Must Have Lures In Your Tackle Bag! 2024
jembo reply :
Hey All,
I've only been serious into fishing for the last couple of years now, and my tackle collection has grown signifigantly. However, I'm wondering what baits, plastics, jigs, etc. are a must have.
I'm planning a trip to BPS in the next couple of weeks, and was browsing the website to put together somewhat of a list of items to check out or pick up.
Any Suggestions, I use mainly plastics, and topwater such as floating minnows, buzzbaits, etc.
fishingkidPA reply :
zoom trick worm
senkos
baby brush hogs
rage baby craw
rapala x-rap
Glenn reply :
I think you may end up with a list of everyone's favorites. So instead of mentioning brand names, I'll just be generic:
6" plastic worms
3" and 4" tubes
3/4 oz white spinnerbaits
3/8oz grass and football head jigs
5" Senko-type baits
1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps (or similar baits)
Jerkbaits
1/2 oz white buzzbaits
That should do it. You've got the entire water column and fish activity levels covered with those lures.
tmier reply :
Try to find some floating jig heads, my local bait shop carries them and I have dozens. I will be fishing a Carolina rigged senko with a floater this weekend.
philsoreel reply :
Roughly speaking...start around page 197-303 of the BPS Master Catalog. That should just about cover it.
K_Mac reply :
Zoom Trick and Finesse worms. 5-6" Senkos/knock-offs (I use mostly BPS Stick-os).
An assortment of shakyhead jigs.
This time of year a couple of bags of big worms(think Rage Anacondas) are a must in my opinion.
A chatterbait or two ain't a bad idea...no wonder I have so much stuff.
NJ-BassSnacher reply :
Heres $30 dollars worth of really great lures that work well in stained shallow water situations:
1. Yum Dinger (Watermelon Red 5") $4.99
2. Strike King Spinnerbait (3/8 oz chartreuse/ white with gold willow leaf blade and trailer hook) $6.49
3. Strike King Red Eye Shad (1/2 oz chartreuse baitfish) $4.49
4. Strike King Caffiene Shad (smokey shad) $5.29
5. Berkley Powerbait Crazy Leg Chigger Craws (watermelon candy 4") $3.69
5. Strike King Hack Attack Jig (1/2 oz black and blue) $4.59
Avalonjohn44 reply :
To paraphrase Quint from Jaws... You're gonna need a bigger tackle box...
bilgerat reply :
Glenn pretty much nailed it. He mentioned tubes, which can be rigged an infinite number of ways. Probably one of the most versatile plastic baits there is. Don't get obsessed with color selection, stick with natural tones in greens, browns and maybe some lighter ones for clear water. Rigged unweighted they will stay near the top, a 1/16 to 1/8 tube jig will keep them in the middle and heavier will allow you to work the bottom. If I had to fish with one bait only, tubes would be it hands down.
Check out Poor Boys tubes. They are as good quality as any other tube out there and you get bags of 20 for under 7 bucks, plus it's hard to beat their color selection.
Blue Streak reply :
The only two things I would add to Glenn's list are shallow, square bill crank baits and a few that would run 6 to 8 feet.
fishingkidPA reply :
On 6/18/2011 at 8:46 PM, K_Mac said:Zoom Trick and Finesse worms. 5-6" Senkos/knock-offs (I use mostly BPS Stick-os).
An assortment of shakyhead jigs.
This time of year a couple of bags of big worms(think Rage Anacondas) are a must in my opinion.
A chatterbait or two ain't a bad idea...no wonder I have so much stuff.
i have stick-o's that a friend from the forum gave me, i dont know how much they cost but if its similiar to the yum dingers i would just get them, i think they are a great alternative to senkos.
Dave T. reply :
On 6/18/2011 at 10:24 AM, jembo said:Hey All,
I've only been serious into fishing for the last couple of years now, and my tackle collection has grown signifigantly. However, I'm wondering what baits, plastics, jigs, etc. are a must have.
I'm planning a trip to BPS in the next couple of weeks, and was browsing the website to put together somewhat of a list of items to check out or pick up.
Any Suggestions, I use mainly plastics, and topwater such as floating minnows, buzzbaits, etc.
