Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures to Use in July

July can be a challenging yet rewarding month for bass anglers. The scorching summer heat can make bass fishing a tough endeavor as bass tend to retreat to deeper, cooler waters during the peak of the day to escape the high temperatures. These deeper waters offer a more comfortable environment for bass, where they can conserve energy and stay out of the direct sunlight. However, this behavior change presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for anglers.

In the early mornings and late evenings, when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense, bass become more active and move into shallower waters to feed. These windows of opportunity are prime times for bass fishing, as the fish are more likely to be in a feeding frenzy, striking at anything that resembles their natural prey. The key is to capitalize on these feeding periods by using the right lures that can effectively mimic the baitfish and other prey that bass are targeting.

Understanding bass behavior in July is crucial for selecting the best lures. During the heat of the day, bass often seek out deeper structures such as submerged vegetation, ledges, and drop-offs. They might also hide in shaded areas provided by docks, overhanging trees, or man-made structures. To entice these bass, anglers need lures that can reach these depths and offer a presentation that triggers a strike, even in their more lethargic state. On the other hand, during the early morning and late evening, surface and shallow water lures become more effective as bass are actively hunting.

To help you make the most of your July fishing trips, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 bass fishing lures that will help you reel in those lunkers. Each of these lures has been selected based on their effectiveness in various conditions, their ability to mimic natural prey, and their versatility in different fishing scenarios. Whether you’re fishing from a boat, a kayak, or the bank, these lures will increase your chances of landing big bass this July. Here are our top 5 bass fishing lures we like to throw during the month of July.

Impulse Favorite July Fishing Lures For Bass Success.

• Topwater Frogs
• Deep Diving Crankbaits
• Plastic Worms
• Chatterbaits (Bladed Jigs)
• Swimbaits

1. Topwater Frogs For Bass Fishing Succes In July.

Topwater frogs are a must-have in July, especially when fishing in heavy vegetation. These lures mimic the look and movement of real frogs, which bass love to target. Their hollow bodies allow them to float on the water's surface, and their weedless design lets you fish them through thick cover without getting snagged.

The best time to use topwater frogs is early in the morning or late in the evening when bass are more likely to be feeding near the surface. During these times, bass are actively hunting for prey, and the commotion caused by a frog lure skittering across the water can trigger explosive strikes. The ideal frog lure should have a realistic design, with lifelike legs that kick and splash as you retrieve it.

When selecting a topwater frog, consider the color and size. Natural colors like green, brown, and white are effective, but having a few brightly colored options can be beneficial in murky water. Frogs typically range from 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. Choose a size that matches the local frog population to make your lure more convincing.

Why They Work: Topwater frogs mimic the look and movement of real frogs, enticing bass to strike. Their weedless design lets you fish them through thick cover without getting snagged.

Best Vegetation: Fish them in lily pads, thick grass mats, and around weed edges.

Conditions: Early morning and late evening when bass are actively feeding near the surface.

Specs: Frogs range from 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. Natural colors like green, brown, and white are top choices, but bright colors can work in murky water.

Tournament Use: Topwater frogs are excellent for targeting bass in heavy cover, making them a popular choice in tournaments.

Versatility: Ideal for bank fishing, kayak fishing, and boat fishing. Their ability to fish through thick cover makes them a versatile choice for different fishing scenarios.

2. Deep Diving Crankbaits

When the summer sun heats up, bass often retreat to deeper, cooler waters. Deep diving crankbaits are designed to reach these depths and entice bass with their wobbling action. These lures are equipped with large bills that help them dive quickly and maintain their depth during the retrieve.

The key to fishing with deep diving crankbaits in July is to target structure and cover in deeper water. Look for underwater ledges, drop-offs, and deep points where bass are likely to be holding. The wobbling action of the crankbait, combined with its ability to deflect off structure, makes it an irresistible target for bass.

Choosing the right deep diving crankbait involves considering the diving depth, size, and color. These lures typically dive to depths of 10 to 20 feet. Opt for natural colors like shad, bluegill, and crawfish to match the local forage.

Why They Work: Deep diving crankbaits reach depths where bass are holding during the hot summer months. Their wobbling action and ability to deflect off structure attract strikes.

Best Vegetation: Fish them around underwater ledges, drop-offs, and deep points.

Conditions: Bright, sunny days when bass retreat to deeper, cooler waters.

Specs: Choose crankbaits that dive to 10-20 feet. Sizes range from 1/2 to 1 ounce. Natural colors like shad, bluegill, and crawfish are top choices

Tournament Use: Excellent for targeting deep-water bass, making them a valuable tool in tournaments.

Versatility: Suitable for bank fishing, kayak fishing, and boat fishing. Their ability to reach deep water makes them a versatile choice for different fishing scenarios.

3. Plastic Worms For Big Bass In July.

Plastic worms, particularly when rigged Texas-style, are a go-to lure in July. The Texas rig involves inserting the hook into the worm’s head and burying the point back into the body, making it weedless. This setup allows you to fish through heavy cover without snagging, making it perfect for summertime bass that often hide in thick vegetation.

