Lure Selection Flowchart 2024
clemsondds reply :
Has anyone found a really good flowchart that takes into consideration most variables and most major lure options? I’m somewhat new to bass fishing and the more research I do, the more overwhelming the lure options are various situations. I am still trying to learn all the various rig/options and it’s hard to learn them all, let alone learn when is the best time to use them (Eg ned rig, carolina rig, Texas rig, senko, dropshot, spinnerbait, chatterbait, a-rig, lipless/square bill crankbait, jerkbait...)
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
scaleface reply :
Just select lures that allow you to effectively fish the cover or structure you encounter . Its that simple .
OkobojiEagle reply :
Do you think anybody uses every presentation option... NOT! Cover the water column with 4 or 5 options taking into account water temp and time of year and you've got a pretty good start. After that, fine tune your selections with experience.
oe
clemsondds reply :
It would be nice to have a flow chart for beginners to reference (ie if the water color is this at this time of year, at this depth then use...)
OkobojiEagle reply :
It sure would be nice... but fishing isn't that structured.
WRB reply :
Anyone can do this with the lures and presentations they are skilled at using. The newer you are to bass fishing the fewer lures and presentations your are skilled using, the smaller the flow chart tends to be.
My personal flow chart extends over 60 years of bass fishing experience, so I use the grey matter between my ears as a flow chart and intuition followed by trail and error.
Tom
Bankbeater reply :
Everything else being equal I look at water clarity.
fin reply :
It wasn’t that many years ago that the only way to learn was through word of mouth, learning from your father or family and friends. Someone might teach you something after you buy them a case of beer and fill up the gas tank of their truck and boat. Now you can go on the internet and come to a site like this and learn anything about fishing you want and even watch a video that demonstrates how to do it.
And that’s not good enough? You want a flow chart that tells you what to do in any possible conditions? Wow.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 3/18/2019 at 4:28 AM, clemsondds said:Has anyone found a really good flowchart that takes into consideration most variables and most major lure options? I’m somewhat new to bass fishing and the more research I do, the more overwhelming the lure options are various situations. I am still trying to learn all the various rig/options and it’s hard to learn them all, let alone learn when is the best time to use them (Eg ned rig, carolina rig, Texas rig, senko, dropshot, spinnerbait, chatterbait, a-rig, lipless/square bill crankbait, jerkbait...)
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
You would be better served by not trying to learn them all, but picking a few to use that cover a small number of important bases. Think top, middle and bottom of the water column, fast vs. slow, and horizontal vs. vertical presentations. You could do most of that pretty well with a wacky-rigged senko, a texas rigged worm or other plastic, a spinnerbait, and a topwater popper. Newbies are also better served, not by researching lures, but by researching bass behavior and location.
fishwizzard reply :
On 3/18/2019 at 6:43 AM, MIbassyaker said:You could do most of that pretty well with a wacky-rigged senko, a texas rigged worm or other plastic, a spinnerbait, and a topwater popper. Newbies are also better served, not by researching lures, but by researching bass behavior and location.
This is the best advice I think you could give someone starting out, especially the last part. Learning about bass was what got me over the hump from "casting a lure into the water with high hopes and little else" to "fishing". The first times I manged to look at the water, make an informed decision on exactly where to make my cast, and then to catch a bass was an amazing feeling.
It was not taken that day, but this is the spot. I had fished it a few times before but never had much luck as I was just casting into the middle of the channel over and over as to not snag my lure.
clemsondds reply :
Cool thank you! Appreciate the helpful post. I’ve been fishing for 25 years but this is the first time I’m getting a little more serious about it. Disappointed with some of the other responses...try to be helpful and supportive of new fishernen. I’m just trying to find a way to have a quick reference guide to how and when to use certain rigs/lures. Not trying to be lazy or anything...just trying to be a better fisherman. Appreciate the help!
Oklahoma Mike reply :
https://basssmasher.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-lure-selection-chart
Jigfishn10 reply :
I wrote this in another thread but it's worth repeating.
My son is a pitcher in baseball and can throw a lot of different pitches...curveball, slider, 2 seem, 4 seem, change-up, splitter, cutter...I asked him 1 day, if you have a 2/2 or 3/2 count how many of those pitches do you have confidence in throwing? He said 3. "Why don't you work on those 3 for now, get really good with them and then add another."
