texas rigged, and very similar to a brush hog. A trick worm sinks a little faster than a brush hog which can be good in 5 to 7 feet of water. Any water deeper than 7 feet is it good to add a bullet weight against the worm. A Carolina rig with a weighted pegged two feet above the worm is another good option when fishing deeper water.

The greatness of the green trick worm became apparent to me when fishing with my friend Ryan O. We were fishing a big pond, perfect for a spinner, so I thought. The water got deep quickly from the shore and had some grass and deep Lilly-pads. I had an advantage because I would cast in all the good spots first. He would then come and fish the already been fished water and catch one bass after another after another. Sometimes three or four bass from the same small patch of Lilly-pads, it was ridiculous. Even though I got out fished that day, I learned a good technique so I was not complaining.

The best hooks for trick worms as the same offset hooks used with baby brush hogs. If you already like these trick worms then try curly tail worms because they also work great.

In the picture above are bass that were caught for a bass tournament. The boat did not have a live well so we used a large cooler and a fish saver pump aerator. This would keep the bass in good condition. If it is hot out the water does need to be replaced every 30 minutes or the fish could die. This is not ideal but I have fished bass tournaments with small john boats with only an electric trolling motor for power. It does not matter what kind of boat you have it only matters who catches the most fish.

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Senko Bass Lure

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Yamamoto Senko worms come in sizes 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, and 7-inch. There are over 120 different color variations of the Senko. Two of the best and most popular are green pumpkin red flake and black blue-flake blue tip. Gary Yamamoto designed the Senko in the early 1990s and it has been one of the most popular bass fishing lures ever since.

The Senko is a very versatile soft plastic that has helped countless anglers win bass tournaments The bait is thicker than most reel worms and does not really look like any baits in nature. For some reason, though it triggers bass to bite.  It is not one of my favorite baits mostly because it makes too loud of a splash. Properly using a baitcasting reel to slow the bait before it enters the water can avoid this though. I find it is best to use it in water that is more than 5 feet deep. It sinks faster than most soft plastics so it can be fished weightless to a depth around 10 feet of water. It is a good bait to add weight to and fish at deeper depths.

The video below shows more ways than I knew there were to rig a Senko. One of the most popular ways to rig a Senko bait is wacky style. A good way to rig wacky style is with worm o-rigs. One unique method for rigging Senkos included using worms blades to add flash and vibrations.

The video below shows three ways to rig a Senko. These include the weightless Senko, wacky rig Senko and mojo rig Senko. It also shows what those rigs look like underwater.

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Spinners for Bass

Mepps Spinner

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Mepps spinners come in sizes from number 00 through number 5. For bass, the best sizes are number 3 which is 1/4 ounce, number 4 which is 1/3 ounce and number 5 which is 1/2 ounce. The most common blade colors are silver or gold but actually come in over 20 color variations. The hooks are dressed with a natural squirrel tail.

Mepps spinners are great bass fishing lures for people with low patience. When using spinners there is the constant action of casting and retrieving allowing for large areas of water to be fished quickly. This lure is best for water under 8 feet deep. The slower the spinner is retrieved the more the lure will sink into the water. It is a good idea to start reeling in as soon as the lure hits the water to get the blade spinning. The spinner can then immediately be reeled slower to get it to sink deeper.

Casting perpendicular to the shore is my favorite way to fish for bass with spinners. Fish are on the edges, especially during warm days in the springtime. Bass are enjoying the warmer water in the shallows and often chase down passing baits. Since the water is shallow they do spook easily. Make sure to approach the fishing spots very quietly. From shore, this method works particularly well. Working the way around a pond or lake with a Mepps spinner will typically catch some nice bass.

The advantage this lure has over soft plastics and most other lures is that it covers more water. If bass are feeding aggressively they will hit Mepps spinners! It is also easy to feel the bass bite and set the hook which makes this a great lure for kids. We have been using these spinners since we had the Zebco push-button reels as young kids.

