In the world of American fishing, bass is king. While largemouth may be the more sought after variety, the smallmouth bass isn’t far behind. Growing up in the Midwest, and later the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, I have a deep love for both smallmouth and the rivers and lakes they call home. Despite living and fishing all over America, I’m still drawn to these fish in a way that’s difficult to describe. Anyone who’s targeted them can probably relate, as there’s just something special about a good smallie bite.
There are a handful of factors that combine to make these bronze brawlers the perfect freshwater game fish to chase from a kayak. First, the waters they inhabit are typically clear and scenic, making them a beautiful paddle regardless of the bite. This clear water can also lead to them being wary, which makes chasing them more challenging and rewarding at times. Finally, it doesn’t hurt that they’re known for their aggressive strikes and hard fighting ability, particularly when it comes to targeting them with topwater.
These game fish are prized among anglers who value their sporting qualities and can be caught on a wide variety of lures. Below are some of the best smallmouth bass lures on the market today, from tried and true classics to modern options that have quickly become staples.
Best Smallmouth Bass Lures For 2025: Author’s Top Picks
- Best For Lazy Summer Fish: Yamamoto Senko
- Best Weedless Baitfish Imitation: Zoom Superfluke
- Best For Pre-Spawn Shallow Water: Rapala X-Rap
- Best For Ned Rigs: Z-Man Shroomz
- Best Finesse Topwater Lure: Lucky Craft Sammy
Best Smallmouth Lure For Lazy Summer Fishing
Yamamoto Senko
MSRP: $5.99-7.99 per pack
Buy from:
Why I love it
Love it or hate it, you simply can’t deny it: the original Yamamoto Senko worm flat out catches smallmouth. It’s been on the market for decades, but there’s a reason it’s still so popular.
Some anglers look down on the simple Senko due to a perceived lack of skill in fishing it, but that’s kind of the point. This lure is easy to use for anyone and still catches tons of smallmouth of all sizes. I first discovered the magic of a simple green pumpkin senko as a teenager. I tied one on while fishing a shallow, rocky river in the summer and proceeded to catch fish on nearly every cast all afternoon. Simply put, it completely blew my mind. Now, over two decades later, it’s still the lure I tie on in the summer when fish just aren’t responding to anything else.
The Senko is typically most effective rigged wacky style or weedless on a Texas rig. The simplicity of the lure goes beyond its appearance, as it’s also best fished without much action at all. In rivers, cast upstream and simply let the Senko drift back downstream towards you at an angle. Keep enough tension to avoid bowing your line and let the lure work its magic. If there’s a smallmouth in the run, you’ll probably know soon. In lakes, apply the same technique minus using the current. Let the Senko drop slowly until it hits bottom, reel up and repeat. You can add a few light twitches as it falls if you like. It will typically get hit on the drop, but be ready at every moment.
Reasons to Buy
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to use
- Variety of rigging options
- Has probably caught more smallmouth than every other lure on this list combined
Consider Another Model If
- Durability is a concern
- You’re fishing dirty water
- Fish are actively feeding on the surface or chasing bait
Bottom Line
If you’re struggling to get a bite during your next summer float, tie on a Senko and let it do the work for you.
Best Ned Rig Style Lure For fishing Deep Or Cold Water
Z-Man ShroomZ Micro Finesse Jig With Z-Man TRD CrawZ
MSRP: $5.49 and $4.99
Buy from:
Z-MAN BASS PRO AMAZON
Z-MAN BASS PRO AMAZON
Why I love it
While the classic “jig-n-pig” style of jig has been catching smallmouth bass for decades, the trend in recent years has shifted to a smaller, finesse version of this rig. The invention and proliferation of the Ned Rig is probably responsible for this, as it’s proven just how effective a small profile can be.
Enter the Z-Man ShroomZ micro finesse jig, essentially a dressed up and fancier version of a Ned jighead. A traditional Ned rig will catch smallies just fine, but the ShroomZ jig takes them to another level, especially when paired with a Z-Man TRD CrawZ trailer. The skirted jig gives the rig a bit more body, making it more eye catching to slow-moving smallmouth, especially in the winter. When paired with a durable Elaztech trailer like the TRD CrawZ, it creates the perfect finesse presentation for enticing smallmouth that would otherwise not be feeding. Lastly, the jigs also come with wire weed-guards, which make them slightly better for working very slowly along rocky bottoms without getting hung up.
