Found this basic lure guide. Obviously there's lots of exceptions, but it's a pretty solid starting point for anyone needing help. 

Good guide but it seems the trends are swinging to fishing odd baits at different times....like throwing jerkbaits in the summer.  

when in doubt throw a crankbait then..

Jerkbaits work year round! Anything that will imitate a baitfish will get bit all year. It's the retrieve and your timing / location that are the biggest factors. 

 

I think it's when in doubt... Throw a jig. 

 

14 minutes ago, Yeajray231 said:

Jerkbaits work year round! Anything that will imitate a baitfish will get bit all year. It's the retrieve and your timing / location that are the biggest factors. 

 

I think it's when in doubt... Throw a jig. 

 

I've thrown a jerkbait more this season so far then the past two or three combined. Countdowns, Husky Jerks and Shadow Raps. First season with the Shadow baits, I love them. 

 

Seems like a pretty accurate chart. But, quite vague also. 

I think it's cool. Sure it may be vague and there is many variables but it's exactly like the title says, a beginners guide. Something to start from until you figure out what works for you in your location and conditions. But you have to have something to start from. 

Seem like this chart is very favor to jig and crankbait, this is bad for me since I hardly fish with both.

Oh well, I go back to my soft jerkbait where in spring and fall, I will twitch it fast and slow hoping a long bottom in summer.

i must have this tattooed on my forehead 

I think of it this way were a baseball pitcher with a arsenal of baits. I throw a variety of baits and presentations till the bass let me know what they want. Topwater, shallow crankbaits, minnowbaits (rapala), spinnerbaits, c-rig senko/creature baits, split shot rigged worm, inline spinners, spoonfuls, etc till I get action. Change colors, change your speed don't fish too fast. Get in the zone, focus on your presentations.  When you get the presentations right the fish will let you know. Using a bass scent too.

 

Wash your hands before going fishing. Do not handle gasoline nor the gas pump before going fishing.

 

I fish from shore. I have the droppoff's with man-made dams and roads. In the early dawn I use Topwater, shallow crankbaits, as it gets lighter I spinnerbaits, jigs, as the sun is up the bass start to move to deeper cover I go to c-rigged plastics. I try to follow them as they move. Don't be afraid to switch up baits. There are no rules. Switch colors. Chartreuse can be your friend. When in doubt try chartreuse.

I think this is why I love fishing so much. No two anglers are going to have the same favorite baits to throw. You really have to just get out on the water and figure out what you like to do.

 

Myself, I like to throw jigs and that's because I catch most of my fish on jigs all year! Just keep switching it up and find what you like!