If there are toothy fish in the lake such as pickerel, pike, and musky using this lure can be a problem because these fish love to bite spinners as well. When a toothy fish bites and there is not a steel leader the fishing line can easily be cut. A steel-leader leader might cut down on the number of bass that bite. However, I have caught plenty of bass while using a steel leader.

The bronze Mepps number 5 with a tail is perfect for big bass, especially when casting far in murky water. A silver Mepps number 3 with a tail is my go-to spinner to use in clear water and on sunny days. If you already like using these Mepps spinners give the Mepps Comet Mino a try.

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Original Rooster Tail Bass Spinner Bait

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The Original Rooster Tail comes in size 1/32 ounce, all the way up to 1-ounce. This is known to be a great lure for catching trout. With the larger sizes and over 100 different color options it also makes an incredible bass lure. Good color options include Mayfly, black, hammered frog, and white. The 1/16 ounce size is perfect for catching small bass in pounds and a 1/2 ounce size is good for casting far in lakes. I have never used the 1-ounce size but it seems like it would be fun to try.

In the picture are my brother Mark and my nephew. A 1/16 ounce white rooster tail was used to catch this little bass in a pound in the early spring.

Jigs for Bass

Crayfish Bass Jig

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The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Jig Bait comes in .375-ounce, .75-ounce, and 1-ounce sizes. Color options include black-blue, blue-craw, candy craw, green pumpkin craw, Okeechobee craw, sexy craw, summer craw, Texas craw, and falcon lake craw. Sexy craw and falcon lake craw are the colors I like best. The Gamakatsu black nickel heavy wire hook is strong and good for pulling hard on big bass.

This is a heavy cover swim jig so travels well horizontally in the water column and also cuts through heavy weeds. The common fishing technique for these jigs is to be drifting over grass beds and pitching the jig about four feet in front of the drift direction. The boat is typically drifting sideways.  The lure sinks to the bottom and the bass might bite while it is sinking. If not the jig is pulled 1 to 4 feet of the bottom two or three times before it is retrieved and pitched again. When the jig comes off the bottom the first time be ready to set the hook!

I learned about Crayfish Jigs by watching the competition during bass tournaments. Top ranking teams would use this lure and only this lure all day. Jigging for 4-6 hours does take a lot of effort on the fisherman’s part.

It can take time to locate weed beds that are holding fish. Once the bass holes with fish are found it is worth all the work. Generally, these jigs are used in water that is 6 to 12 feet deep with large patches of sod grass. The thicker the better. Jigging around shoals also works well. The key is knowing where the grass beds, structures, or ledges are located. This is why fishing often and becoming familiar with the lake is important.

The picture above shows a swim jig with a crawfish body. These jigs most resemble a crayfish so that is the soft plastic I typically use for the body.

Green Pumpkin Crawfish Soft Plastic

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The Zoom Super Speed Crawfish soft plastic is 3-3/4 inches in length. Good color options include Alabama, black red glitter, green pumpkin, and Junebug. Trim the first two notches off before putting it in the hook and the claws will extend out just past the skirt and flutter great in the water!

Liquid Mayhem Bass Crawfish Scent

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Liquid Mayhem Bass Crawfish Scent comes in a 2-ounce tube. The paste contains natural crawfish and enzymes infused with amino acids and stimulants to encourage fish to strike. 

Any bass lure works better with a scent but this is especially true for crayfish jigs and tube jigs. The gel-like paste can stay on lures for up to 30 casts. The formula is concentrated so a small amount is all that is needed. Soft plastic works well without scents but adding scent can encourage picky fish to bite and allow them to hold on the bait longer before try to spit it out.

Fish feed based on sight, vibrations felt in their lateral line, and through scent. Many anglers underestimate the importance of scented baits.

Crankbaits for Bass

Rapala Fat Rap Bass Lure

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The Fat Rap size 05 crankbait is a 2-inch lure with a deep diving lip. The three common colors for this lure are perch, silver, and firefighter. This is a floating lure that is made out of balsa wood. It is made with super sharp VMC black nickel hooks. Each lure is hand-tuned and tank-testing to ensure they come ready to catch fish.