It's fun to be able to fish with multiple lures, presentation and techniques but if you don't know how to fish with any of the lures you mentioned then you're just casting and not fishing. The advice you've been given has been great advice by fisherman who had to develop their own flow charts. I would work on something that can be fished on top, middle and bottom. Get good with those then add something else. You can develop your own flow chart from your experience instead of someone elses.
For me:
Topwater: Walking bait like a Spook Jr
Middle: Lipless Crank
Bottom: Texas Rig Worm
EDIT:
On 3/18/2019 at 6:43 AM, MIbassyaker said:You would be better served by not trying to learn them all, but picking a few to use that cover a small number of important bases. Think top, middle and bottom of the water column, fast vs. slow, and horizontal vs. vertical presentations. You could do most of that pretty well with a wacky-rigged senko, a texas rigged worm or other plastic, a spinnerbait, and a topwater popper. Newbies are also better served, not by researching lures, but by researching bass behavior and location.
Sorry @MIBassyaker, I completely misread your post about top, middle bottom. Great post
Jaderose reply :
You are setting yourself for a lot of frustration AND a lot of money spent on lures and bait you will ultimately never use. Everybody else has said it but it bears repeating over and over. Research bass behavior and conditions. Weather, water clarity, blue sky vs. overcast, dawn/dusk vs. mid-day, etc. You've spent 25 years fishing for whatever, what's another 25 learning how to bass fish? Relax and enjoy the journey. There is no destination. You will find that as you get better and better that super highway of info, techniques, equipment, etc., you are on will become a nice country lane. Ain't nothing wrong with color charts and such but when I'm in my boat and the sun is shining, the coffee is hot, and the bass are biting, I sure as hell don't wanna be studying charts. Just my .02.
If you want to buy an entire dresser full of baits and technique specific stuff I bought 10 years ago that have never seen the water, let me know! 
scaleface reply :
There are so many different lures that making a chart on when to fish what is a big under taking . Lets say you are fishing a bank that has a lot of lay-downs and brush with many small limbs . Instead of thinking what are the bass biting on think what will fish these high percentage spots thoroughly . For me it would be Texas rigs , jigs ,spinnerbaits , buzzbaits.. because of their ability to be fished in snags . Then you come upon a riprap bank . What lures will fish it well ? Crankbaits come into play . Fishing a deep point choices would be sinking lures and deep diving crankbaits ...Stumps , standing timber ,vegetation , flats , channel banks ,beaver houses ,gravel , mud , silt , docks ... all have characteristics that favor certain lures over others . I'll tell you this , the two most versatile lures I throw are texas rigs and spinnerbaits .
primetime reply :
The reason I find Bass Fishing so addictive is because there are no "Absolutes" right or wrong way for the most part. If you were to ask the 10 best Pro's on Tour to draw up a chart to help simplify color, lures, water color etc....You would end up with 10 different charts.
The best way to learn in my opinion is to read a book or articles online to get an understanding of the basic habits of Bass, and then you just need to get on the water and practice. Having someone show you on the water is even better, and you quickly realize that it is impossible to know everything and what worked yesterday, may not work the next...
I guess I didn't really help, they do have charts online, but the videos that Glenn puts up on this site are really good to learn from. He does a good job simplifying things, because yes, Lure companies have done a good job of making you think you need every lure and color etc...
Tennessee Boy reply :
I went through a similar experience in the 1980s when I bought my first boat. I had been wading creeks for bass for years and fishing with my grandfather for catfish but fishing from a boat for bass was a new experience. I started reading everything I could about bass fishing which just slowed my learning down due to information overload. Most of the stuff you read about bass fishing is designed to sell you stuff. The advice I really wish someone had given me then is to learn to do one or two things very well and then add new things slowly over time. If you are in the south fishing water with low visibility, I would start with spinnerbaits and plastics. Learn about all the different ways you can configure and fish a spinner bait. Learn how and when to use different blades and trailers. This can take years to master. Spinnerbaits will be your technique for covering water fast. For slower fishing, become a master with plastics like worms, lizards, creature baits, and trickworms/sinkos. Learn the texas rig first. Try the many other rigs later. Weightless trickworms are a blast to fish post spawn around here. Learning to master everything you can do with plastics will take a lifetime. These are the tools you will use to catch the fish you locate. Learning to locate them is the real key to success as others have stated.
