Bass fishing in Australia is a year-round pursuit, but successful anglers know that lure selection needs to change with the seasons. Water temperature, fish behaviour, and daylight hours all affect how Australian bass feed — and what they’ll strike.
This guide covers the best bass lures to use in each season, with tips for presentation, gear matching, and conditions across the country.
🌞 Summer (December–February)
🔥 Key Bass Behaviour:
•Aggressive surface feeding early and late
•Active in warm, oxygen-rich shallows
•Hunt along weed beds and submerged snags
🎣 Best Lures:
Lure Type Why It Works
Topwater (poppers, walkers) Explosive early/late surface action
Spinnerbaits Flash & vibration = reaction strikes
Crankbaits Ideal for covering water in heat
đź“Ś Rod Pairing:
•Fast action for topwater and spinner control
🧠Tip: Fish early mornings and evenings around shaded structure.
🍂 Autumn (March–May)
🌡️ Key Bass Behaviour:
•Feeding up before winter
•Key on baitfish and structure
•More time in deeper water mid-day
🎣 Best Lures:
Lure Type Why It Works
Vibes / Blades Imitate dying baitfish
Soft Plastics Versatile, fish them slow or twitchy
Lipless Cranks Rattle draws bites in fading light
đź“Ś Rod Pairing:
•[X1 732ML] for casting distance
•[U1 M] for plastics and vibes control
🧠Tip: Pause between twitches — many strikes happen on the drop.
❄️ Winter (June–August)
🧊 Key Bass Behaviour:
•Lethargic, deep-holding fish
•Bite windows are short and subtle
•Fish are more selective — slow down
🎣 Best Lures:
Lure Type Why It Works
Soft Plastics (grubs, minnow) Subtle movement in cold water
Vibes Keep bottom contact and vibrate on lift
Spoons / Blades Small profile, deep water effectiveness
đź“Ś Rod Pairing:
•[X1 702ML] or [U1 702ML] for sensitivity
•Extra-fast action helps detect light bites
🧠Tip: Fish mid-day when water is warmest. Focus on deeper rock or timber.
🌱 Spring (September–November)
🌡️ Key Bass Behaviour:
•Pre-spawn & post-spawn aggression
•Shallow banks, warm pockets
•Strong ambush tendencies
🎣 Best Lures:
Lure Type Why It Works
Spinnerbaits Trigger instinctive strikes
Jerkbaits / Twitchbaits Deadly near weed edges
Crankbaits Work rock walls and points
đź“Ś Rod Pairing:
•[X1 M] or [U1 ML] depending on lure weight
•Moderate-fast action helps keep hooked fish pinned
🧠Tip: Spring is the time for big bass — move, cast, cover ground.
đź“‹ Seasonal Bass Lure Summary Table
Season Top Lures Rod Recommendation
Summer Topwater, spinnerbaits, cranks X1 702M, U1 682ML
Autumn Vibes, plastics, lipless cranks X1 732ML, U1 M
Winter Plastics, vibes, spoons X1 702ML, U1 702ML
Spring Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, shallow cranks X1 M, U1 ML
❓ FAQ – Seasonal Lure Selection
Q: Can I use the same lures year-round?
→ Some work across seasons (like soft plastics), but adapting brings more bites.
Q: When is the best time of year for big bass?
→ Spring and autumn offer the best shot at trophies.
Q: Do lure colours matter by season?
→ Yes. Use natural tones in clear water, darker in dirty or low light.
đź”— Related Articles
•Top Bass Fishing Spots in Australia
•Best Rods for Bass Fishing →
🛍️ Final Thoughts
Mastering lure selection by season is what separates good bass anglers from great ones. Adapt your gear, experiment with retrieves, and fish where bass want to be — not just where it’s comfortable to cast.
🎣 Get the rod that’s versatile enough for all seasons.
🛒 Explore X1 & U1 Series →
Know the season. Match the lure. Catch more bass.