For me, these lures were revolutionary when it came to dialing in finicky winter smallmouth fishing in Virginia. While they’re a great craw imitation year-round, they really excel in the colder months when the fish are less active and holding deeper. The floating quality of the TRD CrawZ allows the jig to sit vertically and gives just enough wiggle to get a fish’s attention without spooking them. I like to drag the jig as slowly as possible across the bottom of deep wintering holes, making sure to keep it in the zone where fish will be for the longest time possible. While you may not get numbers of fish this way, you’ll almost certainly catch some of the biggest smallmouth of the year.
Reasons to Buy
- Extremely durable
- Reasonably priced
- Versatile in many conditions and excels in areas where other lures don’t
Consider Another Model If
- You’re getting hung up in brush and weeds.
- You need something with a thinner profile
Bottom Line
If you’re targeting big smallmouth in cold or deep water, tie on a ShroomZ jig and TRD CrawZ and make sure your knots are solid, because you won’t want to lose the bruiser that eats it.
Best Smallmouth Lure For Pre-Spawn Shallow Water
Rapala X-Rap
MSRP: $12.99-15.99
Buy from:
Why I love it
When the water begins to warm up, smallmouth bass go into feeding mode before they spawn. In early spring, the primary forage for these hungry fish are small minnows, as many invertebrates are still dormant. These fish will begin pushing up shallower and aggressively chasing the fleeing baitfish, leading to a hectic and incredibly fun opportunity for anglers. Enter the Rapala X-Rap, the perfect shallow water slash bait for mimicking the erratic motions of small baitfish.
While these lures will catch smallies year-round, the magic pre-spawn window is when they truly shine. Where I fish in Virginia, this window is typically between mid-March and early April, when the water temperatures in our rivers begin climbing into the mid-50s. As soon as I start seeing small baitfish schools over the shallow rocks, I pull out the box of X-Raps and never look back. These lures are proven fish-catching machines, and their unique slashing action and wide array of color options drive the hungry pre-spawn smallies wild.
Their unique design allows them to be fished shallow over rocks while still delivering tons of action. While the X-Rap comes in a variety of sizes, I find the size 08 to be the perfect profile and imitation of the baitfish in our rivers. You’ll want to observe the forage where you’re fishing and adjust the size accordingly.
Reasons to Buy
- Unique action
- Draws ferocious strikes
- Wide variety of colors and sizes
Consider Another Model If
- If you’re targeting deeper fish, consider a different jerkbait option
- It’s too cold for the fish to be aggressive
- You’re fishing a weedy or snaggy stretch of water
Bottom Line
If you fish for pre-spawn river smallmouth, you’ll want a box full of as many X-Raps as possible.
Best Weedless Baitfish Imitation For Smallmouth
Zoom Super Fluke
MSRP: $6.49 per pack
Buy from:
Why I love it
When you love jerkbait fishing as much as I do, it can be frustrating when the water is full of vegetation and snags. This goes double when you see fish actively feeding on bait in areas where treble hooks simply won’t go. In these situations, a weedless soft plastic is your best option, and you won’t find one more effective than the classic Zoom Super Fluke.
An extremely simple lure, the Super Fluke has been imitated countless times over. While other fluke-style plastics undoubtedly work fine, the original Zoom Super Fluke still reigns supreme. This is because it works exactly as it’s supposed to, and it’s still affordable. Many of the newer brands of soft plastics utilize modern, durable materials or put twists on the shape of the lure, both of which detract from the perfect balance that the Super Fluke struck years ago.
When properly rigged on a weedless wide-gap hook, this lure can be twitched and walked through just about any cover and at almost any depth. If fish are feeding on bait up high, you can even walk it like a topwater and draw strikes.
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable
- Wide range of colors
- Works in many situations and water styles
Consider Another Model If
- You want something more durable
- You’re fishing a water body where baitfish aren’t the primary forage
Bottom Line
Simply put, it’s a classic for a reason and you won’t find a better option for fishing hungry smallmouth in tight cover.
