Don’t have a fancy bass boat rigged with all of the latest high-tech electronics? No problem, you can still have a lot of fun and success bass fishing from the shore.
One of the essential things every bank angler must have while fishing from the shore is the right lures and baits. Shore fishing can be a different game and you’ll want to make sure you have the right lures tied on.
So what are the best bass lures for shore fishing? When you are fishing from the bank it’s important that you pack light, use and bring lures that will allow you to cover different water depths and have a few weed-less baits so you can tackle any situation you may face.
In this post I will share with you the best bass fishing lures to use when fishing from the shore, as well as some key strategies and tips that will help you catch more bass from the bank.
Let’s get started
The Best Bass Lures for Shore Fishing
When you are fishing from the shore whether it be at a local pond or on the bank of a lake or reservoir, it can be a challenge deciding what baits and lures to use.
After all, there are only so many lures you can carry so you want to make sure you bring the right ones that will help you catch the most fish.
For that reason, I have put together the following list of the best bass baits and lures to use when you are fishing from the bank.
The 10 Best Bass Lures for Shore Fishing
Texas Rig
Recommended Finesse Texas Rig Setup: Strike King Rage Tail Bug Lure and ½ tungsten bullet weight
The Texas Rig is probably one of the most widely used and popular shore fishing techniques. It’s one that I always make sure I have tied on when I hit the banks for some bass fishing.
The Texas Rig typically includes a bullet shaped weight that is made of either tungsten or lead and some type of worm hook. Most anglers will add either a soft plastic creature bait or worm to the hook.
This technique is considered a weed-less rig which allows anglers to fish soft plastic baits in hard to fish areas. Which makes this rig excel in ponds and lakes where there is a lot of structure or heavy vegetation.
The Texas Rig when paired with the right creature bait is an absolute bass catcher. Try throwing this rig the next time you shore fish for bass, it won’t let you down.
If you would like to learn more about this rig check out this article: The Texas Rig: Rigging, Baits, and Tips to Catch More Bass
Senko
Recommended Senko: Yamamoto Senko Bait or Lunker Log
The Senko is one of my go to bank fishing baits. It’s a versatile bait that can be Texas Rigged allowing you to fish heavy cover or you can Wacky Rig it when you are fishing in open water where you won’t get hung up.
There is something about how this bait looks and falls through the water that the bass just can’t resist. My go to colors are black & blue when I’m fishing in stained or muddy water and green pumpkin with red or purple flake in clear water.
When fishing in shallow water, I would recommend not adding a bullet weight. This will allow the bait to fall slowly and look more natural.
On the other hand, when you are fishing in structure or out deep adding a weight will help get your bait down to where it needs to be.
The Senko is a killer bass fishing bait that is an absolute must have for anglers fishing from the shore. If you haven’t already, I’d highly recommend giving this bait a shot the next time you hit the bank.
Finesse Jigs
Recommended Jig: Strike King Football Finesse Jig
Jigs are another versatile bass fishing lure that can do some damage from the shore. They can work all year round and are extremely weed-less allowing you to fish all types of areas and structure.
I’ve found that smaller more finesse jigs seem to outperform other style of jigs when fishing from the bank. Larger jigs tend to get covered in mud or by nasty pond bottoms, a smaller jig will tend to get hung up less and sit on top of the mud in shallower water.
A finesse jig is definitely a bass fishing lure that you’ll want to take with you and use on your next shore fishing adventure.
Frogs
Recommended Frogs: Jackall Gavacho Frog and Snag Proof Bobby’s Perfect Frog
Frog fishing for bass is extremely addicting and is one of my favorite ways to catch bass in ponds. This top water lure is a killer option in the summer and is a great way to fish in heavy vegetation.
To help you select the best frog, we have put together this simple frog fishing guide to get you started, check it out: Frog Fishing Essentials – Best Frog Lures for Bass Fishing
There is nothing more exciting in bass fishing than watching a big largemouth bass blow up on your top water frog. Frogs are an excellent choice for bank anglers and can be one of the most productive was to catch bass.
Top Water Lures
We have already discussed the top water frog and how exciting it can be to see a big blow-up. I’ve put the frog in its own category, but I also wanted to include some other killer top water lures that also work great from the shore.
Here are my go to top water lures:
Top water lures are a fun and productive way to catch bass from the bank. If you are fishing in open water than the Whopper Plopper, Popper and Super Spook jr. are ideal.
In water that has grass or other type of vegetation throw the Buzz bait or frog. These are more weed-less lures and will allow you to work your bait right over grass or lily pads.
Top water lures are a fantastic way to target largemouth and smallmouth bass in the spring, summer and fall. They are a must have and will create some of the best fishing memories you’ll ever experience.
