The best bait to use for bass right now depends on several factors, including the water temperature, depth of the body of water, and the type of bottom. Here are some suggestions based on the search results:
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Water temperature: Bass are most active from 65-80 degree water temps. If the water temperature is in that range, a whole host of lures will work. Then it’s more about matching the mood of the fish and the water color and cover.
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Depth of the body of water: If you are fishing a shallow pond that is maybe 5 or 6 feet deep, just about anything that you throw will be in the bass strike zone. If the water is deeper, you may want to try a jig with a pork or plastic trailer, Texas-rigged worms, soft plastic stickbaits, and jigging spoons.
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Type of bottom: If the bottom is nice and sandy without a lot of gunk on the bottom, the Texas rig works great. If there are lots of laydowns, pick up a spinnerbait. If there is lots of grass, try a frog or punching through with a Texas-rigged worm. If there are rocky banks, try a crankbait or a topwater. If the water is clear, a wacky rigged Senko and a popper are good. Another great lure to catch a bass with is the good old Carolina or Texas rigged worm or salamander. The type of bottom that you are fishing will determine which of these rigs will work the best.
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Live bait: Small to medium size baitfish like shiners, herring, or minnows, as well as worms or crawfish, are some of the best live baits for bass.
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Artificial bait: Jigs, crankbaits, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits are all good choices for artificial bait. Football jigs work well for rocks and ledges, flipping jigs work well for cover and brush, and swim jigs work well for grass and cover.
Its important to note that the best bait for bass can vary depending on the time of year and other factors. For example, in winter, slow-moving baits and slow presentations work best, such as a jig with a pork or plastic trailer, Texas-rigged worms, soft plastic stickbaits, and jigging spoons. In the spring and fall, moving baits, loud aggressive baits, and finesse baits work well around the spawn to entice weary spawning bass.