Best Finesse Topwater Lure For Smallmouth
Lucky Craft Sammy 100
MSRP: $15.99
Buy from:
Why I love it
When you ask most anglers what their favorite way to catch fish is, there’s a good chance the answer will be on topwater. It’s one of the most exciting and visual styles of fishing, and smallmouth seem to love it almost as much as anglers. When you’re talking about topwater lure styles, you generally have two varieties: loud and aggressive or subtle and quiet. The Lucky Craft Sammy 100 falls into the second category, with its sleek design perfectly imitating a struggling baitfish on the surface without making too much commotion and putting fish off.
While aggressive topwater presentations like poppers and buzzbaits can draw powerful strikes, smallmouth can be wary and get spooked by these lures. If you’re fishing heavily pressured or clear water in the warmer months, fish have likely already seen plenty of lures. In these situations, you’ll want something that gets their attention up top but appears more natural.
The Sammy is the perfect walk-the-dog style plug for enticing wary smallmouth into vicious topwater strikes. Its unique internal weighting system allows it to be cast accurately and far, both critical elements to getting bites when fish are spooky. The Sammy also has a unique action compared to similar plugs at lower price points, in that it sits at almost a ninety-degree vertical angle on the water. This allows the lower half of the lure to bob enticingly below the surface and creates a great side-to-side rolling action when twitched.
Reasons to Buy
- Draws topwater strikes when other lures won’t
- Incredibly fun to fish
- Huge range of color options
Consider Another Model If
- Price is a concern
- Fish are feeding on topwater aggressively or there’s a lot of bait around
Bottom Line
If you love topwater fishing but the smallmouth aren’t responding as aggressively as you’d like, try out a Lucky Craft Sammy.
Best Aggressive Topwater Lure For Smallmouth
River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90
MSRP: $14.99
Buy from:
Why I love it
When smallmouth bass are in a feeding mood, particularly in summer and early fall, the Whopper Plopper is the topwater to tie on for some of the most aggressive strikes you’ll ever see.
The basic premise of this lure is simple: make fish angry by being loud. With a relatively standard plug-shaped body, the unique tail of this lure is what sets it apart. The rotating action creates a loud “plopping” sound that seems to really trigger the feeding instinct in aggressive predatory fish.
Originally designed by legendary angler Larry Dahlberg as a musky lure, the concept proved too effective to limit to one species and one size range. This led to the creation of a smaller range of sizes that are perfect for bass fishing. Of these, the size 90 (3.5”) seems to be the ultimate winner for topwater smallmouth.
The perfect combination of size and action makes this lure the ultimate topwater for fired-up smallies. Just be careful, the factory hooks on the Whopper Plopper are incredibly sharp, and I’ve had to pull more than a few barbs out of myself over the years.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to fish and draws vicious strikes
- Fun!
- Draws the attention of hungry fish from a distance
Consider Another Model If
- Smallies are in a less aggressive mood
- You’re fishing water with lots of floating vegetation or debris that will snag the sharp trebles
Bottom Line
If you’re in the mood for awesome topwater strikes and aggressive fishing, you won’t do better than a Whopper Plopper 90.
Best Finesse Swimbait For Deep Smallmouth
Keitech Easy Shiner
MSRP: $5.49-10.99
Buy from:
Why I love it
The basic paddle-tail style soft plastic has existed for years, being manufactured in some variation by just about every bait company on the market. Given this, it’s difficult to pick one that stands above the rest. That said, Keitech seems to have cemented itself as the go-to option for anglers these days, and I can’t argue. Their Fat Swing Impact, a wider, ribbed swimbait in their lineup, is the gold standard for both freshwater bass anglers and salty striper fisherman alike.
While I do like the Fat Swing Impact for smallmouth bass, I prefer their slimmer, toned-down paddle-tail, the Easy Shiner. This little swimbait is simple but lethal, coming in a ton of different color options and sizes. It’s lightly scented, has a great tail kick in a slim body, and can be rigged and fished effectively in a plethora of ways. I prefer rigging it on a basic jighead, usually tungsten, to keep the profile and size down. The 3-inch version of this lure is my favorite, being the perfect bite-sized option for hungry smallmouth chasing bait schools in deeper water.
