3 Best Night Lures for Bass Fishing: Expert Anglers’ Top Picks

When it comes to night fishing for bass, you need the right lures to guarantee success. Expert anglers have narrowed down their top picks to three game-changing options. These lures combine sound, visibility, and weedless design to enhance your nighttime fishing experience. Curious about what makes these lures stand out and which ones could transform your night fishing trips? Let's explore the unique features that make them indispensable.

key Takeaways

  • Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug's jointed design and loud sound make it a top night lure for attracting bass.
  • GLO-X Soft Plastic Glow Lures' glow-in-the-dark feature effectively draws bass during nighttime fishing.
  • BOOYAH Pad Crasher's weedless design and durability excel in maneuvering through dense vegetation at night.
  • Bright colors and glow-in-the-dark features enhance lure visibility in dark waters for better bass attraction.
  • Heavier lures improve casting distance and stability, crucial for successful night fishing.

Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug Topwater Bass Fishing Lure (White/Red Head)

If you're searching for the best night lures for bass fishing, the Arbogast Jointed Jitterbug Topwater Lure in White/Red Head is a standout choice. This 2 1/2-inch, 3/8-ounce lure is expertly crafted to attract bass and pike. Its jointed design and double-cupped lip create a loud, rhythmic "plop-plop" sound, drawing fish from a distance. Particularly effective at night, it promises explosive strikes and is praised for its durability. While some anglers suggest swapping to size 6 trebles to prevent hook tangling, this lure remains a must-have in your tackle box, proving its worth since 1937.

Best For: Anglers looking for an effective topwater lure for bass fishing, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions.

Pros:

  • Proven effectiveness in attracting bass and pike with its distinctive "plop-plop" sound.
  • Durable design withstands aggressive fish strikes.
  • Versatile for both day and night fishing.

Cons:

  • Some users experience hook tangling issues.
  • May require swapping to size 6 treble hooks for better performance.
  • Not all users may find it suitable for all fishing conditions.

GLO-X Soft Plastic Glow Fishing Lures (24pcs)

GLO-X Soft Plastic Glow Fishing Lures are an excellent choice for anglers seeking an edge during night fishing excursions. These unique, glow-in-the-dark beads work wonders in both freshwater and saltwater, attracting various species like Bass, Trout, and Pike. The world's first Superglow fish-shaped soft bead, they're powered by natural light and feature two lasered eyes, making them the brightest green fishing bead available.

To use, position the bead between your hook and sinker, which draws fish towards your bait. With a 4.5-star rating from 83 reviews, anglers praise its glow effectiveness and durability, despite some packaging concerns.

Best For: Anglers seeking effective glow-in-the-dark lures for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, especially during night excursions.

Pros:

  • Highly effective glow that attracts a variety of fish species.
  • Durable design with a unique fish-shaped soft bead.
  • Suitable for various fishing environments, including deep water and offshore.

Cons:

  • Some customers have concerns about the packaging quality.
  • May not be suitable for those who prefer non-glowing lures.
  • Limited to the brightest green color option only.

BOOYAH Pad Crasher Topwater Bass Fishing Lure with Weedless Hooks

When you're targeting bass in the cover of darkness, the BOOYAH Pad Crasher Topwater Bass Fishing Lure with Weedless Hooks stands out as an exceptional choice. Its soft plastic hollow body guarantees solid hooksets while maneuvering through dense vegetation. Weighing in at 1/2 ounce and measuring 2 1/2 inches, this lure is perfect for baitcasting gear, allowing long, accurate casts. The adjustable spinnerbait-style legs and chines on the belly provide impressive action, even in open water. Despite occasional water accumulation, its durability and effectiveness in challenging conditions make it a favorite among anglers, earning a 4.6-star rating from users.

Best For: Anglers targeting bass in dense vegetation or cover of darkness, looking for a durable and effective topwater lure.

Pros:

  • Soft hollow body ensures solid hooksets and is weedless.
  • Adjustable spinnerbait-style legs and belly chines for enhanced action.
  • Durable and effective in challenging conditions like lily pads and heavy muck.

Cons:

  • Occasional water accumulation inside the lure may affect performance.
  • Some users may find it less effective in open water compared to other designs.
  • Limited to a single piece per purchase.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Night Lures for Bass Fishing

When choosing night lures for bass fishing, you'll want to focus on visibility and sound to grab the attention of your target species. Consider how the lure's weight, size, and hook design align with the water conditions you'll be facing. Each factor plays a vital role in ensuring your lure attracts bass efficiently and effectively.

