As the days shorten and temperatures cool, September offers some of the best fishing opportunities of the year. Bass and pike become more aggressive, feeding heavily before winter, making it a prime time to hit the water with the right lures. Let's dive into the best baits to use this September and how to make the most of them.
1. Buggy Craw by Bait Monster
Meet the Buggy Craw, your go-to bait for bass this month. Its realistic design and tantalizing movement make it irresistible in any water condition. Pair it with a Tungsten Flipping Jig by Hardware Fishing for a deadly combination around structures and natural depth variations where bass like to hide. The compact jig penetrates thick cover, while the Buggy Craw's lively claws do the rest.
Tip: Work this combo slowly along the bottom, letting the jig hop and pause to mimic a fleeing crawfish. The natural colors of the Buggy Craw will shine in both clear and murky water, attracting bass from all directions.
2. Deadly Senko 140 by Bait Monster
The Deadly Senko 140 is every bass angler's dream. Pair it with the 2/0 Bait Holder Hook by Hardware Fishing for an unbeatable wacky rig. The subtle wiggling action of the Senko will have bass biting in no time, especially when targeting shallow areas near vegetation or submerged timber.
Trick: Cast parallel to the shorelines or near structures. Let it sink slowly and twitch it gently—bass love this erratic, yet natural action.
3. Swamp Seducer 4.0 by Bait Monster
Ready to seduce the topwater bass? The Swamp Seducer 4.0 is a finesse frog bait that mimics a real frog swimming along the surface. With its natural green colors and lifelike movement, this bait is perfect for targeting bass hiding under lily pads or near other surface vegetation.
Tip: Use a stop-and-go retrieve to mimic a frog's erratic movement, pausing occasionally to let it sit in open pockets of water. Bass can't resist striking when they least expect it!
4. Loco Cranker 55 by Hardware Fishing
For those bass hanging at mid-depths, the Loco Cranker 55 is a must. This crankbait, with its natural colors and erratic movement, mimics a fleeing baitfish perfectly. It's ideal for working drop-offs, submerged structures, or around rocky points.
Tip: Vary your retrieval speed to imitate a panicked baitfish. A sudden pause or twitch can often trigger a reaction strike from a hungry bass.
5. Abuelo 120 by El Grement
Pike fishing in September? The Abuelo 120 is your versatile jerkbait for reaching different depths. Whether casting or trolling, this bait can draw pike out of their hiding spots.
Tip: Use a slow, jerky retrieve to mimic an injured fish. Pike are opportunistic predators and will strike at anything that appears weak or vulnerable.
6. Mamba Stick 6 by Bait Monster
The Mamba Stick 6 offers versatility with its ribbed body that emits subtle vibrations, attracting fish from a distance. Perfect for Texas rigs, drop shots, or shaky heads, this bait works well in both clear and stained waters.
Tip: When fishing deeper waters, use a 3/16 oz Tungsten Weight by Hardware Fishing for a quicker descent and better sensitivity. This setup will allow you to feel every bump on the bottom and detect even the slightest nibble.
7. 1/16oz Finesse Jig Head by Hardware Fishing
For trout or smaller species, the 1/16oz Finesse Jig Head is perfect. Its lightweight design, paired with the Mini Worm Swirl by Bait Monster, makes for an excellent trout jigging setup.
Trick: Cast upstream and let the jig drift naturally with the current, bouncing along the bottom. This mimics a small insect or baitfish, enticing trout to strike.
8. Worm Swirl Mini by Bait Monster
A must-have for trout, the Worm Swirl Mini features a unique swirl design that creates lifelike movements, attracting fish even in challenging conditions.
Tip: Use it in streams and rivers with varying currents to enhance its natural action. The durable material withstands multiple strikes, ensuring you stay on the water longer with fewer re-rigs.