Reasons to Buy
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to find in big-box stores and small shops alike
- Simple and easy to fish in a variety of ways
Consider Another Model If
- Durability is a concern
- You want a swimbait with more body-roll and attention-getting action
Bottom Line
If you’re marking lots of baitfish down deep or simply want to work the whole water column, a 3-inch Easy Shiner on a tungsten jighead is a fantastic option.
Best Smallmouth Lure For Bottom Fishing Around Structure
Z-Man Gobius
MSRP: $6.99
Buy from:
Why I love it
Goby imitations have become trendy in recent years, with lures like the Megabass Dark Sleeper pioneering the “hidden-hook” style and heavy internal weighting system found in many others. The Z-Man Gobius may not be the first, but it’s certainly one of the best of these lures. Once again, the durable nature of the Elaztech material goes a long way in making this lure stand out from the rest. It’s also incredibly realistic, casts well, and has a great selection of color options.
The goby is one of the premier forage species that smallmouth bass target. An invasive species to the Great Lakes region, these little bottom dwellers quickly became a staple in the diet of smallmouth in the lakes. While gobies may not inhabit the exact waters you’re fishing, it’s almost a guarantee that other small, bottom-dwelling baitfish do. Fish like sculpins and mad toms (tiny catfish) are found in just about any body of water that smallmouth call home, and they’re equally sought after as forage.
All of this is to say a lure that perfectly mimics a small goby-style baitfish is downright deadly on smallmouth. The Gobius fits the bill perfectly with its hidden hook and durable construction, making it great for fishing around bottom structure without hanging up or getting ripped apart.
Reasons to Buy
- Perfect goby or sculpin imitation
- Simple and easy to fish
- Doesn’t get snagged easily and is very durable
Consider Another Model If
- Fish are feeding heavily on the surface or chasing schooling baitfish
- You happen to be fishing in one of the rare water bodies that don’t contain gobies, sculpin, or mad toms
Bottom Line
An often-overlooked part of the smallmouth diet, small bottom-dwelling baitfish are highly prized as forage by bronzebacks, and the Z-Man Gobius is a great way to take advantage of that.
Best For Dirty Water Pre-Spawn Fishing
War Eagle Double Willow
MSRP: $8.99
Buy from:
Why I love it
As previously mentioned in this article, there’s a magic window in early spring when smallmouth feed heavily before the spawn. Unfortunately, sometimes that window falls when the rivers aren’t in ideal shape for fishing. So, what do you do when you know the fish are hungry and feeding, but the water is the color of chocolate milk? Tie on a big, flashy spinnerbait.
While spinnerbaits have waned in popularity in the professional bass scene, they’re still incredibly relevant for smallmouth anglers who know when to pull them out. Among these dedicated smallie anglers, the War Eagle Double Willow spinnerbait seems to be the most popular option. With a durable wire construction and simplistic design, the War Eagle spinner foregoes the fancy paint jobs and unnecessary flair of other spinners on the market in favor of functionality. This goes a long way in making it the preferred choice among anglers fishing dirty rivers, often full of debris. You want something that is pure flash, vibrates loudly and aggressively, and swims right on every cast.
Reasons to Buy
- Ideal for fishing dirty water
- Reasonable price point
- Durable
Consider Another Model If
- The water is clear or fish aren’t actively chasing bait
- You can’t find the War Eagle in your area
Bottom Line
If you’re desperate to get on an awesome pre-spawn smallie bite but the river is blown out and high, try throwing a War Eagle Double Willow spinnerbait into the chocolate milk.
Best Dropshot-Style Lure For Smallmouth
Berkley Powerbait MaxScent Flat Worm
MSRP: $9.99
Buy from:
Why I love it
One of the most effective ways to target smallmouth in deep water is a dropshot rig. In lakes with clear water, a dropshot rig can often catch fish when nothing else does. A super-light, finesse presentation, this rig requires the right lure to maximize its potential. While there are a lot of good options, the Berkley Powerbait MaxScent Flat Worm has recently stolen the show in the dropshot world.
