The Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures for 2009

The sport of bass fishing has grown in popularity and the fish is one of the world's favorite underwater species. With the increase in popularity there has been an increase in both creativity and innovation when it comes to lure presentations. The following are the current 10 best bass lures in use right now.

No. 10 Chatterbait

The Chatterbait is still relatively new but has made a big splash on the bass fishing scene. From tournaments to weekends on the water it is making a name for itself as a consistent bass producer. The Chatterbait falls somewhere between a buzzbait and a jig in presentation.

No. 9 Swimbait

In recent years Swimbaits have become the best bet for trophy-size largemouths. There is a wide variety of Swimbaits available to match your location. Their popularity in "Big Bass" waters like those found in California and Texas push them up on to the list at No. 9.

No. 8 Creature Baits

There is a wide variety of soft plastics on the market that look like nothing and anything in the water. Creature baits like the Yum Wooly Beavertail shown above have given anglers a new set of plastics to trick pressured bass. Creature baits are also used as trailers for other baits.

No. 7 The Classic Lip Crankbait

Crankbaits such as these models from Bomber are tried and true bass catchers. Large or small, these cranks can catch them all. The precision and physical appearance is constantly being updated but even old classics will produce plenty of fish. Tournament anglers will often be seen running cranks to locate fish on large flats or over deep water structure.

No. 6 Bass Jig

Flip it, pitch it, swim it, either way the Jig is a great way to land bass. It is a consistent 'go-to' bait for tournament anglers and rightly so. Natural color football head jigs are great in deep structure or you can try swimming a shad colored model off of ledges and over structure. The addition of a trailer is always a winner.

No. 5 The Lip-less Crankbait

The Lip-less crank is a more versatile version of the classic crank. It's tight wiggle and multitude of depths and speeds it can be presented at have made it a favorite of professionals and amateurs alike. Kevin Van Dam uses this lure as his 'go-to' bait. Designed by KVD himself, this "sexy shad" is a must have bait!

No. 4 Senko

The Senko has quickly become a favorite amongst anglers. It can be presented in a variety of ways and bass love each and every one of them. My favorite Senko technique is a Wacky Rig.

No. 3 Spinner Bait

Spinner baits like the TerminatorT2 spinner bait are the most reached for bait for locating bass. They can be fished fast or slow in deep water or shallow water. Spinner baits are especially effective as the water warms up. If you're out this summer and fishing a new spot, tie on a spinner bait and do some searching. You're sure to have a good time.

No. 2 The Tube

The Tube bait is one the most versatile bass lures available. It catches large- and smallmouths alike and can be used in any waters at almost any temperature to catch fish. Its versatility and ability to mimic so many things get it the No. 2 ranking. Try a Berkeley Powerbait 3" or 4" in Pumpkinseed or Green Pumpkin in any water you fish. My favorite is a Texas-Rig with a tungsten weight. The tungsten weight makes a clicking oise as it bounces across structure, the sound helps bass search it out. The tube gets its place at No. 2 due to its incredible success catching small mouth bass. It is my No. 1 'go-to' bait for small mouth.

No. 1 The Worm

Soft plastic worms come in many shapes and sizes, all of which have a place. They're far and away the most versatile lure on the market. They are effective on their own or as trailers. Large presentations over 10" have pulled monster bass from Falcon lake while finesse worms on drop shot rigs have been used to fool even the most wary of bass. My personal 'go-to' bait is a Zoom Trick Worm texas rigged weightless or with a tungsten weight if needed. You can use it as a top-water, in weeds, over stumps, or weigh it down and throw it into rock piles in 20 or more feet of water. Nothing rivals the classic worm!