Well, if you’re headin’ out to fishin’ in the rivers and you’re wantin’ to catch some big ol’ bass, you better know what kinda lures to use. I ain’t no expert, but I’ve seen enough folks throwin’ their lines in the river to know a thing or two. There’s a few lures that seem to do real good, no matter what kind of bass you’re after, whether it’s them smallmouths or them big ol’ largemouths. So, here’s a rundown of the best bass lures for rivers, all easy to use and just right for catchin’ fish!
1. Soft Plastic Worms
Now, if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ simple and reliable, you can’t go wrong with soft plastic worms. These worms are real lifelike, and bass sure do love ‘em. They wriggle around in the water just like a real worm, and that’ll make any bass think twice before passin’ it up. You can rig ’em up a bunch of different ways too—Texas rig, Carolina rig, or even just a simple jig head. If you’re fishin’ in deeper spots in the river, a Texas rig will help get that worm down to the bottom where the bass like to hang out.
2. Grubs and Swimbaits
Now, if you want something that moves real good in the water, you might want to try a grub or a swimbait. These little things are great for bass ‘cause they mimic baitfish, which bass can’t resist. Swimbaits have a real nice action to ‘em, and when you reel ’em in slow, the bass can’t hardly pass ’em up. You can use these with a jig head or a drop shot rig, dependin’ on how deep you’re fishin’. If the current’s strong, swimbaits will hold up better than you think!
3. Jigs
If you ask any ol’ fisherman, they’ll tell you that jigs are a must-have for river bass fishin’. Jigs got a heavy head, usually made of metal, and come with soft plastic or even animal hair for a tail. They’re great for fishin’ on the bottom, where them bass like to hide out. A good ol’ hair jig, made of deer or rabbit hair, is mighty popular with serious anglers. Those fine hairs move in the water, and that’s enough to fool a bass into thinkin’ it’s some tasty little critter swimmin’ by.
4. Spinnerbaits
When the water’s a bit murky or you’re fishin’ in the shallows, spinnerbaits can work wonders. They’ve got them shiny blades that spin around and make a lotta noise, which draws the bass right in. They’ll see that flash, hear the commotion, and before you know it, they’ll be right on it. You can use these when you’re fishin’ in the middle of the river or even near them submerged rocks and trees where the bass like to hang out.
5. Crankbaits
Now, crankbaits are another good one, especially if you’re fishin’ in places with a lot of underwater structure like rocks or fallen trees. Crankbaits dive down deep, and they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. You just cast it out, reel it in, and let that little crankbait bounce off rocks or swim through any underwater cover where them bass might be sittin’. The rattlin’ noise they make is like a dinner bell goin’ off for them bass.
6. Topwater Lures
When the water’s warm and them bass are feedin’ on the surface, don’t be afraid to throw a topwater lure out there. These lures float on top of the water, and when you work ‘em right, they’ll make a lotta splashin’ and wigglin’ that’s real attractive to bass. Buzzbaits and poppers work real good in rivers, especially early in the mornin’ or late in the evening when them bass are lookin’ to grab somethin’ near the surface.
Tips for Fishin’ in Rivers
- Check the Current: When you’re fishin’ in rivers, always pay attention to the current. Bass tend to hang out behind rocks or in eddies where the current slows down. That’s where you wanna cast your lures.
- Vary Your Retrieval Speed: Don’t be afraid to change up how fast or slow you reel your lure in. Sometimes a slow and steady retrieve works, but other times, you gotta give it a little more speed to make it more enticing.
- Match the Hatch: Pay attention to what the bass are eatin’. If there’s a lotta minnows or crawfish around, try using a bait that mimics that, like a crankbait or swimbait.
Well, I reckon that’s about all I got for you on bass lures in the river. You got your worms, jigs, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and them topwater lures. Each one’s got its time and place, so just keep tryin’ and see what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun out there. Ain’t nothin’ like a good day on the river with a rod in your hand and a fish on the line!
Tags:[bass lures, river fishing, best lures for bass, fishing tips, soft plastic lures, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, fishing jigs, bass fishing]