One of the advantages of using plastic worms is their versatility. They can be fished slowly along the bottom, hopped through grass beds, or even swam through open water. The soft, flexible body of the worm gives it a lifelike action that bass find hard to resist. In July, bass are often less aggressive due to the heat, and a slow, subtle presentation with a plastic worm can be just what you need to entice a bite.

When choosing plastic worms for July, consider the color, size, and weight. Natural colors like green pumpkin, black, and watermelon are effective in most conditions. Worms typically range from 6 to 10 inches in length, with 7-inch worms being a versatile choice. Use bullet weights ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, depending on the cover and depth you are fishing.

Why They Work: Plastic worms offer a lifelike action that bass find irresistible. The weedless Texas rig allows you to fish through heavy cover without snagging.

Best Vegetation: Fish them through grass beds, along weed edges, and near submerged vegetation.

Conditions: All-day use, especially during the hottest parts of the day when bass are less aggressive.

Specs: Worms range from 6 to 10 inches in length. Natural colors like green pumpkin, black, and watermelon are top choices. Use bullet weights ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce.

Tournament Use: Plastic worms are highly effective for targeting bass in heavy cover, making them a staple in tournaments.

Versatility: Ideal for bank fishing, kayak fishing, and boat fishing. Their ability to fish through thick cover makes them a versatile choice for different fishing scenarios.

4. Using Chatterbaits And Other Bladed Jigs In July.

Chatterbaits, also known as bladed jigs, are a fantastic lure choice for July bass fishing. These lures combine the flash and vibration of a spinnerbait with the profile of a jig, creating a unique action that bass find irresistible. The blade on the chatterbait creates a lot of commotion in the water, attracting bass from a distance.

One of the key advantages of chatterbaits is their versatility. They can be fished through grass, along the edges of weed lines, and around submerged structures. The vibrating action of the blade makes them effective in both clear and murky water. In July, when bass are often found in heavy cover, chatterbaits can be used to draw them out and trigger aggressive strikes

Selecting the right chatterbait involves considering the size, weight, and color. Chatterbaits typically range from 3/8 to 1/2 ounce, with 1/2 ounce being a versatile choice. Colors like white, chartreuse, and black/blue are effective in different water conditions. Pair your chatterbait with a soft plastic trailer to add more action and increase its appeal to bass.

Why They Work: Chatterbaits combine the flash and vibration of a spinnerbait with the profile of a jig, creating a unique action that attracts bass. Their versatility makes them effective in various conditions.

Best Vegetation: Fish them through grass, along weed edges, and around submerged structures.

Conditions: Effective in both clear and murky water, particularly in the early morning and late evening.

Specs: Chatterbaits range from 3/8 to 1/2 ounce. Colors like white, chartreuse, and black/blue are top choices. Use a soft plastic trailer to add more action.

Tournament Use: Highly effective for targeting bass in heavy cover, making them a valuable tool in tournaments.

Versatility: Suitable for bank fishing, kayak fishing, and boat fishing. Their ability to fish through various types of cover makes them a versatile choice for different fishing scenarios

5. Swimbaits For July Bass Fishing Success.

Swimbaits are an excellent choice for July bass fishing, especially when targeting larger fish. These lures are designed to mimic the look and movement of baitfish, making them highly effective in lakes and reservoirs where bass are feeding on shad and other small fish. Swimbaits come in various sizes and styles, from soft plastic paddle tails to hard-bodied jointed versions.

The key to fishing with swimbaits in July is to target areas where bass are likely to be feeding. Look for schools of baitfish and cast your swimbait around them. The lifelike action of the swimbait, combined with its realistic appearance, makes it an irresistible target for bass. Swimbaits can be fished at different depths, making them versatile for various conditions.

When choosing swimbaits, consider the size, color, and style. Soft plastic swimbaits with paddle tails are effective for a slow, steady retrieve, while hard-bodied swimbaits can be used for a more aggressive presentation. Sizes typically range from 4 to 8 inches, with larger sizes being more effective for targeting big bass. Natural colors like shad, bluegill, and perch are top choices.

Why They Work: Swimbaits mimic the look and movement of baitfish, making them highly effective in lakes and reservoirs where bass are feeding on shad and other small fish. Their lifelike action and realistic appearance make them irresistible to bass

Best Vegetation: Fish them around schools of baitfish, along the edges of weed lines, and near submerged structures.

Conditions: Effective in both clear and murky water, particularly during the early morning and late evening when bass are actively feeding.

Specs: Swimbaits range from 4 to 8 inches. Natural colors like shad, bluegill, and perch are top choices.

Tournament Use: Highly effective for targeting larger bass, making them a valuable tool in tournaments.

Versatility: Suitable for bank fishing, kayak fishing, and boat fishing. Their ability to mimic baitfish makes them a versatile choice for different fishing scenarios.

July can be a challenging month for bass fishing, but with the right lures, you can still have a successful outing. Whether you’re fishing from a kayak, bank, or bass boat, these five lures give you the versatility and effectiveness needed to succeed.