Best Spring Bass Lures

Are you planning to do some fishing in spring? Spring means warmer water and an increase in bass metabolism. Depending on your part of the country, bass behavior and location will be affected by the current stage of spawning related phase. Because of these anglers should bring a variety of spring bass fishing lures to be prepared for this flurry of shallow water activity.  

Here are some of the best spring bass lures:

Spinnerbaits. With warmer water temperatures, bass start chasing things more and the fluttering pulse of a spinnerbait often draws aggressive strikes. The vibration of the blade(s) attracts bass even in murky water caused by heavy spring rain events. With a single hook arranged up, this lure also is relatively snag free when casting along shallow, weedy shores.

Swimbaits. This is another lure that usually has a single, upturned hook to reduce getting hung up. It is a quieter, more natural presentation that may continue to fool fish even in areas with high fishing pressure.  Sizes and shapes vary greatly but a 3” paddle tail lure is a great place to start. 

Shallow crankbaits.  One of the best spring bass lures is a square-billed crankbait. There are many colors, sizes, and designs but for spring I prefer a small or medium lure with a tight wobble that runs only a couple of feet deep.  Experiment with different retrieval rates and rhythms. You can twitch it as a topwater lure or gamble a little by letting it run deeper and crash into structure such as stumps and rocks.

Spring is a period where bass have “awakened” from a cold water sulk but because of spawning phases, predictably may be unpredictable. However, the best spring bass fishing lures are designed for shallower water.  Bass have moved shallow not just because of spawning, but because the shore also serves as an ambush point for also awakening prey items such as insects, frogs, and crayfish. And as new spring vegetation begins to emerge, don’t forget to renew your fishing license.