Are you fishing mostly for Largemouths or Smallmouths?
Are you fishing lakes, ponds, or rivers?
Is the water mostly stained or clear?
Heavy cover or light cover?
Even though there are lures that can cover any of those conditions, each individual will have a slightly different "top ten".
Most of our fishing is done for smallmouths in rivers... our top ten list will be considerably different than some others here.
BrianSnat reply :
Plastic stuff like Senkos, Yumdingers, Rage Tail Thumper and Anaconda, Zoom Baby Brush Hog, Rage Tail Space Monkey, Zoom Trick Worm (green pumpkin, watermelon, junebug are good colors)
floating Rapala gold or silver (size F09 and F11)
Rapala X-Rap 3-1/8"
RatL Trap or Strike King Red Eye shad 1/2 oz
Rapala Skitterpop
Jitterbug
Strike King spinnerbaits
Strike King football head jigs (dark colors)
That should cover most situations.
jembo reply :
On 6/19/2011 at 7:25 AM, Dave T. said:Are you fishing mostly for Largemouths or Smallmouths?
Are you fishing lakes, ponds, or rivers?
Is the water mostly stained or clear?
Heavy cover or light cover?
Even though there are lures that can cover any of those conditions, each individual will have a slightly different "top ten".
Most of our fishing is done for smallmouths in rivers... our top ten list will be considerably different than some others here.
Most of my fishing is done in the middle of the summer on a small lake for smallmouth and largemouth. The water varies throughout the lake, however it mostly either rockbeds or heavy weedbeds.
I usually have success with:
Plastic worms: such as senkos, ribbon worm or finesse worms
Spinnerbaits: Black, White or Chartreuse
Topwater: Heddon Torpedoes, rapala floaters
Frogs: hollowbelly or plastic.
Scorcher214 reply :
On 6/18/2011 at 1:14 PM, Glenn said:I think you may end up with a list of everyone's favorites. So instead of mentioning brand names, I'll just be generic:
6" plastic worms
3" and 4" tubes
3/4 oz white spinnerbaits
3/8oz grass and football head jigs
5" Senko-type baits
1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps (or similar baits)
Jerkbaits
1/2 oz white buzzbaits
That should do it. You've got the entire water column and fish activity levels covered with those lures.
That about does it. I would suggest a 1/2oz white spinnerbait though. Just my personal preference.
rboat reply :
I would add a pack of flukes to your list. The dying baitfish action will catch fish almost everywhere.
Dave T. reply :
On 6/20/2011 at 12:38 AM, jembo said:Most of my fishing is done in the middle of the summer on a small lake for smallmouth and largemouth. The water varies throughout the lake, however it mostly either rockbeds or heavy weedbeds.
I usually have success with:
Plastic worms: such as senkos, ribbon worm or finesse worms
Spinnerbaits: Black, White or Chartreuse
Topwater: Heddon Torpedoes, rapala floaters
Frogs: hollowbelly or plastic.
Well then, it looks like you are going to develop your own top 10 list, and you've got a good start.
I would add some medium diving (3 to 5 ft), suspending, jerkbaits to your arsenal. Both the smallies and the largemouths like them. Maybe even some deeper diving crankbaits if conditions are right.
jembo reply :
On 6/20/2011 at 1:46 AM, Dave T. said:Well then, it looks like you are going to develop your own top 10 list, and you've got a good start.
I would add some medium diving (3 to 5 ft), suspending, jerkbaits to your arsenal. Both the smallies and the largemouths like them. Maybe even some deeper diving crankbaits if conditions are right.
I'm looking to stock up on some more plastics, and shallow cranks. I used deep cranks to no avail, the lake just has too many weeds, rocks and structure to fish them effectively.
Dave T. reply :
On 6/20/2011 at 3:00 AM, jembo said:I'm looking to stock up on some more plastics, and shallow cranks. I used deep cranks to no avail, the lake just has too many weeds, rocks and structure to fish them effectively.
