When targeting largemouth bass in Texas, you have a variety of effective lure options to consider, especially given the diverse habitats and weather conditions you might encounter. Based on the video context provided and my expertise, here are some top lure choices:
Texas Rigged Soft Plastics: This is a versatile setup that can be used in various conditions. Creature baits like lizards or Rage Bugs, as well as plastic worms ranging from 4-inch straight tail worms to larger 10-12-inch ribbon tail worms, are effective. For heavy weed cover or when bass are buried in vegetation, a Texas rig allows you to present the bait effectively without getting snagged. During summer, when vegetation like hydrilla and milfoil forms thick mats, a heavier bullet sinker (1/2-ounce to 1 1/2-ounce) can help punch through the mats to reach bass underneath.
Jigs: A jig can be a great option for both shallow and deep water. It offers a vertical presentation that can be particularly enticing to bass. Jigs can be flipped and pitched into cover, which is useful during spawning season or when bass are holding tight to structure.
Topwater Baits: In the right conditions, such as over spawning beds or when bass are active on the surface, topwater lures can be explosive. Buzzbaits and Whopper Ploppers are mentioned as productive choices. These lures can draw aggressive strikes from bass in shallow waters.
Lipless Crankbaits: These are excellent for covering water and can be particularly effective when burned fast over shallow areas where bass may be roaming.
Spinnerbaits: Another versatile option that works well in various conditions, spinnerbaits can be great for shallow-diving and covering water quickly.
Soft Plastic Stick Baits: These can be rigged weightless or with a light weight for a subtle presentation, which can be key when fishing pressured waters or when bass are finicky.
Color selection is also important, with green pumpkin and watermelon seed being reliable choices for soft plastics. For crankbaits and spinnerbaits, shad colors, chrome, and crawdad patterns are suggested.
Remember, the activity level and feeding mood of the bass can dictate which lure to use. On days when bass are aggressively feeding, opt for larger lures with more movement. Conversely, when bass are less active, downsizing to smaller lures with less action can be more effective.
Ultimately, the best lure can vary based on the specific conditions you're facing on any given day in Texas, so it's wise to have a selection of these lures on hand and be ready to adapt your approach as needed.