How to catch bass: choose your bait or lure wisely

Once you have found a freshwater fishing spot that has cover, take a close look at the water conditions and pay close attention to any baitfish or forage you see. For example, if the water is clear and you notice schools of shad swimming near a boat dock or a crayfish crawling along the bottom, you have valuable clues as to what may be the best bait for bass in that area.

Always try to choose a bait or lure that mimics the type of prey that the bass are likely to be feeding on in the waterway where you plan to fish.

• ·Spoons and crankbaits are made to imitate shad, shiners, or other types of baitfish. One of the most useful tips for catching bass in cloudy or muddy water is to try a rattling crankbait that will create vibrations in the water. When the water visibility is low, bass can sense vibrations from rattling lures or baits using their lateral line and you may get more strikes.
• ·Soft plastic crayfish, frogs, and lizards are creature baits that are made to mimic these types of prey. These types of soft plastic baits can often be rigged so that they are weedless, which makes it easier for to fish around vegetation.

While there are a variety of artificial lures and baits you can use, don't forget that natural baits are often the best option if you are fishing with kids or beginners.