YOU WILL HAVE MANY DAYS THAT YOU DON'T CATCH ANYTHING. DON'T LET THAT CAUSE YOU TO LOSE FOCUS ON THE THINGS YOU ARE TRYING TO MASTER.
clemsondds reply :
Thanks for the help and advise! That makes a lot of sense.
WRB reply :
On 3/18/2019 at 6:43 PM, Oklahoma Mike said:https://basssmasher.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-lure-selection-chart
According to this chart all you need is jigs, spinnerbaits, jerk baits and crankbaits year around. It's so easy!
Tom
Tennessee Boy reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 7:29 AM, WRB said:According to this chart all you need is jigs, spinnerbaits, jerk baits and crankbaits year around. It's so easy!
Tom
Is it easy to master jigs, spinnerbaits, jerk baits and crankbaits?
A-Jay reply :
On 3/18/2019 at 6:43 PM, Oklahoma Mike said:https://basssmasher.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-lure-selection-chart
The Umbrealla Rig is mysteriously missing ~
Chart also indicated a very narrow temp recommendation for a drop shot.; mostly 'warmer' water.
The drop shot is an effective presentation for me from the 1st day of open water to hard water- basically all season.
Other than that - I'd say it's decent.
But now who has the "Where to fish chart".
That's the one I need.
A-Jay
WRB reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 7:46 AM, Tennessee Boy said:Is it easy to master jigs, spinnerbaits, jerk baits and crankbaits?
Define master them. Would my 5 top LMB or a several hundred DD LMB qualify?
I fish hair jigs year around and according to "the" flow chart shouldn't be using them when the water is above 50 degrees. Where I fish the water rarely gets below 50 degrees!
Location, timing and then lure selection that the bass will strike is what makes the difference, not a popular lure listing.
Tom
clemsondds reply :
I think he was trying to be sarcastic...
helpful posts are always appreciated.
Can anyone recommend any good books or sources for me to learn more about specific circumstances for certain baits? I am trying to learn for example: if I come up on a point with a ledge in clear water mid day water temp 60 degrees...what’s the best bait to start with and then what should/could be my second and third option? I could guess but I would love to have more that just a guess behind my reasoning. I wish I had a dad or friend to take me fishing but at this point I don’t, so I’m just trying to learn on my own right now (and the help of the greatest bass forum in the web ) Thanks for the help!
EGbassing reply :
If you're new to fishing there's no need for a complex flow chart. Just fish Texas rigs, jigs, and other slow moving baits when it's sunny, and fish faster moving baits like spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and other fast moving baits when it's overcast.
On 3/20/2019 at 8:09 AM, clemsondds said:I think he was trying to be sarcastic...
helpful posts are always appreciated.
Can anyone recommend any good books or sources for me to learn more about specific circumstances for certain baits? I am trying to learn for example: if I come up on a point with a ledge in clear water mid day water temp 60 degrees...what’s the best bait to start with and then what should/could be my second and third option? I could guess but I would love to have more that just a guess behind my reasoning. I wish I had a dad or friend to take me fishing but at this point I don’t, so I’m just trying to learn on my own right now (and the help of the greatest bass forum in the web
) Thanks for the help!
I don't think I have enough experience to help with that, but you can never go wrong with a texas rig or spinnerbait.
Tennessee Boy reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 8:04 AM, WRB said:Define master them. Would my 5 top LMB or a several hundred DD LMB qualify?
I fish hair jigs year around and according to "the" flow chart shouldn't be using them when the water is above 50 degrees. Where I fish the water rarely gets below 50 degrees!
I thought you were implying that the list was not long enough. While jigs, spinnerbaits, jerk baits and crankbaits would not be my ultimate do all year round list. I think someone that could fish jigs like Bauer, Cranks and spinnerbaits like Clunn, and jerk baits like VanDam would have all 12 months covered pretty well and I'm sure they would be fishing a jig when the water temp is about 50 degrees.
On 3/20/2019 at 8:04 AM, WRB said:Location, timing and then lure selection that the bass will strike is what makes the difference, not a popular lure listing.
