HookedinFishing » Winter Bass Fishing » Best February Baits

Top 9 Bass Fishing Baits for February

March presents an amazing opportunity for bass fishing. During this time larger bass start to migrate towards shallower waters to feed. March is perfect for using faster and more aggressive fishing techniques to lure in these fish.

To increase your chances of success, we focus on a select few lures and color combinations that have proven to be effective in catching fish, and you can apply the same knowledge to your local fishing spot.

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1. Jerkbaits

March is when you can start fishing Jerkbaits much faster and more aggressive than previous months. You want to work them hard to create a ton of flash, vibration, and movement. This action drives bass wild during this time of the year.

Because of this, you want to use jerkbaits designed to be more aggressive. I really like two two jerkbaits for aggressive action.

  • Shimano World Minnow Flash Boost – Produces a ton of flash even in lower light conditions.
    Colors: Clown, Chart Silver, Black Silver
  • Jackall Rerange – Thin in the front and wider in the back. This makes it roll as it darts and twitches.
    Colors: Chart Back Pearl, Secret Shad 2

Both of these are loud baits that put a lot of flash. They have great pulling power and are perfect in March.

2. Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits works great during March on any type of retrieve. This makes it great for beginners. My favorite ways to fish them are fishing them fast on a straight retrieve covering a lot of water and hopping them along bottom.

I have two favorites depending on the retrieve I’m going for, the Jackall TN-70 and the LV 500. What I like about these two baits is they pack more weight in a smaller profile than most other lipless crankbaits.

  • Straight Retrieve – Jackall TN–70 – Colors: Escape Craw, SS Shad, SG Threadfin
  • Hopping on Bottom – Lucky Craft LV–500 – Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow

3. Blade Baits

Blade baits are similar to lipless crankbaits but have a slightly different action.

I really like two blade baits in February. One is more subtle, the other is much more aggressive. There is no clear rule for which to start with, you need to try both until you figure out what the bass prefer that day.

  • Damiki Vault 1/2 oz – Very aggressive thumping vibration
    Colors: Fire Craw, Black Blue, Brett’s Bluegill
  • Megabass Dyna Response 1/2 oz – More subtle, tighter vibration
    Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

4. Squarebill Crankbaits

Squarebills are great as spring starts approaching. Bass start to move up shallower to feed more as they bulk up for spawn.

  • Spro Little John – Subtle bait. Smaller, flat sided, tighter vibration, and less sound. It’s perfect for bad days with tougher conditions.
    Colors: Blood Craw, Fire Craw, Chrome Olive
  • River2Sea Biggie Poppa – Bold and loud
    Colors: Cold Blooded, Delta Craw, Rooster
  • Rapala Rocco 5 – Balsa bait that starts up very fast
    Colors: Red Crawdad, Chartreuse Black, Tuxedo Shad

5. Large Swimbaits

Larger swimbaits are great in the final cold months as spring approaches. This is one of the best times of the year to try and beat your personal best. Large swimbaits are perfect for this. They are a big meal that are enticing to giant bass trying to bulk up before spawn.

In February, secondary points and backs of coves are ideal areas to target with large swimbaits. I like to use two swimbaits during this time. The Megabass Magdraft for covering water and the River2Sea S-Waver for around cover.

6. Alabama Rig

The Alabama rig is one of the best winter rigs but it can still be productive during the early spring. The A-rig mimics a small school of bait fish. The way you retrieve and work the rig creates a ton of movement that looks super realistic.

It’s so successful that many tournaments have banned it’s use. It’s great for catching numbers and giant bass.

In February you want to fish it shallow. Target the same areas you would with your squarebills or swimbaits.

Recommended Components:

How to Setup & Fish the Alabama Rig

7. Underspins

Underspins can be a good choice when the rain starts to pick up and you have a influx of water. That large influx of water brings in a lot of debris and makes the water really muddy.

An underspin gives you some flash to get some attention through the murky water and you can rig it weedless which can really help in those scenarios.

8. Shaky Head

A shaky head is perfect for those who enjoy fishing slower or are fishing from the bank. In late February, bass start moving up shallower which kicks off the fishing season for bank anglers.

Shaky heads work great in clear or murky water and everything in between.

9. Texas Rig

A texas rig, just like a shaky head is perfect for those who enjoy fishing slower or are fishing from the bank. In late February, bass start moving up shallower which gives those fishing from the bank a great opportunity to catch some nice size bass.

Texas rigs work great in clear or murky water and everything in between.

Final Thoughts

February is when power fishing really starts to pick up. It’s also a time when you can start to catch fish much more consistently again. With the right lures and techniques you have a great opportunity to catch a lot of fish and potentially catch some trophy-sized bass.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, taking advantage of the opportunities that February bass fishing offers can lead to an exciting and memorable fishing trip. So grab your fishing gear and head out to your favorite fishing spot, and enjoy the thrill of bass fishing this February!