Top 30 Bass Fishing Lures Ranked

Creating this list of the Top 30 Bass Fishing Lures was no small task—and that’s exactly why I wanted to do it right. I’ve spent plenty of time on the water chasing bass, but I knew my experience alone wasn’t enough to cover everything. So I reached out to local anglers, fishing buddies, and even threw the question out to our social media followers. The feedback was incredible. Everyone had strong opinions, favorite baits, and even a few hidden gems I hadn’t tried yet. This list is the result of that collaboration. It combines proven classics with newer lures that are making serious waves.

Whether you’re just getting into bass fishing or you’ve been flipping jigs since forever, this guide has something for you. We’re talking about lures that work—from topwater blowups to deep water craw bites, across different regions, water types, and seasons. Some of these lures are everyday go-tos. Others are situational weapons. But every single one earned its place based on real-world results and honest angler feedback. This isn’t just another generic list—it’s a collective snapshot of what’s working right now for bass anglers everywhere. Let’s get into it.

30. Storm Wiggle Wart

The Storm Wiggle Wart is a small crankbait with big-time action. It’s known for its wide, erratic wobble that gets bass to react, especially in cold or stained water. The built-in rattle adds extra noise, helping fish find it even when visibility is low. It dives down quickly and stays in the strike zone, making it great for targeting rocky points, ledges, or deeper banks. The shape and action make it look like a fleeing crawfish or baitfish. Easy to fish and very effective, the Wiggle Wart is a great choice when you need something that stands out and gets bites.

29. Rat-L-Trap

The Rat-L-Trap is a classic lipless crankbait known for its loud sound and fast action. Inside, it has small rattles that shake as it moves, helping bass hear it from far away. The thin body and tight wobble make it look like a fleeing baitfish, which bass love to chase. It’s easy to cast long and fish at different depths, whether you’re reeling steady or using a stop-and-go motion. It works great in open water or around grass edges. Simple, loud, and super effective, the Rat-L-Trap is a must-have when you want to cover water fast and trigger reaction bites.

28. Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog

The Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog is a topwater bait made to look and move like a real frog. Its soft body squishes when bass bite, helping you get better hooksets. The legs kick naturally as you reel it in, giving off a lifelike swimming action. It’s perfect for fishing over lily pads, grass, or around wood where bass like to hide. You can work it slow or fast, and it still gets bites. The hook is tucked into the body to keep it weedless, so it slides through cover with no problem. For surface strikes in heavy cover, the Lunker Frog is a winner.

27. Keitech Fat Swing Impact Swimbait

The Keitech Fat Swing Impact Swimbait is a soft plastic bait that moves like a real fish. Its thick body and ribbed sides create a strong kick and natural motion in the water. The tail starts moving with even a slow retrieve, making it great for both fast and slow fishing. You can rig it many ways—on a jig head, Texas rig, or as a trailer. It works in clear or stained water and catches bass in all seasons. Easy to use and super lifelike, the Fat Swing Impact is a solid choice when you want a bait that just looks real.

26. Heddon Lucky 13

The Heddon Lucky 13 is a vintage topwater lure that’s been a bass angler’s secret weapon since the early 20th century. This 2.5- to 3-inch plug, traditionally carved from wood (though modern versions use plastic), sports a sleek, minnow-like shape with a scooped-out mouth that delivers its signature action. When retrieved with sharp twitches, it produces a loud, popping “chug” sound and a side-to-side wobble, mimicking a distressed baitfish—a dinner bell for hungry bass. It shines in calm waters near shorelines, docks, or overhanging brush, especially during early morning or late evening bites. Offered in classic finishes like frog, shad, or yellow shore minnow, the Lucky 13 blends old-school aesthetics with a proven ability to draw strikes from wary fish.

25. Mepp’s Comet Mino

The Mepp’s Comet Mino is a standout in the world of bass lures, renowned for its versatility and fish-catching ability. This spinnerbait features a realistic, airbrushed mino body—usually 2 to 4 inches long—paired with a spinning blade that creates a unique mid-depth action. The blade, available in polished brass (gold) or genuine silver-plated (silver) finishes, spins slightly faster and closer to the body than other designs, producing a distinct “thump” and flash that imitates a wounded baitfish. Bassmaster magazine once named it one of the top 10 bass lures of all time, a testament to its effectiveness. It comes in sizes from #00 (an ultra-light 1/18 oz) to #5 (heavier, with 3- or 4-inch minos), making it adaptable for casting or trolling in various conditions—think weed edges, rocky bottoms, or open water. Its erratic swimming motion and lifelike appearance make it a bass magnet, especially in waters where forage fish are key prey.

