Best Lures For Smallmouth Bass

OUR TOP PICK

If you like to know the pedigree of a product, you’re buying then this a good one to think about. A proven tournament winner this lure means business and a great deal of attention has gone into making sure that this lure lives up to its reputation for quality and success. This deep-diving crankbait is a versatile option that you could easily use to go after a range of fish including pike, bass, and walleyes, so if you’re a beginner who's caught the fishing bug this could be a great investment in your tackle box. This model has stellar swimming action thanks to the clear lip on the front. The lure’s two treble hooks are very sharp and any fish that thinks the lure looks like a nice snack is certainly going to know about them, but they have more than enough strength to keep them at the end of your line for long enough to haul them out. The hooks have also been specially designed to bite deeper so fewer fish can wriggle free, which is one of the key features that has led to the lure’s tournament success. The lure comes in a nice range of colors so there’s something to suit everyone in every location and the highly detailed reflective finish is sure to catch the eye of any passing bass.

The lure features a built-in rattle which is sure to make bass flock to you, and while the lure is large enough to attract the attention of the larger fish it’s been designed to dive deeply and quickly with minimal effort on your part. This is a great lure that novices and seasoned anglers will both enjoy, but its not the best option for heavy vegetation as it tends to get caught. It’s a great value product though with a proven track record and durable enough to be a worthy addition to any tackle box.

Pros

• Proven track record

• Durable and strong

• Sharp hooks that bite deep

• Range of colors available

• Great value

Cons

• Not great for vegetation

EDITORS CHOICE

If you’re just beginning then there’s no need to feel like you have to start going after the largest smallmouth bass immediately. It’s sometimes a good idea to start off with the smaller and medium fish before having a crack at the big ones as this gives you a chance to practice your skills and master the trickier aspects of angling. Hunting the smaller fish can be as exciting and rewarding as the real monsters, but to have a hope of success you need the right bait. If you’re not feeling the giant fish than this bait might be just the sort of thing you need, a versatile soft bait that the smallmouth bass love to smash when it’s pulled through the water but plenty of other species also love. As you get more practiced you may also find this option perfect for catching baitfish for the larger species, so it’s a useful lure to have around.

The action of this lure is superb with a tail and body that mimic the real swimming action in the water, and clearly, the bass thinks so too because it’s highly effective and a great way to get a great catch even when you’re still learning. The holographic flash inserts catch the light excellently and will certainly grab the attention of any passing bass, and the effort that has gone into the realistic detail of this option certainly is an incentive for the fish to bite. The 3D eyes are very lifelike, and this option comes in a pack of 5 so losing a few to the fish or damage from rocks and vegetation isn’t a big deal. This is a great option for the beginner who doesn’t feel ready for the large fish, but they’re still useful to have in your tackle box thanks to their versatility and superb action.

Pros

• Multipack

• Great for beginners who want to catch small or medium-sized fish

• Very realistic

• Versatile

• Effective

Cons

• More experienced anglers probably want something a bit more heavy-duty

BEST VALUE

Another incredibly realistic option, this soft bait lure comes from Dr. Fish and seasoned anglers and beginners will be impressed by the level of quality and detail this 6 pcs multipack has. It’s another versatile option that’s available in a wide range of colors so you’ll be able to find something that entices the fish where your fishing. The detailed painting and 3D eyes make it easy to see why this lure is so effective against the smallmouth bass, and the holographic inserts certainly get attention. As it comes with 6 pieces losing the odd lure doesn’t make too much of a difference, and they’re durable enough thanks to their silicon construction for this to be a great value option even to beginners on a smaller budget.

The silicone construction means that the lure remains soft to entice the fish onto the hook, but it’s still robust enough to handle the toothier fish. You can use this lure for a range of species and they come in 3 different sizes from 2.67 inches to 3.9 inches so there’s plenty of range for you to be able to target the specific size fish you want to.

This is a great, effective lure that’s more durable than a lot of other similarly priced models available, and it would give both experienced anglers and beginners a great time. The lure has been designed o closely mimic a real fish’s swimming action and a lot of attention has been paid to how best attract the bass, with careful placement of the reflective patches and holographic inserts for maximum results.

Pros

• Range of different sizes available

• Great value and perfect for beginners and experienced anglers

• More durable than most other similar lures

• Very effective

• Multipack for maximum value

Cons

• The tail area is a little delicate

RUNNER UP

Rebel has an excellent reputation among anglers for crafting quality fishing equipment that can be relied upon to perform again and again, and this option doesn’t let them down. This is a cricket bait so they’re a little different to most other lures on the market and rebel have spent some effort making them as realistic as possible to entice the fish, and they must have done something right because they’ve got a proven track record for bringing the smallmouth bass out into the open and if you’re after an effective lure than this might be just what you need. The lure has a diving depth from 0-3 feet and it’s a versatile model that would be effective against a range of different freshwater fish species.

This lure gives an excellent impersonation of a live cricket thanks to the clear lip and moves erratically through the water in a way that definitely catches attention. This model comes in a range of different colors which gives you a great opportunity to work out what works well in your area. This is a very versatile lure that can be used to catch anything, so beginners may like them for the range of techniques they allow you to try out. It’s a great floater and it’s easy to work the surface of the water with, and you’re sure to catch plenty of different fish with this in your tackle box. If you’re a seasoned angler, why not try something a little bit different, and who knows? You may be pleasantly surprised.

Pros

• Comes in a range of colors

• Low diving depth

• Great for working the surface of the water

• Very life-like with excellent realistic features

• Lifelike action with excellent erratic movement

Cons

• Hooks can be hard to remove so pliers will need to be carried

RUNNER UP

Finally, we have this lovely hand-painted option from Strike King that gives a range of different weight options so you can pick the product best suitable to you and your needs. The lure includes a #10 hook that will be able to puncture pretty much anything you need it too and it’s strong enough to be an excellent help with aggressive fish. The hook is made from stainless steel which gives the lure its durability and strength, and you won’t find better against freshwater fish of all sizes.

The weight options on this model mean that it’s easy to find something that suits you and your situation. A lighter weight will give you more control of the lure which is useful depending on the weather conditions and protection of your fishing spot. If you’ve been struggling with length, then the heavier options may be able to increase your range as they’re easier to cast long distances. The lure has been designed to gain the attention of the bass by wigging in the water and vibrating fast enough to trigger the smallmouth bass’s feeding instinct as you move it past cover. The lure comes in a range of colors so there’s something to suit every situation.

This is an affordable option that offers excellent performance, and a wide range of different opportunities for personalization. If you’ve been struggling to entice the fish due to heavy cover than this is exactly what you’ve been looking for thanks to the innovative vibrating design. The range of colors and weight options mean that it’s suitable for more experienced fisherman as well as beginners. The well-thought-out design makes this a nicely versatile lure that has something to please everybody and is certainly effective enough to earn its place in most tackle boxes.

Pros

• Range of weights available 

• Range of colors available 

• Durable and well made

• Excellent swimming action 

• High value 

Cons 

• Not suitable for seawater fishing