This exact lure in perch is what my family calls “Mr. Lucky”. We had one lure that single-handily caught multiple mutant size smallmouth bass in Lake Erie when I a kid. Those bass are still the biggest bass I have ever seen caught. To catch them we would actually troll in 20-40 feet of overwater depth. The listed running depth of the lure is 3-5 feet. If you let out about 100 feet of line and troll this lure will dive much deeper than that, probably around 20 feet.

This crankbait has been around a long time and likely inspired most of the others on the market. I like using lures that have a proven track record of catching fish. If you have never fished with Mr. Lucky, I would highly recommend giving this lure a try.

In the picture above my brother and I were fishing in a bass tournament that was about to start. This was in Lake Pymatuning in Pennsylvania.

 

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Chatterbaits

Z-Man Bass Chatterbait Jack Hammer Series

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Z-Man chatterbaits come in size 3/8 ounce, 1/2 ounce, and 3/4 ounce. Color options include black-blue, chartreuse-white, clearwater-shade, green pumpkin shade, white, and Hite’s hot craw. The hammer series is the highest quality hand-made chatter baits used by professional anglers. The price is around $18 per bait. Gamakatsu heavy wire flipping hook is used with a double wire trailer keeper that helps prevent soft plastics from sliding on the hook.

These can be fished like a crawfish jig where it is lifted off the bottom and then allowed to flutter back to the bottom. The chatterbait can also be fished with a slow constant retrieve like a spinnerbait. A swimming senko bait tail can be added to create a larger profile and amazing swimming action to the bait. These chatterbaits start vibrating quickly and swim with a side-to-side motion that creates vibrations that the bass can feel with their lateral line. That makes this a good bait in the dark and in low-light situations. Chatterbaits also work well during the day.

In the video below Ronald Martin discusses the best ways to use a chatterbait for bass fishing.

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Topwater Frogs and Poppers
LiveTarget Bass Frog Bait

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Livetarget frogs come in 1-3/4 inch which is 1/4 ounce, 2-1/4 inch which is 5/8 ounce, and 2-5/8 inch which is 3/4 ounce.  Color options for the frog bait include emerald brown, yellow-black, brown-black, green-yellow, tan-brown, white, and fluorescent green-yellow. Hooks are set in a weedless design which makes this lure great for thick lilypad fishing spots.

If you do not have a frog bait in your tackle box I am not sure you classify as a bass fisherman. These baits do not catch as many basses as other lures. However, fishing topwater is about the much-anticipated excitement of watching the bass strike on topwater. Also, bass that are caught on frogs tend to be much large than with other baits. Frogs are topwater baits that work best at dusk but defiantly catch bass during the day as well.

If you are quiet and sneak up on the fishing spot frogs work really well. I have seen real frogs jump into the water and get eaten almost immediately be bass. If possible try and bring the bait into the water from the shore. Make short twitching motions with the bait as if it is a real frog kicking. These short pulses traveling through the water are often what catches the attention of bass and can bring them to the bait from long distances away.

Rebel Popper Bass Lure

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The Rebel popper comes in 2-1/2 inch which is 1/4 ounce and 3-inch size which is 1/2 ounce. Color options include bone, bubble gum, foxy momma, foxy shad, rainbow, and Tennesse shade.

I like using topwater poppers best in low-light situations. Most often I use them between sunset and dark. In the evening many nocturnal creatures like frogs, mice, salamanders, insects, and crayfish start to come out of their daytime hiding spots. Bass are use to this activity and like ambushing prey and feed aggressively at dusk. It takes a while for their eyes to adjust to the day so it is important to work the bait slowly. The best way to work a popper at dusk and at night is with a few seconds of pause between each pop or twitch.

In the picture is my friend Mitch with a nice bass he caught with a Rebel popper right at dusk. He was being very patient with the popper along a rocky ledge and it paid off.

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Water Clarity

• Clear Water: Use natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon) and smaller, more realistic presentations.
• Stained Water: Brighter colors like chartreuse or white become more effective.
• Muddy Water: Dark colors (black, blue) provide better silhouettes, and noisy or vibrating lures help bass locate your offering.