24. Lunker City Slug-Go

The Lunker City Slug-Go is a soft plastic lure that redefined finesse fishing for bass with its minimalist brilliance. This 3- to 9-inch stick bait—often fished in the 6-inch size for bass—features a slender, straight body with a slightly flattened profile and a subtle taper at both ends. Its magic lies in the erratic, darting action: when rigged weightless or on a light Texas rig, a sharp twitch of the rod tip sends it slashing side-to-side like a panicked baitfish, then gliding to a slow sink that bass can’t resist. The black or watermelon hues excel in clear water, while brighter shades like chartreuse pop in stained conditions. It’s a master of versatility—fish it near lily pads, over submerged logs, or along drop-offs—and its lifelike movement has made it a go-to for triggering strikes from pressured or lethargic bass.

23. War Eagle Spinnerbait

The War Eagle Spinnerbait is a solid choice when you need a bait that works in almost any condition. Its spinning blades flash and thump through the water, making it easy for bass to see and feel. It’s great for covering water fast and works well around brush, rocks, or weeds. The skirt gives it lifelike motion, and the hook is sharp and strong for solid hooksets. You can fish it slow or burn it back—both ways get bites. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the War Eagle Spinnerbait is a simple, reliable lure that helps you catch more bass.

22. Strike King Red Eye Shad

The Strike King Red Eye Shad is a lipless crankbait made for covering water fast and finding active bass. It sinks quickly and has a strong side-to-side wiggle that grabs attention right away. Inside, loud rattles make noise that bass can hear from far away. You can fish it with a steady retrieve or rip it through grass to trigger bites. It’s great for both shallow and deep water, depending on how you fish it. The shape and weight make it easy to cast far. Simple to use and super effective, the Red Eye Shad is a favorite for many anglers.

21. Strike King Rage Tail Craw

The Strike King Rage Tail Craw is a simple but powerful soft plastic crawfish that gets bass fired up. Its wide claws flap hard on the fall or when dragged, sending out a lot of motion that bass can’t ignore. Whether you’re using it as a jig trailer or on a Texas rig, it moves naturally in the water and gets bites in all kinds of spots. It works great around rocks, grass, or wood. The soft body holds hooks well but is easy to rig. If you want a no-fuss bait that just catches fish, the Rage Craw is it.

20. Beetle Spin

The Beetle Spin is a pint-sized powerhouse that’s earned its stripes as a bass fishing classic. This compact lure combines a small, soft plastic grub—usually a 1- to 2-inch curly-tail or paddle-tail body—with a simple spinner arm and a flashy blade, creating a irresistible mix of vibration and action. Weighing in at 1/16 to 1/4 ounce, it’s built for finesse, with a safety-pin-style wire frame that lets the blade spin freely, generating a subtle buzz and flash as it moves through the water. The grub’s lifelike wiggle mimics small baitfish or insects, making it deadly around docks, grass lines, or shallow cover where bass hunt. Available in colors like chartreuse, black, or white, the Beetle Spin shines with a slow, steady retrieve, though a twitch or pause can seal the deal on finicky fish. It’s an affordable, no-nonsense option that punches above its weight.

19. Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue

The Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue is an old-school jerkbait with serious staying power. It’s built to suspend and dance erratically, making it perfect for triggering strikes from bass that are just cruising or playing hard to get. The internal rattle throws off sound and vibration, grabbing attention even in stained water or low-light conditions. When twitched right, it looks like an injured baitfish—exactly what a hungry bass wants. Whether you’re fishing cold water or post-front conditions, the Rogue shines when other lures fall flat. It’s one of those lures that proves sometimes, classic designs still crush it on modern waters.

18. Rapala DT Series Crankbait

The Rapala DT Series Crankbait is a go-to for anglers who want precision and depth control. Built to dive fast and stay in the strike zone longer, it targets bass that hang out in deeper water. Its tight wobble and detailed finish give off serious baitfish vibes, making it hard for bass to resist. Whether you’re cranking along rocky points or ripping it through submerged timber, the DT holds its line and draws reaction bites. It’s also surprisingly easy to cast and control. For anyone chasing quality bass with a crankbait that just performs, the DT Series is a no-brainer.

17. Norman DD 22

The Norman DD22 is a deep-diving crankbait that’s pure szn vibes, plunging 18-22 feet to snipe offshore bass with zero chill. Its chunky, coffin-shaped lip smashes ledges and humps, kicking out a tight wobble that screams “eat me” to lurking fish. Rocking fits like Chartreuse Sexy Shad or Chili Bowl, it glows up in murky depths or bright waters alike. Built with a gel-coat flex, it’s a tank that bangs cover without ghosting. Whether you’re grinding structure or burning it back, this plug’s got the juice to pull big bags. The DD22 isn’t just a lure—it’s a bass-hunting banger.

