Any veteran bass angler will tell you that finding the right lure to use in any given situation is the biggest key to consistently catching fish. If you do not choose the best lure for the job, then you simply are not going to catch as many fish. But how do you do this?
Choosing the best lure to use at the pond is easier said than done. There are many different factors that come into play, ranging from the weather to water conditions, and they all affect fish very differently. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks for choosing the right lure to catch bass in any pond!
Match the Lure to Local Prey
One of the best things that you can do is first try finding a lure that matches the local prey in the area. This is where lures like silver cranks and dark colored plastics will be a great start, and in deeper water, lures like plastic shad are likely to work better. Try matching any local prey first to see if the fish will react!
Use Vibrations and Sound in Dirty Water
When fishing in discolored or muddy water, try fishing with lures that make plenty of vibrations as this will make it easier for fish to find. Lures with rattles or large blades are excellent, and things like chatter baits can work extremely well since fish will home in on your lure long before they can ever actually see it.
Match Your Lure to the Water Color
If you are still struggling to catch a bite, try matching your lure to the watercolor. This may sound strange, but it works. Green colors will usually work best in greener water, while blue lures will be more effective in blue water. Color matching your lures will not always be the best choice, but it can be a great starting point for when the fish are being picky and you need to establish a working color and/or pattern that is working in the area.
Stick with Old Standbys
When all else fails, don’t be afraid of using old reliable lures that have been around for decades. These lures have been around for so long because they work! This doesn’t mean that an old stand by will be the best lure on any given day, but if nothing else seems to be working and you are not sure what to use next, try reaching for a reliable old lure that you have had success with in the past and give it a shot.
Final Thoughts
Figuring out exactly what lure to use at the local bass pond can be a bit tricky at times because if you use the wrong one, you might not catch anything. But by sticking to a few of these simple tips, you can quickly figure out which lures might be the best choices to start out with and figure out what the fish are biting on. Don’t forget to read up on Bradley’s Fishing and Hunting tips & tricks all year round!