Weather Conditions

• Sunny Days: Bass hold tighter to cover; use precise presentations like Texas-rigged soft plastics.
• Cloudy Days: Bass often roam more actively; covering water with spinnerbaits or crankbaits can be effective.
• Cold Fronts: Bass become more lethargic; slow down your presentation and add scent to entice bites.

Time of Day

• Morning/Evening: Topwater lures shine during these low-light periods.
• Midday: Deeper presentations or fishing heavy cover where bass seek shade.
• Night: Dark-colored surface lures or lures with rattles and vibration work well when visibility is limited.

My Top Lures for Different Scenarios

Through years of fishing, I’ve identified specific lures that consistently produce in certain situations:

For Pressured Bass in Clear Water

Baby brush hogs in watermelon red have been my most reliable producer. The key is quiet presentation – approach areas silently and let the subtle splash of the bait attract bass. Even when bass are lethargic and not hitting other lures, they often still bite the baby brush hog.

For Covering Water Quickly

Mepps spinners allow me to search large areas efficiently. The bronze Mepps #5 with a tail is perfect for big bass in murky water, while a silver Mepps #3 with a tail works great in clear water on sunny days.

For Fishing Deep Structure

Crayfish jigs with green pumpkin soft plastic trailers excel in 6-12 feet of water, especially around weed beds and rocky structure. Adding crawfish scent has noticeably improved my catch rates with these jigs.

For Topwater Action

I’ve had great success with Rebel Poppers at dusk and dawn. When fishing topwater, patience is crucial – allowing several seconds between each pop or twitch often triggers strikes when continuous retrieves fail.

For Night Fishing

Chatterbaits create vibrations that bass can feel with their lateral line, making them excellent choices when visibility is limited. Black-colored lures provide the best silhouette under moonlight.

Bass Fishing Tips from Tournament Experience

The most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from competing in tournaments:

1. Pre-fishing is invaluable: The angler who spends the most time on the water learning bass behavior in the area often wins the tournament.
2. Confidence matters: Sometimes the difference between success and failure is the confidence to stick with a technique you believe in, even when it’s not immediately producing.
3. Adapt to conditions: Having multiple techniques mastered allows you to adjust when weather or water conditions change.
4. Focus on presentation: How you present your lure often matters more than which specific lure you’re using.
5. Pay attention to subtle details: Small adjustments in retrieve speed, depth, or lure color can make a huge difference on tough days

In the picture above, Ryan and I are holding bass we caught during a spring bass tournament in New Jersey.

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Bass Conservation Practices

As passionate bass anglers, we should be committed to conservation:

• Handle bass carefully, supporting their body horizontally.
• Minimize time out of water for photos.
• Consider using barbless hooks or crimping barbs for easier release.
• During hot weather, ensure proper aeration in livewells during tournaments.
• Release bass in the same area where they were caught when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you catch bass at night?

Yes, bass feed actively at night. The best time is in early summer during a bright moon. Use dark lures as they provide the highest contrast. Baits that provide scent, vibrations and can be fished slowly are ideal – like surface poppers, chatterbaits, and crankbaits with rattles.

Why do bass fishermen use baitcasters?

Baitcasters allow for better control when casting heavy lures, letting you gently place them in the water rather than splashing. They’re also better for jigging, as the rod eyes face up and the stiffer rod allows for quick torque application. That said, I prefer spinning tackle for many situations, especially when finesse techniques are required.

Does live bait catch bass?

Live bait like minnows, creek chubs, crayfish, and worms are excellent for catching bass. While artificial lures can usually match catch rates of live bait, sometimes nothing beats the real thing. Just be aware that most bass tournaments prohibit live bait.

What is the best bass lure for summer?

In my experience, the baby brush hog excels in summer. By then, lily pads have grown into substantial cover and are great places to find bass. Many anglers struggle to catch bass on bright sunny days in summer, but that’s where the brush hog really shines. Bass don’t travel far to strike baits in sunny conditions, so precise presentation is key.