16. Arbogast Hula Popper

The Fred Arbogast Hula Popper is a classic topwater bait that’s been catching bass for years. Its cupped mouth makes a loud popping sound that grabs attention with every twitch. The rubber skirt on the back adds extra movement, making it look like a struggling bug or frog. It works best in calm water near weeds, stumps, or shorelines where bass like to hide. Just give it short pops and pauses to tempt a strike. Simple to use and always exciting, the Hula Popper is great for early mornings or evenings when fish are feeding on the surface. It still delivers.

15. Buzzbait

The buzzbait is a high-energy topwater lure built to provoke explosive bass strikes with its in-your-face presentation. It’s a simple yet effective design: a wire frame with a lead head, a flashy skirt, and a large, single propeller blade up front. When retrieved, that blade spins fast, slicing through the water to create a loud, gurgling buzz and a trail of bubbles—irresistible to aggressive bass lurking below. Typically ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 ounce, buzzbaits excel in shallow, weedy areas or over submerged grass, where their weedless nature lets them skim through cover without snagging. They’re best fished with a steady, medium-to-fast retrieve, keeping the blade churning on the surface. Available in bold colors like black, white, or chartreuse, the buzzbait’s all about noise, flash, and pure reaction strikes.

14. Gary Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog

The Gary Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog is a certified banger in the bass lure drip, dishing out creature-bait energy that’s pure chaos in the water. This chunky softie flexes three wild appendages—long, beefy flappers near the tail that slap out vibes like a TikTok beat drop. Pitch it Texas-rigged into gnarly cover or slap it on a jig for that extra sauce; it’s built to rumble through mats and brush without ghosting you. Colors like green pumpkin or watermelon red flake keep it popping in any aquatic aesthetic, from murky vibes to clear szns. Crafted with Yamamoto’s salty, stretchy magic, it’s a tank that lasts through the grind. It’s the plug for anglers who stan big bass and bold moves, turning slow retrieves into strike-zone madness. The Flappin’ Hog isn’t just a lure—it’s a bass-slaying flex that rewrites the flipping game.

13. Booyah Pad Crasher Frog

The Booyah Pad Crasher Frog is a topwater titan in the bass game, dropping hollow-body hype that’s pure szn vibes. This froggo flexes a soft, squishy shell that glides over lily pads and mats like it’s ghosting the weeds, daring bass to smash the party. Its belly vent keeps it from drowning, while the legs kick a chill, splashy beat that screams “come get it.” Draped in drip like bullfrog or swamp frog, it’s a mood in any slop or open water glow-up. Those sticky-sharp hooks? Locked and loaded for the ambush. Buzz it slow or pop it quick—it’s built to slay in the thickest cover without snagging. The Pad Crasher isn’t just a lure—it’s a bass-busting banger that turns overgrown spots into strike zones, keeping anglers plugged into that topwater clout chase.

12. Booyah Boo Jig

The Booyah Boo Jig is a straight-up savage in the bass jig lineup, dropping finesse heat with a scrappy edge. This compact brawler rocks a beefy skirt that flares out, pulsing vibes like a crawfish flexing in the zone. Its weedguard’s got that bouncer energy, slipping through cover while the hook stays ready to snatch. Rocking fits like green pumpkin or black/blue, it’s dripping in stealth mode for murky waters or bright szns. Pair it with a chunky trailer, and it’s a full-on bass buffet—perfect for flipping docks or grinding rocky bottoms. Built tough with a rattle that’s lowkey loud, it calls out fish without flexing too hard. The Boo Jig isn’t just a lure—it’s a bass-slaying plug that keeps it real, turning tight spots into strike city for anglers chasing that clutch hookup szn.

11. Classic Black Plastic Worm

The Classic Black Plastic Worm is the unsung hero of bass fishing, a timeless lure that’s as simple as it is deadly. Typically ranging from 6 to 8 inches, this soft, pliable bait boasts a smooth, cylindrical body with a subtle, tapered tail that writhes seductively underwater. Its jet-black color offers a stark silhouette, mimicking natural prey like leeches or nightcrawlers, making it a go-to for bass in murky water or low-light conditions. Rigged Texas-style with a bullet weight or wacky-style on a bare hook, it’s incredibly versatile—fished slow along the bottom, through weeds, or near structure, it triggers strikes with its lifelike wiggle. The beauty lies in its no-frills design: no flash, no noise, just pure, understated effectiveness that’s been fooling bass for generations.

