A Practical Guide to Selecting the Right Bass Lure
Australian Bass can be aggressive, but they can also be incredibly selective. Matching your lure to the structure, season, and time of day is the key to consistent results. This guide will help you make the right choice.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"Our team has spent years fishing the famous East Coast Bass fisheries, from the tight, wild coastal rivers of shoalhaven, minnamurra and maquarie rivulet to the expansive impoundments like Pejar Dam. The Australian Bass lures we stock are selected based on their proven history of success in these specific, demanding environments. We only sell the lures we would confidently tie on ourselves."
- The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
The Essential Bass Lure Types
- Surface Lures: Highly effective in low light (dawn and dusk) when Bass are actively hunting near the surface. Cicada imitations are a classic for summer, while small poppers and walk-the-dog lures create a disturbance that draws fish from cover.
- Shallow-Diving Hardbodies: The go-to lure for casting at bankside structure like logs, rock bars, and weed beds. A crankbait with a wide, wobbling action is great for covering water, while a jerkbait with an erratic, darting action can be used to trigger a reaction from less active fish.
- Spinnerbaits & Chatterbaits: Their strength lies in their snag-resistance, making them ideal for fishing through dense timber and weed. The flash and strong vibration they produce are designed to generate an aggressive "reaction strike."
- Soft Plastics: The finesse option for when the bite is tough or the water is clear. Small grub-tail plastics or creature baits rigged on a light jighead and worked slowly along the bottom can be irresistible to finicky Bass.
Shop by Lure Type
Find exactly what you need by browsing our main Bass lure categories:
Top Bass Lure Brands We Stock
We've compiled a wide range of lures from some of the most trusted brands for targeting Australian Bass, including Berkley, Halco/RMG, Rapala, and Chasebaits.
Expert Tips for Australian Bass
- Fishing the Edges: Bass are ambush predators and frequently use shadow lines as cover. On a bright day, the transition from sun to shade created by a tree, cliff, or bridge is a prime ambush point. Always make targeted casts that allow your lure to travel along these shadow lines.
- River Bass vs. Dam Bass: In rivers, Bass hold very tight to structure, and accurate casting is critical. In dams, trolling diving hardbodies along steep banks is an excellent way to locate schools of fish.
- The Importance of the Pause: A constant, steady retrieve is rarely as effective as a varied one. The pause after a twitch or a pop is often when a following Bass will commit and strike the stationary lure.
Why Choose Fishing Tackle Shop?
Since 2005 online, our expertise has been built on understanding the specific needs of Australian Bass anglers. We meticulously select our range of Bass lures from trusted brands because we know that the right profile, action, and hardware is what can often make a significant difference in catch rates. We choose to stock fishing gear that offers proven reliability for our unique local conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lure for casting at logs for Bass?
A spinnerbait is an excellent choice for casting at timber snags. Its upright hook design makes it highly snag-resistant, allowing you to confidently retrieve it through complex branches. The flash and vibration are also highly effective at drawing a Bass out from its cover for a strike.
What colour lure should I use for Bass in a clear water dam?
In a clear water dam, natural and translucent colours are the most effective. Choose lures in shades of green, brown, or silver that mimic the natural baitfish and shrimp. Subtle patterns and a hint of glitter often outperform bright, unnatural colours in these conditions.
When is the best time to use a surface lure for Bass?
The prime time to use a surface lure is during low-light periods, specifically the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. Bass are more confident to hunt in the shallows at this time, making them highly susceptible to a well-presented topwater presentation.
