Soft Plastic Worms

 In the heat of summer, soft plastic worms like Senkos or Texas-rigged worms are a go-to for largemouth bass in freshwater lakes. With water temperatures between 65–80°F, bass often hang around weed beds or drop-offs. Rig a 5–7-inch worm in natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon for clear water, or try chartreuse or black/blue in murky lakes. Cast near cover and let the worm sink slowly, twitching it to mimic a natural meal. These baits shine when fish are sluggish in the midday heat.

Crankbaits  

Crankbaits are perfect for covering water and targeting bass or walleye in summer’s deeper zones (5–15 feet). Squarebill or medium-diving crankbaits in shad or chrome work great in clear water, while firetiger or chartreuse stand out in stained lakes. Cast and retrieve steadily, letting the lure bump into rocks or stumps to trigger strikes. Early morning or late evening is prime time for this aggressive presentation.Topwater Lures Nothing beats the thrill of a topwater strike in summer! Poppers and buzzbaits in white, black, or frog patterns are deadly during dawn or dusk when bass are hunting near the surface. Work these lures aggressively to mimic fleeing baitfish, casting near docks or weed edges. In clear water, stick with natural colors; in murky water, go bold with chartreuse. Keep your rod tip up and be ready for explosive hits!

Jigs

Jigs, like football or swim jigs, are versatile for summer bass fishing around deep structure or cover. Use green pumpkin or shad in clear water and black/blue or chartreuse in stained lakes. Drag or hop a ½-ounce jig along the bottom near drop-offs or stumps for bass lurking in 10–20 feet. Pair with a craw trailer for extra action. Slow and steady is the key to enticing bites in warm water.

Crankbaits

Fall is a feeding frenzy in freshwater lakes as fish bulk up for winter! Lipless or medium-diving crankbaits in shad, chrome, or silver mimic baitfish schools in clear water, while chartreuse or firetiger pop in stained lakes. With water cooling to 55–70°F, cast these lures in 3–10 feet and retrieve quickly to trigger reaction strikes from bass or walleye. Look for baitfish schools near the surface to find active fish.

Spinnerbaits  

Spinnerbaits are a fall favorite for bass in shallow to mid-depths. Double willow or Colorado blade models in white, chartreuse, or black shine in stained water, while shad or ghost patterns work in clear lakes. Slow-roll or burn the lure near cover like weeds or fallen trees. The flash and vibration draw aggressive strikes, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or cloudy days.

Soft Plastics

Soft plastic swimbaits or flukes are deadly in fall, mimicking baitfish that bass and walleye chase. Try shad or silver in clear water and chartreuse or black/blue in murky lakes. Use a steady retrieve or twitch-and-pause technique in 3–10 feet of water. These baits are great for covering open water or casting near points where fish are staging.

Jigs 

Casting or finesse jigs excel in fall for bass around cover or drop-offs. Go with green pumpkin or shad in clear water and black/blue or purple in stained lakes. Hop or swim a ⅜-ounce jig near docks, rocks, or weed edges. The subtle action tempts fish feeding heavily before winter. Pair with a soft plastic trailer to match the forage in your lake.

Jigs

Winter fishing in cold 35–50°F water calls for finesse, and jigs deliver. Finesse or blade jigs in green pumpkin or smoke work in clear water, while black, dark brown, or purple stand out in murky lakes. Fish these in deep water (15–30 feet) near ledges or humps, using a slow drag or vertical jigging motion. Patience is key, as bass and walleye are sluggish but will bite if you get the bait right in their face.

Spoons  

Metal spoons, like silver or gold models, are a winter staple for walleye or trout in deep, open water. Use silver or natural colors in clear lakes and dark brown or black in stained water for contrast. Jig vertically or cast and retrieve slowly in 20–30 feet. The spoon’s flash mimics a struggling baitfish, perfect for lethargic fish conserving energy.

Soft Plastics 

 Drop-shot rigs or Ned rigs with soft plastics are ideal for finicky winter bass. Stick with green pumpkin, smoke, or shad in clear water and black or purple in murky lakes. Fish these in deep water near structure, using subtle twitches or a slow drag. A 4–6-inch worm or small shad-shaped plastic works best. Keep movements minimal to match the fish’s slow metabolism.

Blade Baits

Blade baits, like vibrating metal lures, are excellent for winter bass or walleye. Choose silver or gold for clear water and black or dark brown for stained lakes. Fish these in 15–25 feet with a lift-and-drop or slow retrieve. The vibration and flash draw strikes from fish holding near the bottom, even in chilly conditions.

Jigs

Spring brings bass to shallow waters for spawning, and jigs are a top choice. Flipping or swim jigs in crawfish (red, brown, orange) or green pumpkin excel in clear water, while black/blue or red craw shine in stained lakes. Pitch into heavy cover like weeds or docks in 2–8 feet, or swim them near spawning beds. A slow, deliberate presentation mimics crawfish, a favorite spring meal.

Soft Plastics 

Soft plastic craws, creature baits, or stickbaits are perfect for pre- and post-spawn bass. Use crawfish, green pumpkin, or watermelon in clear water and black/blue or chartreuse in murky lakes. Texas or Carolina rig these in shallow flats or coves, fishing slowly to tempt aggressive or staging fish. A 4–6-inch bait matches the natural forage in spring.

Crankbaits

Squarebill or shallow-diving crankbaits are great for spring bass in 2–8 feet of water. Choose crawfish (red, brown) or shad in clear water and firetiger or red craw in stained lakes. Cast near rocks, stumps, or shallow cover, retrieving steadily to bang the lure off objects. This triggers reaction strikes from bass guarding beds or feeding pre-spawn.

Spinnerbaits  

Spinnerbaits with tandem blades are versatile for spring bass in shallow to mid-depths. Go with white, chartreuse, or shad in clear water and black/blue or red craw in murky lakes. Slow-roll or retrieve steadily near weeds, logs, or points. The flash and vibration are irresistible to bass moving into spawning areas.