10. Smithwick Devil’s Horse

The Smithwick Devil’s Horse is a legendary topwater propeller lure that’s been hooking bass since the 1940s. Crafted from high-quality wood or durable plastic, it features a streamlined body—usually 4 to 6 inches long—with front and rear propellers that churn the water into a frenzy. This dual-prop design produces a distinctive buzzing and splashing action, imitating a wounded baitfish or fleeing critter, which drives bass wild, especially in shallow waters or around cover like docks and fallen trees. Its versatility shines through with a steady retrieve or a stop-and-go technique, letting anglers adapt to the fish’s mood. Available in a range of classic color patterns like white, chartreuse, or shad, the Devil’s Horse combines old-school craftsmanship with fish-catching prowess that’s hard to beat.

9. Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait

The Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait is a straight-up icon in the bass-slaying scene, dropping premium vibes with a slick, minnow-shaped frame. This 4.3-inch beast twitches and darts like a glitchy baitfish, thanks to its tungsten weight system that’s basically cheat codes for casting distance and flash. It’s got that suspend game on lock, chilling mid-water to flex on bass in the 38-70°F szn—think November to April vibes. Rocking colorways like GP Sexy Shad or Elegy Bone, it’s a visual flex that pops in clear or stained H2O. Those Katsuage treble hooks? Sticky-sharp and ready to snatch. Whether you’re jerking it slow near flats or ripping it past rocky banks, this lure’s erratic energy pulls strikes like a magnet. The Vision 110 isn’t just a tool—it’s a bass-hunting flex that’s been stacking wins since its Y2K glow-up.

8. Whopper Plopper

The Whopper Plopper is a loud, topwater lure that gets the attention of big bass fast. Its spinning tail makes a steady plopping sound as it moves across the surface, creating noise and ripples that draw fish in from far away. It’s easy to use—just cast and reel. Bass love to crush it, especially early in the morning or late in the day. It works best in calm water but can still perform when there’s a bit of chop. If you’re looking for exciting topwater strikes and a bait that brings the action, the Whopper Plopper is hard to beat.

7. Zoom Super Fluke

The Zoom Super Fluke is a total vibe shift in the bass chase, dropping soft-plastic heat that’s pure finesse fire. This chunky, forked-tail baitfish mimic glides with a darting, twitchy flex—mimicking a panicked shad that’s got bass swiping right. Rig it weightless for some topwater drip or hook it on a jighead to snipe deeper zones; it’s got that multi-mode glow-up. Colors like white pearl or smoked purple stay lit in any water aesthetic, from cloudy vibes to crystal-clear szns. Made with Zoom’s salty, stretchy recipe, it’s built to flex on wear and tear while keeping the hookups coming. It’s a clutch pick for anglers who stan versatility and subtle slays. The Super Fluke isn’t just a lure—it’s a bass-baiting glow-up that keeps the reel spinning and the strikes popping off hard.

6. Z-Man Chatterbait

The Z-Man Chatterbait flips the script on bass lures with its wild-child energy—a bladed jig that’s all about that thump and flash. Its hex-shaped blade cuts through water like a rogue wave, sending out vibrations that scream “dinner’s ready” to any bass in the zip code. Paired with a skirt that pulses and a hook ready to lock in, it’s a chaos agent you can sling across depths or buzz through grass. Toss on a swimbait trailer like the DieZel MinnowZ, and it’s game over—pure predatory bait vibes. From green pumpkin to chartreuse, its colorways pop in murky or clear waters alike. Built with Z-Man’s stretchy ElaZtech, it’s tough as nails, outlasting standard plastics. This isn’t just a lure; it’s a bass-rattling disruptor, turning quiet retrieves into strike-zone mayhem for anglers chasing the next big haul.

5. Arbogast Jitterbug

The Classic Jitterbug is an iconic topwater lure that’s been a favorite among bass anglers for decades. Its distinctive wobbling action comes from a unique double-cupped lip design, which creates a loud, rhythmic “plopping” sound as it moves across the water’s surface. This commotion mimics the movement of struggling prey, triggering aggressive strikes from bass, especially during low-light conditions like dawn, dusk, or overcast days. Typically made with a sturdy body and available in sizes ranging from 2 to 3 inches, the Jitterbug excels in calm waters over weed beds or near lily pads. Its retro charm and proven effectiveness make it a timeless addition to any tackle box.

4. Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait

The Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait is a straight-up banger in the bass world, designed with Kevin VanDam’s clutch DNA. This squat, boxy beast smacks through shallow zones, its wide lip crashing off rocks and stumps like it’s flexing on cover. It’s got that erratic dart-and-wobble energy that makes bass lose their chill, vibing hard in the 2-5 foot range. Shades like Sexy Shad or Black Back Chartreuse pop off, glowing up in muddy or clear water alike. Built to grind, it’s got hooks that snatch and a rattle that’s pure clout, calling out fish from afar. Perfect for ripping near docks or timber, it’s a chaos king that doesn’t sleep on finesse. This isn’t just a crankbait—it’s a shallow-water savage, dropping heat for anglers chasing that next-level strike with zero cap.

3. Heddon Zara Spook

The Heddon Zara Spook hits the bass game like a total icon, flexing its topwater drip with that “walk-the-dog” flow. This sleek, cigar-shaped banger, molded from hard-core plastic, slides side-to-side with a quick wrist snap, splashing hype and begging bass to pop off. It’s loud, it’s extra—perfect for sunrise clout or twilight flex sessions. Rocking fits like bone or bullfrog, it stays lowkey fire, matching the vibe of any lake or pond glow-up. Dropping since the ‘30s, it’s the OG move for anglers who stan chaos over chill, killing it in open water or near pad zones. Locked with treble hooks that don’t play, it’s a straight-up trophy plug. The Zara Spook isn’t just a lure—it’s a bass-teasing throwback, serving vintage sauce with every zig-zag retrieve that’s got the water buzzing.

2. Rapala Original Floating Minnow

The Rapala Original Floating Minnow is a straight-up GOAT in the bass game, dropping vintage vibes with a modern flex. This skinny, balsa-crafted slayer floats chill on the surface, then dives with a twitchy, wounded-baitfish swagger when you yank the line. It’s a jerkbait vibe that bass can’t scroll past—suspending mid-water to flex on their hunger. Dressed in fits like silver or firetiger, it’s popping off in any light, from murky cuts to glass-clear lakes. Hand-tuned and tank-tested, it’s got that tight wobble and treble hooks that lock in the bag. Since the ‘60s, it’s been a plug for all szns, slaying in cold snaps or summer heat. The Original Floating Minnow isn’t just a lure—it’s a bass-hunting classic that keeps the clout alive, serving looks and strikes with zero effort.

1. Yamamoto Senko

The Yamamoto Senko is straight-up next-level for bass fishing—low-key vibes with a slick, minimalist design that slays underwater. Packed with salty, dense plastic, it drops with a vibe-heavy wiggle, flexing like a baitfish on its last legs or a worm just chilling. You can rig it wacky-style for that slow-motion drip, Texas-rig it to snipe through cover, or let it free-fall weightless for some top-tier finesse. Its magic? A lowkey shake that hits bass in their feels, sparking that chase mode hard. Rocking shades like green pumpkin or watermelon, it vibes with any water scene—grimy ponds or crystal-clear lakes. Since it dropped, it’s been a total glow-up for the game, clutch for newbies and OGs alike. The Senko isn’t just a lure—it’s the ultimate bass-fishing plug, rewiring how we reel them in.

More About Bass Fishing

When Is the Best Time to Fish for Bass?

Bass are most active during warmer months, especially spring and early summer. Here’s a quick guide by season:

• Spring: Bass move to shallow waters to spawn. It’s a great time to use soft plastics and jigs.
• Summer: Bass go deeper during the day but may feed near the surface in early morning or evening. Try topwater lures at dawn and crankbaits later.
• Fall: Bass feed heavily to fatten up for winter. Fast-moving lures like spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits work well.
• Winter: Bass slow down. Use small, slow-moving lures near deep structures.

Where Do Bass Like to Hide?

Bass love cover. Look for:

• Fallen trees and stumps
• Rocks and ledges
• Weed beds
• Docks and bridges

They also hang out near drop-offs and points where shallow water meets deeper areas.

Common Types of Bass

• Largemouth Bass: The most popular type. Found in lakes, ponds, and slow rivers. Big mouth, aggressive eater.
• Smallmouth Bass: Found in cooler, clearer rivers and lakes. Strong fighters and prefer rocky areas.
• Spotted Bass: A mix of both worlds. Found in rivers and reservoirs with current and structure.

FAQ: Bass Fishing Basics

What’s the best time of day to fish for bass?
Early morning and evening are usually best, especially in summer.

Do I need a boat to fish for bass?
Not at all. Many great spots can be reached from the shore or a dock.

What’s the best bait for beginners?
Soft plastic worms are easy to use and catch a lot of fish. Try a wacky rig or Texas rig.

Do bass see color?
Yes, but water clarity and light affect what they see. In clear water, natural colors work best. In murky water, try darker or brighter colors.

Is bass fishing good in the rain?
Yes! Overcast days and light rain can actually make bass more active and less cautious.