Lure Visibility and Sound

Selecting the right night lures for bass fishing involves considering two vital factors: visibility and sound. Glow-in-the-dark features on lures can greatly enhance their visibility in dark waters, drawing bass towards your bait. Opt for bright colors like white, which stand out against the dark, making it easier for bass to spot your lure. In addition to visibility, sound plays an important role. Lures with a loud, rhythmic sound, such as those with a double-cupped lip, can effectively attract bass from a distance, even in low-light conditions. The action of the lure, like a plopping or splashing motion, creates vibrations and sound waves that bass find irresistible. Combining visibility and sound increases your chances of successful catches after sunset.

Target Species Attraction

To effectively attract bass during night fishing, focus on the lure's ability to mimic the natural environment and prey behaviors. Choose lures that create noise and vibrations on the surface, simulating prey sounds that bass find irresistible in low-light conditions. Bright and contrasting colors are essential for visibility in murky waters, making your lure more enticing. Consider using lures with glowing or luminescent features to mimic bioluminescence, attracting fish from afar. Opt for topwater lures capable of triggering explosive strikes from bass feeding at night. Additionally, pay attention to the size and shape of your lure. Larger lures can mimic bigger prey, while jointed or hollow body designs offer erratic movements, further enticing bass to strike.

Water Conditions Suitability

In bass fishing at night, understanding water conditions is essential for selecting the right lures. Low-light conditions mean you should focus on lures that create considerable noise or movement. In calm waters, topwater lures producing a "plop-plop" sound can attract bass from afar. When dealing with murky or stained water, opt for bright-colored lures like white or neon hues to catch their attention. Water temperature plays a role too; in warmer conditions, bass are more active on the surface, making topwater lures a great choice during summer nights. If there's vegetation, make sure your lures can navigate through or above it effectively. Choosing the right lures based on these factors can considerably increase your chances of a successful catch.

Lure Weight and Size

When choosing night lures for bass fishing, the weight and size of the lure are essential factors that can greatly impact your success. A lure weighing between 1/4 to 1/2 ounce helps you cast farther and keeps the lure above vegetation while reaching the desired depths. Opt for a 2 1/2-inch lure size to mimic the baitfish bass hunt in low-light conditions. Lighter lures need a slower retrieve to avoid sinking too fast, whereas heavier ones can be retrieved quickly without losing effectiveness. Jointed lures around 2 1/2 inches offer an enticing swimming action, perfect for triggering strikes. Adapt your lure choice to the environment, using heavier lures in windy conditions for better control and visibility.

Hook Design Efficiency

While choosing night lures for bass fishing, consider hook design efficiency as a critical factor. It guarantees solid hooksets during bass strikes, especially under low-light conditions when visibility is limited. Opt for lures with a two-hook design to increase hooking opportunities, particularly for topwater strikes. Premium quality hooks with sharp points and appropriate sizes, like double 3/0 hooks, enhance penetration and reduce the likelihood of losing fish during the fight. Weedless hook designs are essential for maneuvering through dense vegetation, allowing you to target bass hiding in cover without snagging. Additionally, consider the overall weight distribution of the lures; heavier designs facilitate longer casting distances while maintaining adequate hook exposure upon retrieval, improving your chances of a successful catch.

Material Durability and Strength

Hook design plays a significant role in successful bass fishing, but equally important is the durability and strength of the lure's material. You want your lures to withstand aggressive strikes and repeated use, so opt for those made from high-quality materials like sturdy plastics. These materials resist wear and tear, ensuring your lure maintains its shape and function. When fishing at night, it's essential that your lure holds up against water exposure, so look for options that retain structural integrity over time. Furthermore, choose lures that resist UV fading, keeping their attractive features intact. By selecting lures with robust materials, you reduce the risk of breakage and lost catches, ensuring a more successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

Casting Distance Capability

Casting distance capability is a vital factor when selecting night lures for bass fishing. You want to reach those distant structures where bass hide in low-light conditions. Lures weighing 1/2 ounce or more are ideal, as they fly farther with less effort and stay stable in the air. Look for lures with streamlined, aerodynamic designs, as these shapes enhance casting distance. Baitcasting gear can boost your reach further, offering superior line control and handling heavier lures compared to spinning gear. Consider lures that generate noise or vibrations, like those with double-cupped lips or jointed designs. These features attract bass from afar, making up for reduced visibility. Remember, choosing the right lure can make or break your night fishing success.

Scroll to Top