Do Bass like Bait or Lures? Tricks & Tips Inside!
Have you ever wondered whether bass prefers bait or lures? If so, you’re not alone. This question has sparked countless debates among anglers for years, and today we’re going to find out the conclusion of this debate: Do bass Like Bait or Lure?
So, grab your fishing gear and get ready to learn more about what makes bass bite!
Before you go further into reading this article, I’d encourage you to read this one as well: Lure Vs. Bait (Detailed Comparison) – Which One’s For You?
Understanding How Bass Attack Prey
Bass have two main ways of going after their food: suction and body blow. Let’s break these down.
Suction Attack
In a suction attack, the bass moves in slowly toward its prey. When it gets close, it pauses for a moment, and then, bam! It flares its gills to create a suction that pulls the prey (or your lure) right into its mouth.
If you’ve ever felt a “thump” on your fishing line, that’s probably a bass using this method. The trick here is to wait just a second before setting the hook. Bass might need a moment to get the lure just right in their mouth.
Body Blow Attack
Now, the body-blow attack is all about speed and power. The bass uses its speed to strike the prey directly. This can feel like a strong tug or sudden weight on your rod. For these strikes, you want to use lures that make the bass want to attack aggressively. Make sure your gear is strong enough to handle these powerful hits!
So next time you’re out fishing, pay attention to how the bass are hitting your lure. Are you feeling a soft thump or a hard tug? Knowing the difference can help you choose the right moment to set the hook and reel in that big one.
Now, that you know how bass reacts, let’s see i
Bait Vs Lure for Bass – Seasonal Fishing Preferences
Understanding how bass behavior changes with the seasons can help you choose the right bait or lure.
Early and Late Season
When the water is cold in the early spring and late fall, bass are less active. They tend to be sluggish and less willing to chase after fast-moving lures. During these colder times, bait can be more effective. Soft baits, like worms or soft plastic baits, fished slowly over the bottom, can entice this less active bass. The idea is to give them an easy meal for which they don’t have to work hard.
Peak Season
When the water warms up during the summer, the bass gets much more active and competitive. This is prime time for lure fishing!
When warm water is warm, bass are likelier to chase and strike at moving targets. This is when using a variety of lures, like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures, can be super effective. The bass is actively hunting, and a well-presented lure can provoke aggressive strikes.
So, remember to match your fishing strategy with the season when it’s cold, slow things down, and use soft baits. When it’s warm, get those lures moving and prepare for exciting action.
Are Big Lures Better for Big Bass?
Some anglers believe that using big lures, like large swimbaits, can help you catch bigger bass. The idea is that bigger bait equals bigger fish. This can be true because big bass often hunt larger prey. So, if you use a big swimbait that looks like the baitfish they’re after, you might have a good chance of landing a trophy bass. Similarly, if the bass is feeding on crawdads, using a jig that looks like crawdads can be very effective.
But here’s the catch—no pun intended! Many big bass are also caught using regular-sized lures. It’s not just about the size of the lure; it’s about matching the lure to what the bass are hunting. Sometimes, big bass will go after smaller prey, especially if that’s what’s available.
Other anglers argue that lure size doesn’t always matter. Big bass can be caught on small baits, too. A hungry big bass isn’t going to pass up an easy meal, even if it’s a smaller lure. The key is to be patient and persistent. Whether you’re using a big lure or a smaller one, the most important thing is to keep trying different things until you find what works.
So, are big lures better for big bass? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It all depends on what the bass are hungry for and how you present your lure. Experiment with different sizes and see what works best in your fishing spot.
Importance of Forage Matching
This means using a bait or lure that looks like what bass are currently eating. It’s not just about the size of the lure but also making sure it matches what the bass are hunting.
Matching Forage
Big bass love to eat big prey. If you know they’re feeding on big baitfish, try using a swimbait that looks just like those baitfish. This can increase your chances of catching a big one. On the other hand, if the bass is going after crawdads, use a jig that mimics crawdads. Make sure to fish it at the right depth and in the right spots where crawdads are likely to be.
Why Does It Work?
When you match your bait or lure to what bass are eating, you’re giving them something familiar and irresistible. It’s like offering their favorite snack! This works well whether you’re using live bait or artificial lures. The key is to observe and understand what the bass are feeding on at that time and place.
So next time you’re out on the water, pay attention to what the bass are eating. Use baits and lures that look just like their prey. This simple trick can make a big difference in your fishing success.
Impact of Scent and Vibration
The impact of scent and vibration on catching bass. This can help you decide whether bass like bait or lure more.
