This is a common discussion in sports bars: Who would you choose to take the last shot with the game on the line?

 

So let’s do the fishing equivalent of that. Conditions notwithstanding, which lure are you going with when you absolutely need to get bit?

Spinnerbait. I know I can always get bit throwing a spinnerbait in milfoil or pondweed. 

Wacky worm

Texas rigged, ribbon tail, junebug or green pumpkin. That is what I would chose here, St Johns River, Fl.

GP TRD on a Ned head

I have no experience tournament fishing but if money was on the line and I absolutely needed to catch fish and I ain’t got a clue what’s going on, I’m going to pick up a shaky head on light line and a spinning rod and find some good cover on good structure with deep water close by. 
 

This past season someone at work told me I don’t catch fish and they needed to see proof. Well I went out to the lake hoping to catch some bigs and found myself having a very tough day. Conditions were terrible. No wind. Literally the only way I could catch fish that day was on a shaky head. So I at least had some photos. 

I’ll definitely pick up a spinnerbait sometimes too if I’m having a rough go. Sometimes it’s just what the doctor ordered

Texas rigged worm.  It just works.  They tried to ban it when it first came out.  Studies show bass can learn every lure but a worm.

 

Worm.

 

If we are gonna be shop talky: Zoom Trick Worm in Watermelon red with the tip dipped in chartreuse spike it with a 3/16 oz unpegged tungsten flipping weight, 3/0 offset worm hook (I like Owner!) on 12 lb Berkley big game on a medium heavy fast 7" rod with a 8 speed reel.

 

That's gonna catch a bass.

 

If I'm going after big girls, same set up but 15 lb big game and give me a jig with a rage craw or super chunk.

I always go for an Elaztech worm rigged weedless on a shaky head jig.  

37 minutes ago, Smokinal said:

GP TRD on a Ned head

 

I'm with you @Smokinal! If old NED fails, then it's a simple white power-grub on a lead-head...that will catch bass/crappie/bluegill and get hit by pike as well. Not fancy, or sexy, but gets bit. 

 

I do like a spinnerbait and t-rigged worm as well. 

Spinnerbait in cover.  Produces bigger bass. 

@Pat Brown is 100% with his reasoning for choosing a plastic worm.  It's a tough question because no conditions are mentioned.  I'll have to go with a jig.  It can be used in so many different ways, conditions, and locations.  

I caught an 11.5 lber on a t rigged worm.  And lots of 6-8 lbers.  It's good lol

 

Don't overthink bass fishing!  😉😉😉😉 

 

*Casts worm at object*

Texas Rigged Worm

 

Spent my entire childhood building confidence in the T-Rig

 

 

A Texas rigged Trick worm would be my 1st choice. But if you have Trick worms you can do a wacky rig also. The Trick worm has more options available than anything else I know of.

I have 5 baits that are about equal, all soft plastics.  I T rig all of them. It’s very close with all 5. 

• Senko or yum dingers

• Culprit worms or other curly tail worms esp. UV speed worms

• Super flukes

• Trick worms

• baby brush hogs.

There are others, but these are all equals for # 1

The order I chose is based on how they produced this last year…

@Pat Brown I’m with you. I’d use a Texas rig (a Zoom Trick in watermelon red is one of my favorites) and never look back. 
 

Either weightless on a MF spinning rig or with a 3/16 or 1/4 oz. tungsten bullet weight on a MHF baitcaster. If I don’t catch a bass on a TR, I’m doing something wrong. 
 

Having said that, I think it’s my crutch at times. But as it’s my favorite way to fish, so be it. 

1 hour ago, Pat Brown said:

Don't overthink bass fishing!

What?!  You're the kind of guy that would tell someone, "Just eat one Pringle".  I'm like Rain Man counting cards when I'm on the water.  

T-Rig Culprit in June bug. If nothing in my floating tackle shop is working I’ll always go back to the tried and true.

Plastic Worm. Various models.

 Zoom Magnum UV Speed Worm, unpegged 3/16 tungsten weight on 20# Shooter. 
 

Over and through any and all types of vegetation I can find. 
 

 

 

 

Mike
 

Rage Bug... on rare occasions, to my detriment.   I have far more confidence in that then anything else, and have been known to force feed it long past the time I should throw something else.  So incredibly versatile, though.  

Texas rig 7” power worm. 

Fat Ika in green pumpkin

If I were hungry and HAD to catch a bass I'd use this:

 

Dirty Jigs Tactical Bassin Mini Underspin

 

 

And a 2.8 Keitech Swing Impact FAT in Shad

 

I'm not surprised at the number of guys who chose the plastic worm as they're #1 bait. After all the years, and all the baits we have now, the simple plastic worm still rules.