Bass fishing is one of Australia’s most exciting light tackle challenges — and your lure choice can make all the difference.
From explosive topwater strikes to subtle soft plastic bites, knowing what to use, when, and how is the key to success.
In this guide, we break down the best Australian bass lures, matched to real conditions, seasons, and waters — plus tips on rod selection, presentation, and gear pairing with Favorite X1 and U1 rods.
🐟 Why Lure Selection Matters for Bass Fishing
Australian bass are aggressive predators — but also highly reactive to environment and conditions.
They’ll hit a plastic on the drop, a buzzbait in a flash, or ignore your lure entirely if something feels off.
That’s why lure selection isn’t random — it’s strategic.
You need to match:
•Water clarity
•Seasonal behaviour
•Lure size + vibration + depth
•Presentation style and gear balance
Let’s dive into the top-performing lure types across Aussie waters.
🎯 1. Soft Plastics – The Most Reliable Choice
Soft plastics are a go-to for bass across rivers, creeks, lakes and dams. Their natural movement, adaptability and wide range of rigging options make them essential.
✅ Top Styles:
Type Best Use Case
Paddle-tail All-rounder, steady retrieve
Curl-tail grub Slower fall, ideal in still water
Slim jerkbait Twitch & pause in clear conditions
🎣 Technique:
•Use 1/8–1/4 oz jigheads
•Let them sink, lift gently or slow roll
•Add scent for finesse presentations
📌 Best with Favorite U1 7’0” ML for subtle rod feedback
💥 2. Topwater Lures – The Summer Thrill
Bass are known for explosive surface strikes, especially at dawn and dusk. In shallow rivers, over submerged grass or beside timber, topwater can deliver unforgettable sessions.
✅ Best Picks:
•Poppers (50–70 mm)
•Walking stickbaits (slow zig-zag retrieve)
•Buzzbaits (high noise, great post-rain)
⏰ When:
•Late spring through summer
•Water temps > 20°C
•Early morning & late afternoon
📌 Pair with Favorite X1 7’2” M for accurate casts and control
⚙️ 3. Spinnerbaits – Perfect for Structure
These flash-and-vibrate lures are ideal for stained or turbid waters, especially around snags and heavy cover. They draw reaction bites even from shut-down fish.
✅ Use:
•After rain
•Dams with timber or weed lines
•Fishing fast along the edges
Tip: Use a medium-fast action rod for best hook-up ratio.
🔊 4. Vibes & Blades – For Deeper Presentations
These are essential in impoundments like Wivenhoe or Glenbawn. Bass school deep and require precise presentation.
✅ Best Conditions:
•Winter and late autumn
•Midday when bass hold deep
•Drop-offs, ledges, points
🎣 Technique:
•Yo-yo retrieve
•Pause on the bottom
•Soft vibes for finesse, metal blades for aggressive fish
🦐 5. Hardbody Cranks – Imitate Baitfish & Shrimp
Cranks are versatile and cover ground. Great for rivers with current or windy shores in dams.
✅ Types:
Depth Range Use Case
Shallow (1m) Weedy flats, creeks
Mid (2m) River banks, boat casting
Deep (2.5m+) Impoundments, cooler months
Use medium retrieve speed with pauses. Add floating pause to keep in strike zone.
📅 Best Bass Lures by Season
Season Top Lures
Spring Soft plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits
Summer Topwater (poppers, buzzbaits), plastics
Autumn Cranks, vibes, spinnerbaits
Winter Vibes, blades, deep crankbaits
📌 Matching Rod & Lure Combo
Lure Type Ideal Rod (Favorite) Link
Soft Plastics U1 7’0” ML Shop U1 →
Topwater X1 7’2” M Shop X1 →
Spinnerbaits X1 7’0” M Shop X1 →
Vibes/Blades U1 or X1 M Power Compare →
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
1.Too large lures → Bass won’t commit
2.Wrong retrieve speed → Use slower tempo in cooler water
3.Too bright in clear water → Use natural colours when visibility is high
4.Overworking surface lures → Less is more
5.Too stiff rods → You’ll miss light hits
❓ FAQ – Bass Lures in Australia
Q: What’s the one lure I should always carry?
→ 3” paddle-tail in watermelon or motor oil with 1/8 oz jighead.
Q: Do colour and scent matter?
✅ Yes — natural for clear, bold for dirty. Scent helps in pressure.
Q: What braid & leader should I use?
→ 8–12 lb braid with 10–14 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Q: Can I use these lures for other species?
Yes — bream, flathead, perch, even estuary cod.
🔗 Related Articles
•Top Bass Fishing Spots in Australia
🛍️ Final Thoughts
The right lure, presented the right way, will catch bass in any Aussie water.
From small creeks to massive dams, having a balanced rod-lure setup makes every cast count.
🎣 Trust your instincts, read the water, and fish with gear that gives you control and feel — like the Favorite X1 or U1 series, made for Aussie conditions.
Right lure. Right rod. Real results. Fish Favorite.