Plastic Bass Baits That Trigger Strikes

When it comes to catching bass, plastics are the bait of choice, and the choosing is getting tougher every day. The truth is, the best choice is one that works for you, and you might have to do some trial and error fishing to determine what it is that works best for you in the various locations and conditions in which you will be fishing, and formulate solid, workable approaches to all the different conditions as you go.

Once upon a time, choosing which plastic bait to use was quite simple, because there were so few from which to choose. Now days, there are so many it can really be complicated. From choices such as a slider about four inches long in motor oil, to a ripple tail about eight inches long in bubblegum, the mind can boggle when it comes to making a seemingly simple choice about which plastic bait will work best for you.

First, consider the size fish you plan to catch. Smaller fish require smaller bait or they just nibble the bait away and avoid the hook. Larger fish turn up their noses at measly offerings. Another consideration when it comes to choosing a plastic bait to catch bass is how a bait must appeal to the bass.

They are attracted to the way the bait looks. If it catches their eye, they will bite it. Next, they are attracted to the way it feels. If it feels right, they will gobble it down, and if it moves right to send out some vibrations, they will take off after it to gobble it down.

That being said, the way a bass feeds is determined by the temperature of the water and how clear the water is, so you must choose your plastic bait based on the color of the lure and the scent of the lure.

Now, the most popular plastic bait for catching bass is the plastic worm. They come in lengths from four to twelve inches long. Worms with straight tails will have little action or vibration in the water. An example of an intermediate action plastic worm is the Culprit. The rippled tail of the worm is what gives it the vibration in the water. The worms with the most action will have a wide curl in them. An example of a high action worm with a wide curl is Gator Tail by Ditto. When the water is clear, the bass will rely on seeing their bait more than the vibration it causes in the water. In stained waters, they are going to rely more on the vibration in the water to let them know the bait is there. In clear water, use natural looking colors that are brighter. In stained water, use darker colors. The best all purpose color you can choose is chartreuse, because it works in clear or muddy water equally well.

If you are fishing bottom structure, try the Do-Nothing. Ringworms are good choices in most conditions. Some tried and true plastic worms are: Culprit worms in anything from a seven inch to a ten inch size, Kicker Fish Bait Company's Wacky Worm, and the Magnum Wacky Worm.