We asked 10 top bass guides across the country to evaluate 3 brand-new bass baits. Here’s what they learned—including if they performed as advertised, how they fished in various waters, and the models that became their new favorites.

When we rounded up the 10 most unique and innovative new bass lures for 2013, we couldn’t think of anyone better to give them a shake than 10 full-time bass guides from across the U.S. After all, these pros make a living by knowing whether or not a particular lure has a good chance of catching a fish before they even tie it on.

Late last fall, we gave our panel two weeks to test the baits. We asked for their first impressions before fishing, an evaluation of the lure’s action based on the manufacturer’s description, and if they believed it would catch bass. Additionally, even though it wasn’t the most important data, we factored in the number of fish caught during testing.

Each guide ranked the lures on a scale from 1 to 10, which we converted into a five-star system. The rankings, along with the recommendations of our experts—plus some observations of my own—will tell you which ones you need in your arsenal this season. —Joe Cermele

 

Combining the profile of a twitchbait with the flash of an underslung spinnerbait arm and blade, the 33⁄5-inch Blade Cross is supposed to elicit bites when burned over grassbeds or slow rolled and deflected off hard cover.

Almost all the guides said they were impressed with the design before removing the lure from its package. After they got it wet, the Blade Cross became a clear panel favorite. “This lure looked a little odd at first, but an hour and several nice bass later, I was like, who cares?” said Keith. The Blade Cross tracks straight with a steady retrieve, and the willowleaf blade produces a thump as smooth and consistent as your favorite spinnerbait. Pause the lure and the blade spirals nicely as it falls. Rip and pause and you’ve got a unique action I predict will be deadly on pressured lakes.

Rating: 5 stars
MSRP: $16-$18
Number of bass caught during testing: 33
Other species caught during testing: Peacock bass

“An excellent search bait. I was surprised that it didn’t get hung up, but even more surprised that it caught six bass under some very tough conditions when other lures failed.” —Randy Kuhens

“This could be a great alternative to throw during the springtime spinnerbait and jerkbait bite. The fish always see the same lures, so this one’s got me really looking forward to spring.” —John Blais

 

The 4-inch Boil Trigger puts a popper mouth on a slender pencil popper body, with a joint that makes it flop and change direction when walked like a Spook. Its erratic zigzagging action on the surface is designed to imitate a dying baitfish.

Guides praised the Boil Trigger’s unique and smart features: distinctive rattles, a fine finish, and a tail-down orientation when paused. These attributes, they agreed, could make it outfish standard poppers and dogs. “I had a fish follow this lure on the very first cast,” said Todd Kersey. “It was easy to adjust the amount of splash by simply raising and lowering the rod tip.” The only gripe was that the tail feathers didn’t hold up well to the crushing blows this lure conjured.

I liked that it could be worked at multiple speeds to achieve different actions. Even if the mouth didn’t spit during subtle twitches, the lure had a sexy wiggle. It’s a very versatile topwater.

Rating: 4.5 stars
MSRP: $16
Number of bass caught during testing: 10
Other species caught during testing: Peacock bass

“A nice bonus is that the back end moves after the bait stops, thanks to the hinge. That gives it an extra second of action. I think this would be a great choice for trying to bring fish up when the water is cold.” —Steve Chaconas

“I caught a nice 6-pound bass on this lure on my second cast. This was after I had worked the area with a similar lure and never managed to draw a single strike.” —Randy Kuhens

To Get Other the remaining 7 top Bass Bait Lure select the link.

via Bass Bait Test: We Rank 10 Brand-New Bass Lures | Field …

 5 – BONUS – LURES Sources

1 – Take a look at our list of the 10 best bass fishing lures and catch more fish than you know what to do with. via The 10 Best Bass Fishing Lures – Wide Open Spaces

2 – Best Bass Lures – Best Bait for Bass Fishing Bass fishing baits vary according to various circumstances like water temperature and the conditions around your fishing … via Best Bait for Bass – Bass Fishing Lures

3 – B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing. via Bassmaster | Pro Bass Tournament Fishing, Bass Fishing …

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5 – Learn about the best bass lures for catching largemouth bass. This is a complete resource packed with information on bass lures and tips on how to use them. via Best Bass Fishing Lures: Top 5 Bass Lures