I couldn't agree more.
LuffDaddy reply :
On 3/18/2019 at 6:41 AM, fin said:It wasn’t that many years ago that the only way to learn was through word of mouth, learning from your father or family and friends. Someone might teach you something after you buy them a case of beer and fill up the gas tank of their truck and boat. Now you can go on the internet and come to a site like this and learn anything about fishing you want and even watch a video that demonstrates how to do it.
And that’s not good enough? You want a flow chart that tells you what to do in any possible conditions? Wow.
Thank you.... you quite literally put my exact thoughts into words. People are unbelievable
fin reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 5:44 PM, LuffDaddy said:Thank you.... you quite literally put my exact thoughts into words. People are unbelievable
Well I’m not real proud of that comment. I was cranky after a day of not catching anything. What I said may be true, but it’s kind of rude and unhelpful. I apologize to @clemsondds He just bought a new boat and all the trimmings to take his 3 kids fishing. He’s dealing with information overload and is trying to get a handle on it.
TOXIC reply :
Part of the fun of fishing is that you are always learning. It never stops. Time on the water is the teacher and lures are the tool. Pick a technique, read up on it to get the best conditions for it, then dedicate some time on the water with it. Another thing about fishing (and I heard one of the pros say it during the classic) is that unique to our sport vs others is that every day is different. And it's true.
clemsondds reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 7:40 PM, fin said:Well I’m not real proud of that comment. I was cranky after a day of not catching anything. What I said may be true, but it’s kind of rude and unhelpful. I apologize to @clemsondds He just bought a new boat and all the trimmings to take his 3 kids fishing. He’s dealing with information overload and is trying to get a handle on it.
Thanks for that comment. I wish I had a ton of time to get on the water and fish all the time, but I don't. So when I do get out there, I like to feel like I have a chance of catching something since I'm using the right lure at the right time. I think part of the issue is the increase in youtube (lakeforkguy, flukemaster, fishing with nordby, tacticalbassin, roland martin...) videos. They are helpful, but with all the great fishermen on there and them having to create new content all the time...it leads to them talking about all the various techniques constantly and you/I get a little overwhelmed. Each video seems to be how some other technique is the best thing in the world and you would be an idiot for not trying it lol. Again, I have fished my whole life, but have never been an avid fisherman. The last twenty years or so, I have been swamped with college, dental school and life and am just now able to get back in it. So I'm just trying to find a way to keep it all sorted in my head and be able to take in all the variables when I go fish and select two or three of the best lure/rigs that give me a shot at the right presentation. I'm not looking to master all the different techniques...just want to be familiar with when to use what.
The flow charts that were already posted were a great help and give me a good starting point. Thanks!
fin reply :
Hiring a guide might be good for you, if you can afford it. Of course there are good and bad guides, but if you can spend some time with a good one, it can change everything for you. I haven't seen anything on this site about guides, but if you search around online you can find some.
Be careful with those kids out there.
clemsondds reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 8:24 PM, fin said:Hiring a guide might be good for you, if you can afford it. Of course there are good and bad guides, but if you can spend some time with a good one, it can change everything for you. I haven't seen anything on this site about guides, but if you search around online you can find some.
Be careful with those kids out there.
That's a great idea. I'll look into it!
OnthePotomac reply :
And hit something like the tidal Potomac and start learning all over again.
BassNJake reply :
I'd look into seasonal patterns to begin with.
There isn't a magic lure that will catch fish that are not there.
If you have a general understanding of bass behavior at different times of the year, you can adjust presentation once you are in the right area.
In your example, when the water is near the 60's in the spring I'm looking for large flats and the points leading to those flats. The fish i would be trying to catch would be prespawn or spawning. I would be using a lure that I could cover water with like a flat side crank bait, rattle trap type bait, spinnerbait/chatterbait and adjusting to the depths that I was fishing so if I was targeting the point in 15 feet of water i could use a heavier lure than when throwing across the 2 foot deep flat. Once i caught a few fish I would slow down and fish the area more thoroughly with a senko, jig, split shot rig .. ...
also its fishing- so what worked 5 minutes ago may not work now but at some time in the future it will work again
KVD seasonal guide
https://www.bassmaster.com/vandams-6-season-bass-guide
WRB reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 8:09 AM, clemsondds said:I think he was trying to be sarcastic...
helpful posts are always appreciated.
