Top 3 Must-Have Lures For Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing can be tricky. These fish are smart and picky eaters. They don’t always go for the same bait. What works one day might not work the next. This can leave many anglers scratching their heads.

But don’t worry. The right lure can make all the difference. It can turn a slow day into an exciting catch. Knowing which lures to use is key. It can help you land more smallmouth bass, more often.

We’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve searched for the best lures that smallmouth bass love. These lures have proven themselves time and time again. They’re trusted by both new and experienced anglers.

In this guide, we’ll share these top lures with you. We’ll explain why they work so well. You’ll learn when and where to use them. This information will help you catch more smallmouth bass on your next fishing trip.

Cotton Cordell Fishing Lures

Cotton Cordell fishing lures have been a staple for anglers targeting smallmouth bass for years. These lures come in various shapes and sizes, designed to mimic different prey and attract bass in different conditions.

The Cotton Cordell Big O is a popular choice for smallmouth bass fishing. It’s a crankbait that comes in three sizes, ranging from 2 to 3 inches in length. This versatility allows anglers to match the lure size to the fish they’re targeting.

Cotton Cordell lures are known for their durability and affordability. The Big O, for example, features a buoyant body and excellent cover-deflecting ability, making it suitable for fishing in shallow waters with obstacles.

Another notable Cotton Cordell lure is the Red Fin. This lure works well in calm waters and can be modified by adding weight to improve its casting distance and stability in choppy conditions. The Red Fin produces a wide, lazy wake on the surface, which can be irresistible to smallmouth bass.

Cotton Cordell also offers the Crazy Shad, a prop bait that creates a bubbling sound to attract fish. This lure can be effective when fished with a stop-and-go retrieve, mimicking injured prey.

While these lures have their strengths, they may not be the best choice for all situations. Some anglers find that higher-end lures offer better action or more realistic finishes. However, for the price point, Cotton Cordell lures provide good value and can be effective for catching smallmouth bass.

Cotton Cordell fishing lures are a solid choice for anglers looking for reliable, budget-friendly options for smallmouth bass fishing. Whether you’re casting in rivers, lakes, or streams, these lures can help you attract and catch smallmouth bass effectively.

Rebel Crawdad Fishing Lure

The Rebel Crawdad Fishing Lure is a popular choice for smallmouth bass fishing. This crankbait comes in various sizes, from the Teeny Wee-Crawfish at 1.5 inches to the Big Craw for larger fish.

Rebel Crawdad lures are known for their realistic design. They mimic the look and movement of a fleeing crawfish, which is irresistible to smallmouth bass. The lure’s body features details like tight pincers, a ribbed back, and intricate contour lines.

These lures work well in different water conditions. In clear streams, their lifelike appearance shines. They can also be effective in slightly cloudy waters. The smaller versions, like the Teeny Wee-Crawfish, excel in shallow streams and rocky areas where larger lures might get stuck.

Rebel Crawdad lures offer versatility in fishing techniques. Anglers can use a steady retrieve or add pauses and twitches to imitate natural crawfish behavior. This flexibility allows fishers to adapt to different situations and fish preferences.

The lure’s diving depth varies by size. The Teeny Wee-Crawfish dives 2-3 feet, while larger versions can reach 8-10 feet. This range lets anglers target smallmouth bass at different depths.

Durability is a strong point for Rebel Crawdad lures. They can withstand repeated strikes and collisions with rocks, which is crucial for stream fishing.

Rebel Crawdad Fishing Lures are suitable for both novice and experienced anglers targeting smallmouth bass in rivers and streams. They offer a good balance of realism, versatility, and durability for stream fishing.

Hula Popper Fishing Lure

The Arbogast Hula Popper is a classic topwater lure that has been catching bass for over 60 years. This fishing lure comes in various sizes, ranging from 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 inches, making it versatile for different fishing situations.

Hula Popper’s design features a concave mouth that creates a loud popping sound when retrieved. This noise attracts smallmouth bass and other gamefish from a distance. The lure’s standout feature is its pulsating rubber skirt, which moves enticingly even during pauses in retrieval.

Anglers can use the Hula Popper effectively around grass beds, timber, and other cover. Its topwater action makes it particularly useful for drawing fish out from hiding spots. The lure works well with both steady and jerky retrieves, allowing fishers to adapt to different conditions.

Hula Popper comes in multiple color options, including frog and coach dog patterns, which have proven effective in various water conditions. The lure’s construction is durable, withstanding repeated strikes from aggressive fish.

For smallmouth bass fishing, Hula Popper excels in clear to slightly cloudy waters. It’s especially effective during low light conditions or when bass are actively feeding on the surface.

Hula Popper is suitable for both novice and experienced anglers targeting smallmouth bass. Its simple yet effective design has stood the test of time, making it a reliable choice for topwater bass fishing.

What Is Special About Smallmouth Bass Lures

Smallmouth bass lures are typically smaller than those used for largemouth bass. This is because smallmouth bass have a smaller mouth and can’t open it as wide as largemouth bass. Even an 8-pound smallmouth can only open its mouth about half as wide as a largemouth of the same size. As a result, anglers often downsize their lures when targeting smallmouth bass.

The sweet spot for smallmouth bass lures in terms of price is usually between $5 to $15. This range offers a good balance of quality and affordability. However, some premium lures like the Megabass Ito Vision 110 jerkbait can cost up to $25 or more.

Smallmouth bass lures work best with light to medium spinning gear. A 7′ Medium-Fast spinning rod paired with a 2500-3000 size spinning reel is ideal for most smallmouth techniques. For line, 6-10 pound fluorocarbon or a combination of braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is popular among experienced anglers. If you’re looking for recommendations on rods and reels, check out our guide on the best bass fishing setup.

Weather plays a crucial role in smallmouth bass fishing. Overcast skies often lead to better fishing conditions as smallmouth bass tend to move into shallower water and feed more actively. Windy conditions can also improve fishing by scattering light and increasing feeding activity. However, stable weather patterns generally produce the most consistent results.

Seasoned smallmouth bass anglers know that these fish are often attracted to surface noise, unlike many other species. Topwater lures like the Arbogast Hula Popper can be highly effective, especially during early morning and evening hours. Additionally, smallmouth bass are primarily sight feeders, so clear water conditions are often preferred for better success rates.

Another insider tip is that smallmouth bass tend to prefer colder, deeper water compared to largemouth bass. They’re often found in rocky areas, around drop-offs, and in current seams in rivers. Lures that can effectively cover these areas, like drop shot rigs and tube jigs, are staples in many smallmouth anglers’ tackle boxes. For more information on effective rigs, check out our article on rigs for crappie fishing. This format not only enhances the content but also provides readers with easy access to related topics on your site!