Hook, Line, and Sinker: Top Lures for Bass Fishing in Texas
Author: Stuart Dunlop
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Texas is a haven for anglers looking to catch trophy-sized bass. With a plethora of lakes and rivers to choose from, it's no wonder the Lone Star State is a hot spot for bass fishing enthusiasts. To maximize your chances of landing that big catch, you'll need to arm yourself with the right lures. In this blog, we'll reveal the best lures to use for bass fishing in Texas, so you can fill your tackle box with the essentials.
Texas Rigged Soft Plastic Worms:
You can't talk about bass fishing in Texas without mentioning the Texas Rig. This versatile setup features a soft plastic worm, a bullet weight, and a wide-gap hook. Popular worm choices include the 7-inch Ribbon Tail Worm, the 6-inch Senko, and the 6-inch Lizard. The Texas Rig is perfect for fishing in heavy cover, as its weedless design reduces the chances of getting snagged.
Spinnerbaits:
A classic lure for bass fishing, spinnerbaits are as effective in Texas as they are elsewhere. The combination of flash and vibration produced by the spinning blades is irresistible to bass. Opt for a 3/8 or 1/2 ounce size in chartreuse, white, or shad patterns for maximum effectiveness. Fish these lures around submerged vegetation, timber, or along the edges of weed lines.
Squarebill Crankbaits:
Squarebill crankbaits excel in shallow water and around structure like stumps, rocks, and docks. Their square-shaped lip helps deflect off objects, minimizing hang-ups while creating an erratic motion that bass find irresistible. Stick to natural shad, crawfish, or bluegill patterns to match the primary forage in Texas waters.
Jigs:
Jigs are a must-have for any serious bass angler. They can be fished year-round and are especially effective when targeting big bass in deep water. A 1/2 to 3/4 ounce flipping or football jig in black and blue, green pumpkin, or watermelon red flake will cover most situations. Pair your jig with a matching craw or creature bait trailer for added bulk and action.
Topwater Lures:
When bass are active near the surface, there's nothing more thrilling than a topwater strike. In Texas, popular topwater lures include walking baits like the Zara Spook, poppers such as the Rebel Pop-R, and hollow body frogs for fishing in heavy cover. Topwater action is typically best early and late in the day or during overcast conditions.
Swimbaits:
Swimbaits are ideal for mimicking the natural swimming action of forage fish like shad, bluegill, and tilapia. Opt for 4-6 inch soft swimbaits on a jig head or weighted hook for a versatile presentation. In Texas, swimbaits in shad, bluegill, or tilapia patterns excel, especially when targeting big bass in clear water.
Conclusion:
Arming yourself with the right lures is key to maximizing your chances of success on Texas waters. By adding these six essential lures to your tackle box, you'll be well-equipped to target bass in a variety of situations and conditions. Remember, though, that the best lure is often the one you have the most confidence in. So, experiment with these tried-and-true options and fine-tune your approach to find what works best for you. Happy fishing!