Can anyone recommend any good books or sources for me to learn more about specific circumstances for certain baits? I am trying to learn for example: if I come up on a point with a ledge in clear water mid day water temp 60 degrees...what’s the best bait to start with and then what should/could be my second and third option? I could guess but I would love to have more that just a guess behind my reasoning. I wish I had a dad or friend to take me fishing but at this point I don’t, so I’m just trying to learn on my own right now (and the help of the greatest bass forum in the web
To me a good understanding of basic bass behavior is essential to solving the questions asked.
My Cosmic Clock and Bass Calendar is a good place to started to learn about basic bass behavior and how LMB in deep structured lakes relate to each seasonal period.
Tom
PS, Google search "Cosmic Clock and Bass Calendar"
snake95 reply :
On 3/20/2019 at 8:15 PM, clemsondds said:Again, I have fished my whole life, but have never been an avid fisherman. The last twenty years or so, I have been swamped with college, dental school and life and am just now able to get back in it. So I'm just trying to find a way to keep it all sorted in my head and be able to take in all the variables when I go fish and select two or three of the best lure/rigs that give me a shot at the right presentation.
I absolutely understand where you are coming from. I was/am in the same boat. Time is at a premium for me, too. To boil down what some of the guys that sound frustrated are trying to say is that there is no magic bullet, and you're wasting your time looking for one. However, I see your perspective. I started getting into it avidly with two small kids 4 years ago now. These days, I fish most weekends, and I'm decent at it, at least on small waters. I've become that neighborhood Dad and Uncle that takes all the kids and teaches all the kids who's parents don't know how. My son can tell you all about the major Pros (he's met many of them), and just the other day we went to our second Classic. Here's my 2c:
- Consider the most basic, and most versatile lures first, they all can work: grubs, plastic worms (trickworms), senkos (stickworms), lizards, flukes, spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Rapala originals, in-line spinners, maybe Pop-R's, buzzbaits, the list goes on and on, but you'll quickly recognize the main types.
- Consider the most basic rigs: Texas Rig, basic jighead, Carolina Rig, and I would say Ned Rig
- Most of these (except topwaters, in general) work most of the year and in many places
Flowcharts might be a useful place to start, but quickly you'll learn that these common, versatile lures will work in many more situations than indicated in the charts.
The point about figuring our where fish is a good one. Most of these baits will work if placed near cover or structure (if you don't know what I mean, look those up), under the right conditions. You can really only get to know them through reading, watching, and most importantly fishing.
Then: start reading, visiting this site, listening to Bassmaster podcasts, following Pros on Social Media, checking out the YouTube stars, etc. etc.
Most importantly, FISH. My secret is I don't get obsessed with having to fish on a "trip" to call it a success. I carry rods in my trunk, a few packs of gear, and a scale. If there is a pond with water in it, with access, and I have time (yes, 15 minutes for a few casts is enough), I fish. Time on the water - ANY time, ANY water, is the key to learning bass for sure.
As for kids, you want to take them and get them interested. Get them gear, and be patient. The first couple years I spent a lot of time untangling lines and cursing lost lures. In the long run it has paid off. Now my kids are the ones that set up others, tie on their baits, teach them to fish, and unhook the fish. Its awesome, and just means more acceptance of my hobby by the others in my family... Good luck!!!
Tennessee Boy reply :
Let me share one more important point. I spent around 15 - 20 hours a week wading creeks while in high school and college. I caught large numbers of very small fish and had a blast doing it. When I bought my first boat I had no clue how to fish a lake. I didn’t get a bite my first three times out. On my forth, I went as far up in a creek as I could drive my boat and start creek fishing the way I had always done. I caught a bunch of small fish and enjoyed fishing in my boat for the first time. I quickly learned that I could do the same thing in certain places on the main lake and catch small fish. Then I learned to fish bigger baits in deeper water and catch bigger fish. I’ve been learning and having fun ever since. The lesson here is don’t forget to have fun in your new boat. Buy a bunch of crickets and go bream fishing if that’s what it takes.
related Fishing Tackle topic
previous topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.