Shallow cranks are fine, but also consider some suspending jerkbaits/twitchbaits... like Lucky Craft's 78SP pointers, or 97MR Sender Pointers (or similar lures). They are excellent smallmouth lures, and the largemouths don't mind them either. 
hatrix reply :
+1 for flukes
Also maybe get some stuff to rig up a dropshot. I am starting to consider a dropshot almost as cheating. This year for me its like a guaranteed fish every cast it seems. I have been using little gulp minnows and they cant stand it. If there is a fish near by and that dropshot is bouncing in front of there face they are going to bite it for sure it seems.
Bass_Fanatic reply :
Many good lists suggested already...
Here is what I am using the most of right now:
1. T-Rigged Rage Anaconda
2. Bomber Fat Free Shad, Fingerling, and Fry
3. Lucky Craft RC1.5
4. Rage Toad
5. Zoom Trick Worm
6. Storm Chug Bug
joshmb1999 reply :
On 6/18/2011 at 1:14 PM, Glenn said:I think you may end up with a list of everyone's favorites. So instead of mentioning brand names, I'll just be generic:
6" plastic worms
3" and 4" tubes
3/4 oz white spinnerbaits
3/8oz grass and football head jigs
5" Senko-type baits
1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps (or similar baits)
Jerkbaits
1/2 oz white buzzbaits
That should do it. You've got the entire water column and fish activity levels covered with those lures.
I don't disagree at all but just found it interesting that there are no jigs or lipped crankbaits on this list. I don't really fish either of those 2 but thought they were much more of a "must have" for everyone else. For Glenn, who obviously knows his stuff, to not have either on his list makes me feel a little better. 
Locked reply :
On 6/22/2011 at 10:07 PM, joshmb1999 said:I don't disagree at all but just found it interesting that there are no jigs or lipped crankbaits on this list. I don't really fish either of those 2 but thought they were much more of a "must have" for everyone else. For Glenn, who obviously knows his stuff, to not have either on his list makes me feel a little better.
You can cover the entire water column with the baits Glenn listed.
As for my must have lures:
1. 3/8oz and 1/2oz jigs in green pumpkin or watermelon for clear water, and black/blue for murky water. I use SK baby rage craws, berkley chigger craws, zoom falt albert grubs, and the new Havoc skeets pit boss for trailers on my jigs.
2. 1/2oz lipless crankbaits - SK red eye shad, rattlin rapala, and the original rat-l-trap. Firetiger, bluegill and Chartreuse baitfish for murky water. I really only like throwing the silent red eye shads in clear water in clear ghost or chrome blue.
3. 5 inch Senkos in green pumpkin/black flake and watermelon/black flake for clear water, and green pumpkin/chartreuse tail for murky water.
4. 1/2oz Spinnerbaits - Strike king spinners in bluegill color or white for clear water, and chartreuse/white, firetiger, or black for murky water. I also like the bass pro shops lazer eye spinners, and the 1 dollar walmart spinners.
5. 10 inch powerworm in green pumpkin for clear water, and green pumpkin/chartreuse tail for murky water.
ArkieHawg reply :
My tackle seems to grow with each trip to the water. Its crazy really, but I always seem to need something...ha.
First of all, many of the most effective baits in my bags can't be found at Bass Pro. You would think they would carry everything for bass fishing but they don't.
I have different must have baits for each season and for night bassin.
WINTER
* Spro Arkushad - Red/Craw (Late Winter)
* Jigging Spoons
* Strike King Itza Bug Hair Jigs
* Jackall Squirrel - Deep diving suspending jerkbait
SUMMER
* Football, Finesse, Swim Jigs - Natural Colors
* Rage Tail Anacondas (Tx Rig)
* Zoom Magnum Lizards (Car Rig)
* RI Skinny Dippers
* Rage Tail Craws
SPRING
* Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait
* Spro Fat John
* Big Bite Baits Kriet Kreature (Car Rig)
* Zoom Magnum Trick Worm (Wacky Rig
* LC Sammy
* 1/2oz Razorblade Spinnerbait
FALL
* LC Pointer
* Jackall SoulShad
* Chatterbait
YEAR ROUND
* Zoom Magnum Trick Worm in Watermelon Candy rigged on a 1/8oz Shaky Head Jig - Catches fsh all day, everyday, here in Arkansas.
