Basics of Bass Fishing lures

Beginner’s Guide to Basic Bass Fishing Lures in Texas

Bass fishing in Texas is more than just a pastime — it's a way of life. With lakes like Fork, Bois’D’Arc, and Ray Roberts, the Lone Star State is loaded with trophy bass. Whether you’re bank fishing a pond or launching a boat on a big reservoir, knowing how to use the most common bass lures will give you a major edge. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials:

1. Plastic Worms

Best for: Clear to slightly stained water
How to use:
Texas rig them with a bullet weight and slowly work them along the bottom. Target grass lines, creek channels, and submerged brush. In the summer heat, bass hold deep — worms can tempt them when nothing else will. https://amzn.to/3GbVHzV

2. Crankbaits

Best for: Covering water and locating active fish
How to use:
Use shallow crankbaits around rocks and docks, and deep divers along ledges and points. Let them deflect off cover — those bumps often trigger strikes. https://amzn.to/45N2TNd

3. Spinnerbaits

Best for: Windy, murky water
How to use:
Burn them near the surface or slow-roll them near the bottom. Great around timber and shallow flats, especially in spring or fall. https://amzn.to/4erl1hN

4. Chatterbaits (Bladed Jigs)

Best for: Grass and stained water
How to use:
Cast it near vegetation, then retrieve with a steady wobble. The vibrating blade and flash draw reaction strikes — add a swimbait trailer for extra action. https://amzn.to/4lrFvJB

5. Swimbaits

Best for: Mimicking shad and baitfish
How to use:
Rig soft swimbaits on a jighead or weighted hook and swim them slowly through open water, especially near schooling bass. Larger glide baits work well around isolated cover for targeting big fish. https://amzn.to/445ecz4

6. Creature Baits

Best for: Heavy cover and flipping
How to use:
Texas rig or punch them into thick grass, brush piles, or docks. The multiple appendages create a ton of movement — ideal for pitching when bass are holding tight to cover. https://amzn.to/44MNn1V

7. Topwater Lures (Frogs, Poppers, Walking Baits)

Best for: Early morning, evening, or overcast days
How to use:
Work frogs across lily pads, poppers near shorelines, and walking baits in open water. Always pause occasionally — that’s when many strikes hit. https://amzn.to/44jCHr3

8. Jigs

Best for: Big bass near heavy cover
How to use:
Flip or pitch jigs into brush, docks, and submerged trees. Use a trailer for added bulk. Let it sink, then give a few short hops. Slow presentations work best in cooler months. https://amzn.to/4loprZ8

Final Tip:

Color matters: Use natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon) in clear water, and darker or brighter colors (black, white, chartreuse) in muddy or low-light conditions.

With these lures in your tackle box and a little time on the water, you'll be well on your way to catching Texas bass like a pro. Good luck — and tight lines!