Drop Shot
Recommended Drop Shot Setup: RoboWorm with Tungsten Drop Shot Weight
The Drop Shot is the ultimate finesse bass fishing rig and is a technique that every angler should have in their arsenal.
This is a highly productive fishing technique that is a great option when you are shore fishing. You can fish the Drop Shot deep, shallow and everywhere in between.
There are three main ways I like to rig my Drop Shot baits: Texas riggged, Wacky riggged and nose hooking. If I’m fishing in heavy cover, I like to Texas Rig my drop shot baits. In more open water I will either nose hook it or Wacky Rig it.
The Drop Shot can catch both quantity and quality and is a great option to use for any angler looking to have fun and catch some bass.
Spinnerbaits
Recommended Spinnerbait: Strike King Finesse KVD Spinnerbait
The Spinnerbait is hands down one of the best bass fishing lures to use on the shore and works great in ponds, lakes and reservoirs.
Spinnerbaits are often regarded as one of the most versatile lures because they can be fished in any condition and work year round. There is never a bad time to fish a spinnerbait.
The spinnerbait has a smooth, flowing action that mimics a swimming baitfish. Its blades cause a vibration and flash making it stand out and draw bass in from a distance.
This lure is also extremely weed-less and can be fished around docks and heavy cover. The spinnerbait is at its best when there is a little bit of wind and when the bass are out chasing bait.
If you are looking for a bass fishing lure that will allow you to cover a lot of water and will get the bass to react than the spinnerbait is a great option for you.
Swimbaits
Recommended Swimbait: Keitech Fat Swing Impact and Strike King Rage Swimmer
Swimbaits are one of my all-time favorite bass fishing baits. They will catch bass at any time and at any place. They not only catch a ton of fish but they also give you a good chance at catching a monster.
There are a ton of different swimbaits out there but my favorites are the Keitech Fat Swing Impact and the Strike King Rage Swimmer. These are both paddle tail swimbaits and can be rigged weed-less when fishing in cover.
In clear water I would select natural colors such as green pumpkin, ghost patterns or anything the resembles forage in the body of water you are fishing.
In stained or muddy water, I would recommend choosing a dark color like black and blue or a white and chartreus colors. This will help them stand out more in the darker water.
Swimbaits are an overall a great option to use if you are fishing from the bank. They can be rigged weed-less or with an exposed hook and you can fish them all year-round in pretty much any condition. Make sure to give the swimbait a try the next time you hit the water.
Crankbaits
Recommend Square bill Crankbait: Strike King Square Bill Crankbait
Recommended Lipless Crankbait: Strike King Red Eye Shad
Another great shore fishing tactic to catch bass with are crankbaits. There are a ton of different types and styles of crankbaits out there. My two favorites for shore fishing are the lipless and square bill crankbaits.
The name of the game for square bill crankbaits is deflection. If you are fishing shallow areas that have rocks and wood than a square bill just might be the ticket. Bass simply can’t resist watching a square bill swim and deflect off a piece of structure.
Lipless crankbaits are more versatile and work better when fished in deeper areas. You can fish them on the bottom, middle or on top of the water column.
These two crankbaits are proven lures that work great when bass fishing from the shore. If you haven’t been trying these two, it’s time to give them a shot.
Ned Rig
Recommended Ned Rig Setup: Z-MAN Finesse ShroomZ Jigheads with a Z-MAN ElaZtech Finesse TRD
The Ned Rig has taken the bass fishing industry by storm lately and for good reason, this simple rig flat out catches bass.
The Ned Rig is an ultra-finesse bass fishing technique that typically includes a small mushroom style jig head paired with some type of worm or creature bait.
If you want to catch a lot of bass from the shore than the Ned Rig is a great option. It’s easy to fish and it will get you a ton of bites.
The only downside to the Ned Rig is that it does tend to get hung up and it isn’t ideal for fishing in areas with heavy grass.
For more information about fishing the Ned Rig check out this article: Ned Rig – The Ultimate Guide.
Bank Fishing Tips: How to Catch Bass from Shore
Having the right bait or lure tied on when fishing from the shore is critical. However, there are also some key strategies and things you should consider doing when you head to the water.
I’ve put together the following list of some tips and tricks that will help you have more success and catch more fish from the bank.
Best Bank Fishing Strategies for Bass
- Start with Finesse Techniques
- Be Stealthy
- Cast Past Your Targets
- Be Thorough
- Pack Light
- Use Multiple Casting Angles
- Keep your Distance from the Water
- Cover Entire Water Colum (Bottom, Middle Top)
Final Thoughts
Shore fishing for bass requires anglers to be mobile, adaptive and stealthy. Instead of hauling your entire fishing collection around as you target bass from the shore. Try selecting a few of the lures we discussed in this article and go get after it.
Tight Lines
Aaron