BrianSnat reply :
On 6/22/2011 at 10:07 PM, joshmb1999 said:I don't disagree at all but just found it interesting that there are no jigs or lipped crankbaits on this list. I don't really fish either of those 2 but thought they were much more of a "must have" for everyone else. For Glenn, who obviously knows his stuff, to not have either on his list makes me feel a little better.
Is there much you can do with a jig that you can't do with a tube?
.ghoti. reply :
I try to keep it simple. In no particular order;
crankbaits
jerkbaits
spinnerbaits
buzzbaits
jigs
soft plastics
paul. reply :
1. ragetail rage craw.
2. bullet weights in assorted sizes.
3. 3/0 and 4/0 owner hooks.
4. 3/8 to 3/4 oz. jigs.
5. super spook.
6. 1/2 oz. xcalibur xr50.
7. 3/8 and 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits.
8. rapala x-rap, x-rap shad, and dt series in varying depths.
9. senkos
10. zoom mag II worms.
fish these properly at the right times and right places. if you don't get bit, go home because all the bass in the lake are dead.
jembo reply :
Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
I was at Bass Pro yesterday and picked up some stuff:
-Zoom Brush Hog, Green Pumpkin: They didn't have the baby brush hog in stock, but I suppose the regular size will suffice.
-BPS XPS Stik-O Worm, 5 3/8" Texas Smoke: 18 in a pack for the same price as the Yum Dingers, So I went with them instead.
-BPS Enticer Rattling Jig, 1/2oz Black, 3/8oz PBJ: They seem decent enough for the price, not as good as the Booyah and NetBait jigs I have though
-BPS XPS Shallow Crank, Chartreuse Green Craw: I'd like to start using more crankbaits, and these seemed just as good as Normans and Bandit, but a couple bucks cheaper
-BPS Tourney Popper, Chrome Black: It was in the clearance bin, and topwater has worked tremendously in the past
I also picked up a pack of 3/0 EWG hooks, They should be large enough to use with 5" Stick baits and 4" craws, right?
bandsr4me20 reply :
Netbait Paca Craw
Netbait Paca Chunk
Strike King Redeye Shad or Rat L Trap
Zoom Ol Monster
1/2 oz Football head Jigs
3/8 and 1/2 oz flipping jigs
Booyah Spinnerbait
Zoom Brush hog
Zoom salty super fluke
Ragetail baby craw
1/8 oz strike king buzzbait( even though its small it still catches big bass)
bandit 200 and 300 series cranks
Strike king kvd 1.5, 2.5, or 4s cranks
Strike king 6xds and Rapala Dt 16s
MyKeyBe reply :
On 7/7/2011 at 9:31 AM, jembo said:I also picked up a pack of 3/0 EWG hooks, They should be large enough to use with 5" Stick baits and 4" craws, right?
Most will recommend a 4/0 hook for the sticks, 3/0 will work just fine.
Also, I'm a bit surprised no one mentioned grubs? 
secretagnt reply :
On 6/19/2011 at 8:29 AM, briansnat said:Plastic stuff like Senkos, Yumdingers, Rage Tail Thumper and Anaconda, Zoom Baby Brush Hog, Rage Tail Space Monkey, Zoom Trick Worm (green pumpkin, watermelon, junebug are good colors)
floating Rapala gold or silver (size F09 and F11)
Rapala X-Rap 3-1/8"
RatL Trap or Strike King Red Eye shad 1/2 oz
Rapala Skitterpop
Jitterbug
Strike King spinnerbaits
Strike King football head jigs (dark colors)
That should cover most situations.
excuse me sir .. did you say a Jitterbug .... YOU ARE DA MAN !!!!!!! ..... got lucky and picked up some japanese colors a while back .... LOVIN IT .....
Punkinseedfyretailz reply :
yum dinger 5 and 4" purple and greenish colors
yum wooly bug greenish
trigger x spadetail worms same colors
anaconda worms 7 and 10"
culprit firetails
squarebill bomber a
aruku shad
xcalibur one knocker and rattle
x factor bob n weave
3 blade 3/8 oz booyah spinnerr
mini white chatterbait
rapala x walk, or a top dog.
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