A relatively new product, the MaxScent Flat Worm doesn’t appear like anything special at first glance. In fact, its opaque colorations and simple design might lead you to believe it’s inferior to some of the fancier-looking dropshot lures on the market. However, beneath its subdued exterior hides a shockingly productive lure. The overall simplicity of the design is critical to this, as is the matte-style opaque colorations. With lures like the Yamamoto Senko and Ned Rig, it’s been proven that smallmouth can actually prefer incredibly basic shapes.
Additionally, while many bait companies have leaned into making ultra-realistic patterns and paint jobs, a simple, natural coloration with a matte finish can be more effective at times. Fish don’t see it as often, and it also has a more natural appearance for mimicking dirty invertebrates and forage fish, which sometimes have algae on their exterior that mutes any shine.
These factors, along with the legendary Powerbait scent, make the MaxScent Flat Worm a uniquely effective option for dropshotting.
Reasons to Buy
- Perfect lure for finesse fishing and dropshot
- Proven scent enhances strike-drawing ability
Consider Another Model If
- You’re fishing dirty or shallow water.
Bottom Line
Dropshotting is one of the most effective ways to target smallmouth, and the Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm is one of the most effective dropshot lures.
Smallmouth Lure Buying Advice
There are several factors to consider when choosing which smallmouth lures to pick up before your next trip. While all the lures in this list can catch smallmouth, they each have a time and a place when they’ll be most effective.
First and foremost, where are you fishing? One of the beautiful things about smallmouth is that they inhabit a wide range of water styles, from small streams to large rivers and even larger lakes. While the fish in these water bodies may all feed on similar things, their diet will vary drastically in terms of what forage is available. Small streams and rivers tend to be invertebrate-heavy, leading to the fish feeding primarily on the bottom and looking for natural colors like green pumpkin or rusty orange-colored lures. In these situations, crawfish imitations and subtle presentations like the Senko really excel. In deeper lakes, fish often feed more heavily on baitfish like shad and smelt, making small swimbaits in flashier patterns more appealing.
Next, what time of year are you fishing? Smallmouth range extends from as far south as Texas all the way up through middle America into Canada. Given this wide swath of area, it’s important to consider that the seasonal habits of smallmouth will vary by region accordingly. While an epic pre-spawn bite may be happening in Virginia in late March, the smallmouth further north in Pennsylvania or New England will still be in full winter mode. Consider the water temperatures and the forage in the region you’re fishing and adjust your lure selections accordingly.
Best Smallmouth Bass Lure Brands
How we tested
Smallmouth bass have always been one of my favorite game fish, and kayak fishing for them is something I’m passionate about. While I have years of smallmouth fishing under my belt, I didn’t rely solely on my own experience when compiling this list. I gathered feedback from several other seasoned smallie anglers, from weekend warriors with a passion for smallmouth, to guides and tournament anglers who make it their profession. In the end, I had input from some of the best anglers around. While I’ve personally used and approved almost every lure on this list, I took the advice of these experts when looking for alternatives and options that I may not have considered.
All that being said, there are plenty of great smallmouth lures out there that weren’t included on this list. Don’t be offended if your favorite lure for bronzebacks isn’t here, as we all have our preferences and favorites for our own personal fisheries. One of the best parts of fishing for smallmouth is figuring out new and innovative ways to target them.
Why trust us
Growing up in Ohio, smallmouth bass were the first game fish I fell in love with. From wading small streams and eventually kayak fishing the Great Lakes and larger rivers in the region, I was fully immersed in learning to smallmouth fish. This experience over decades helped me develop the techniques and preferences I used to create this list.
More recently, I was lucky enough to live and fish in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. This area is a smallmouth mecca and allowed me to expand my techniques and learn new methods for targeting these exceptional game fish from a kayak. Home to famous smallmouth rivers like the Shenandoah and the James, as well as massive deep-water lakes, I took full advantage of the immense opportunities the area offers for kayak fishing for trophy smallmouth.
Feature Image: Kevin Hughes
