Bass fishing, both professional and amateur have gained in popularity over the years, with competitions proving to be a particular crowd pleaser. Of course, the available selection of bass fishing lures has grown alongside this explosion in the popularity of the sport. The time of day or night you are fishing, the location, and depth and type of water are all things to be taken into consideration when deciding which bass fishing lures and bait to use. To become familiar with the most common and effective choices, consider the following suggestions:

Jigs

A lot of experienced fishermen and women stand by jigs (heavy baits with one hook) as being the most useful all around baits, especially in clear to slightly murky waters. Jigs are good for attracting inactive fish and getting the attention of those who are buried deep. When using jigs, remember to give them enough motion to fool the bass into thinking of them as live prey. Jigs are best used in water which is at 60 degrees or lower, making them a good choice for night fishing.

Rubber Worms

Gone is the bother of dealing with real worms when you choose to use rubber ones which work equally as well. An added weight in the make-up of your lure allows a slow descent to the bottom of your fishing location. Bass will bite at your rubber worm - if you're lucky. Otherwise, just reel it back in and try again.

Spinner Baits

The unusual shape of spinner baits are constructed with an over-sized metal attachment that spins. This kind of lure draws the fish by the disturbance it makes in the water. Spinner baits are year-round lures that especially work well during the spawning season when bass are less desperate to feed.

Crank Baits

Through the imitation of a weak or injured fish, crank lures are used as top water and sinking lures. The noise made by these lures also helps to attract bass. To make the most of these lures, use a slow motion, just as would be made by an injured fish.

Top Water Poppers

While poppers are similar to crank baits, they are set aside solely as a top water lure. They make a popping noise as they move across water and are best used in the summer, when slow reeling is the way to go.

Go For the Larger Catch with Grubs

Grubs can be especially useful for smallmouth bass fishing, as they are geared towards larger catches. Grubs are bare jig heads with a soft body made of plastic which is added to a hook. When a highland reservoir lacks ample cover, this lure is rather effective. Clear and deep waters are the greatest locations to use grubs, where white, yellow, salt and pepper, and smoke selections work best.

Tube Baits

When surrounded with inactive fish or angling in clear water, tube jigs target the bass wonderfully. A 6 to 6.5 foot rod with medium action and a spinning reel is best for these shallow water drop baits.

Vibrating Lures

A tremor is generated by the plastic or metal used in this type of lure when it is taken out of the water. With a sound (much like a rattle), the baits sink to the bottom and do not get lost in particularly deep waters. An Assortment of spinner baits is available in this category, including tail spinners, which are weighty, compact baits of metal that use a small spinner as a focus for the bass. Vibrating lures are great for fishing near currents and obstacles such as stumps and grass beds.