Setting Up a Bass Fishing Lure: Everything You Need to Know

 There are several steps to learning how to set up a lure for bass fishing, and with a little effort, you will be able to do it hassle-free. In this short guide, we’ll walk you through all the necessary steps of setting up a bass lure – from using live baits to tying the knots and rigging artificial lures. 

How to Set Up a Lure for Bass Fishing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you go bass fishing, you’ll need to pick the right bait. There are many different types of lures, from live baits such as frogs and worms to artificial baits like jigs and crankbaits, so let’s review them separately and help you make a more informed pick.

How to Rig a Lure for Bass Using Live Baits

The best live lures for bass fishing are worms, minnows, and frogs.

Fishing with Worms

Worms are perfect baits for beginners since they can be stored for weeks, and you can easily hook them to the fishing rod.

Put the worm on the hook by pricking it right behind its ring, leaving the longer end hanging down. You’ll also need a light rod, a split shot rig, and a 6lb monofilament line.

Fishing with Minnows

The easiest way to hook a minnow to your rod is through its lips. Pass the hook through the lower lip first, then through the upper. Since the hook will be pointing up, the minnow will be able to swim upright. If you use small minnows (under 3 inches), use a hook from size 4 to size 6.  

Fishing with Frogs

Frogs might be one of the best live bait for bass fishing since they will swim directly to the bottom of the lake to attract the fish’s attention.

However, this fishing technique is not suitable for beginners because it calls for finesse and experience. To rig the frog, you need to thread the hook through the front legs. This way, the frog will still be able to swim naturally. You should also use a hook with a wide gap and split shot.  

How to Rig a Lure for Bass Using Artificial Baits

Now that you mastered how to use bass lures with live baits, let’s see what it takes to catch a bass using artificial lures. The most effective artificial lures include plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. 

Fishing with Plastic Worms

Plastic worms are the most versatile baits. They come in many colors, sizes, and shapes, which makes them highly popular among fishermen.

The most popular types of plastic worms include the ribbon tail worm, the finesse worm, and the wacky worm. The easiest way to hook a plastic worm is using the Texas or Carolina rig setup. The Texas rig is designed to work its way through the weeds without getting torn apart. 

Here’s how to set up a Texas rig:

• Slide a bullet weight sinker against the line – place the line inside the pointed sinker end;
• Tie the hook using a knot;
• Use the hook’s pointed area to pierce the bait at the top;
• Pull the hook out again;
• Pass the remaining hook parts through the bait until you reach the eye of the hook;
• Line everything up by inserting the hook’s end back into the bait;
• Put the hook’s sharp end into the search bait once again until it just about reaches the other side.

The Carolina rig looks almost identical to the Texas rig, with one exception — its sinker’s weight is put above the hook. This rig is perfect for catching black bass. 

Here’s how to set up a Carolina rig:

• Get a 3/4 oz bullet weight and slide it onto the line;
• Put a plastic or a glass bead to the line after the weight;
• Tie the swivel part to the end of the thread, so your line won’t twist;
• Bind the leading line to the swivel’s back end using a Palomar knot;
• Connect the hook with your leader line;
• Attach the bait.

Fishing with Crankbaits

Crankbaits are designed to imitate the natural fish movements. You can also control how deep they sink into the water with them. To put crankbaits on your hook, you need to:

• Place the line on the back of the bait;
• Test it to make sure it’s running straight. Do this by throwing the bait into the water and pulling it out using your rod. If the bait moves too much to one side, you must tune it. Use your pliers to bend the metal eye in the opposite direction.

Fishing with Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits come with attached metal blades that reflect the light. To attach a spinnerbait, you need to:

• Connect the trailer and spinnerbait hook;
• Tie a free-swinging trailer hook with the center part of the primary hook’s curve.

How to Tie a Lure for Bass Using Knots

One of the essential things with baits is ensuring your fishing line is securely attached to a hook. This is where fishing knots come in handy. Some of the best knots for bass fishing are:

• The Palomar knot. Among the strongest knots used for tying live baits like frogs, as well as artificial lures, like crankbaits and jigs.
• Improved clinch. Perfect for bigger baits – big swimbaits, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.

How to Tie a Palomar Knot

• Get a double 6-inch line and thread it through the hook’s eye.
• Tie the top knot in the double cord, letting the hook hang loosely. Don’t twist the lines.
• Pull the loop’s end down, bringing it over the hook.
• Damp and pull the line’s ends and cut off the excess.

How to Tie an Improved Clinch

• Pull the end of your line through the hook’s eye. Do five turns over the standing line.
• Pull the line’s end across the first loop, behind the hook’s eye, and down the big loop.
• Damp and pull the line’s ends and cut off the excess.

Lure Setup for Bass: Final Words

As laid out, many different types of lures can be used for bass fishing. Some include live baits, others artificial baits. On that note, beginners should use worms as bait, while professional fishermen could take advantage of frog lures. Regarding artificial lures, you can use different rigs, depending on what type of bass you are trying to catch.

FAQs

How do you set up a fishing lure?

Put the line through the hook’s eye. Fold the end of the thread five to seven times. Put the thread’s ends down and pull them through the loop. Pull the thread’s end back through the loop at the top. Damp and pull the line’s ends – and done.

What color hook is best for bass?

Out of all available colors to use, red is the best hook shade to go for, especially for bass fishing.

People Also Ask

Should you tie directly to lure?

Yes. This is recommended in cases when you want your lure to look more realistic and have a bigger effect.

How can you tell if a lure is at the bottom?

There is a way to learn whether the lure has reached the bottom. Namely, if your line loosens, this indicates that, yes, the lure has reached the bottom. 

If you like this article on How To Set Up A Lure For Bass Fishing, you may also enjoy this article on how to catch bass in summer or how to fish for crappie.