Scent and Live Baits
Live baits like worms or minnows have a natural scent that can attract bass. Bass have a great sense of smell, and they’re often drawn to the strong smells of certain types of fish baits. Using live bait or soft plastic worms that mimic the scent of natural prey can be very effective, especially when trying to catch big fish like largemouth bass.
Vibration and Lures
Lures rely more on visual and vibrational cues to attract bass. When you’re using artificial lures like crankbaits or soft plastic lures, the color, style, and presentation matter a lot.
For example, a topwater lure can create a splash and vibration that pulls bass to the surface, while a lipless crankbait with two treble hooks can send vibrations through the water that bass detect with their lateral line. This helps them locate and strike the lure.
Presentation Matters
How you present your lure can make a big difference. Different anglers might present the same fishing lure in different ways, affecting its effectiveness. A steady retrieve might work well with some lures, while others might require a more erratic action to attract aggressive bass.
For instance, using a Texas rig or Carolina rig with soft plastics can mimic the movement of natural prey, making it more enticing to bass fish hiding in submerged vegetation or around lily pads.
Practical Tips from Fishchart’s Experienced Anglers
Are big lures better for big bass? Here’s a simple and fun guide with practical tips from Fishchart’s experienced anglers to help you catch more bass.
Big Lures vs. Regular-Sized Lures
Many anglers believe that big lures, like large swimbaits, can help you catch big bass. This can be true, especially if the bass are feeding on larger prey. But remember, big bass have also been caught on regular-sized lures. It’s not just about the lure size; it’s about matching the lure to what the bass are currently eating.
Practical Tips
- Rip Bait: Rip baits are effective because they mimic the lifelike movement of prey. Bass anglers love them for their ability to catch fish by pulling bass out of hiding spots.
- Spinner bait: Spinnerbaits are versatile and can cover a lot of water quickly. They’re great for catching fish in various conditions and depths, making them a favorite among bass anglers.
- Jig: Jigs are fantastic for bottom fishing and mimicking crawdads. They’re especially good for catching fish that are hanging out near the bottom or in thick cover.
- Creature Bait: Creature baits are excellent for imitating different types of prey and enticing bass to bite. They have unique shapes and movements that bass find hard to resist.
- Topwater Lure: Topwater lures are perfect for surface strikes and exciting visual bites. Watching a bass explode on a topwater lure is one of the most thrilling experiences in fishing.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to bass fishing, it’s best to keep things simple. Use a mix of spinnerbaits, crankbaits, plastic worms, and Senkos. This variety will help you cover different depths and situations effectively. For example, a drop shot rig with soft plastic worms can be great for finesse fishing, while a crankbait can help you cover more water and find active fish.
Remember, catching big bass isn’t just about using big lures. It’s about matching the lure or bait to what the bass are feeding on. If they’re eating big baitfish, use a big swimbait. If they’re after crawdads, use a jig that looks like a crawdads. This approach will help you catch more fish, regardless of the lure size.
Read a detailed guide on how to catch bass.
So, do bass like bait or lures? The answer is both, depending on the situation. By using the right mix of lures and matching them to what bass are eating, you can increase your chances of pulling in some nice fish.
Check our recommendations on some of the best lures/baits for bass fishing:
FAQs
What is the best time to use live bait for bass fishing?
Live bait is often most effective during the early spring and late fall when the water is colder and bass are less active. During these times, bass are more sluggish and less likely to chase fast-moving lures. Using live bait like worms or minnows, which have a natural scent and movement, can entice bass to bite.
When should I use artificial lures for bass fishing?
Artificial lures are particularly effective during the warmer months when bass are more active and aggressive. In the summer, bass are more likely to chase and strike at moving targets. Using a variety of lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures can help you cover different water depths and conditions to attract bass.
How do I choose the right lure size for bass fishing?
Choosing the right lure size depends on what the bass are feeding on. If bass are hunting larger prey, using big lures like swimbaits can increase your chances of catching big bass. However, bass are opportunistic feeders and will also go after smaller lures if they resemble the prey in their environment. Experiment with different sizes to see what works best.
How important is matching the lure or bait to the bass’s current prey?
Matching your lure or bait to what bass are currently feeding on is crucial. If bass are eating big baitfish, using a swimbait that looks like those baitfish can be very effective. Similarly, if they are hunting crawdads, using a jig that mimics crawdads can increase your chances of success. This approach makes your bait or lure more familiar and enticing to bass.
