Bass sport fishing is among the most popular summertime sporting events all across the United States. Amateurs and professionals alike enter bass fishing tournaments as well as simply enjoy a bass fishing weekend or a visit to a favorite lake.

In addition to being a very popular sporting event, bass fishing is also considered an art. For success, it is critical to choose the best bass fishing lures to use by thinking about the behavior of the fish, water temperature, water conditions and seasonal movements.

There are plenty of freshwater bass fishing lures that are customarily used in places where bass are known to concentrate. The many kinds of bass include small and large-mouthed bass, peacock, spotted, stripped and white bass. Each one of these types is approached by using a different size and style of lure. Bass fishing lures often include the following:

Topwater baits - these lures are used on the surface of the water. They are designed to float and move across the water in order to attract bass that are feeding right below the surface. Topbaits may be buzzbaits or rattlebaits that utilize their movement through the water to make a vibration or sound to attract bass, or they may have tiny propellers that are there to make a splashing sound when breaking the surface of the water.

Topwater baits - these lures are used on the water’s surface. They are made to move across the water and float in order to attract bass that are feeding directly under the surface. Topbaits may be buzzbaits or rattlebaits that cause their movement through the water to make a vibration or sound to attract bass, or they may have little propellers that are there to produce a splashing sound when breaking the water’s surface.

Jerkbaits - these are also shaped like minnows, but are often heavier than swimbaits. The jerkbait is designed to have irregular movement and action as a wounded bait fish would have when swimming through the water. Thus, they are not designed to have a smooth retrieval like the other baits.

Jerkbaits - these are also shaped like minnows, but they are usually heavier than swimbaits. However, the jerkbait is not designed for smooth retrieval as the other lures are. Instead, they move irregularly and act as an injured bait fish would when swimming.

Bass fishing lures also may include trolling baits, worms, and live bait fish. Usually the lures will be brightly colored for fishing in bright conditions and deeper waters. More naturally-colored lures are for fishing in shallow and cloudy water found near the shoreline.