Tackle Shack Top 5 Bass Baits of 2023

• Posted on 2 January 2024
• By Don
• Posted in bass fishing
• 0

Let’s look back at the last year and see what was hot in 2023. These must-have baits deserve a place in every bass angler’s tackle box.

Tackle Shack Top 5 Bass Baits of 2023

#5 Powerbait MaxScent General 

MaxScent baits have made their mark in the bass fishing world and the MaxScent General became a favorite among Tackle Shack customers.  Texas rig it, wacky rig it, or add a nail weight for an excellent Neko Rig Bait.  The shimmy of these soft stick baits is one no hungry bass can resist.  Popular colors included Black/Blue Flake, June Bug, Green Pumpkin/Watermelon, and Bubblegum.  The 5 inch size bested other models, but all sizes made their way into angler’s boxes this season. 

#4 Strike King Bitsy Bug

Affordable and effective sums up the ever-popular Strike King Bitsy Bug.  Whether your flipping docks on the finger lakes or dragging cribs at Hammond Lake, the bass can’t turn down these Strike King morsels.  Pair them with a Rage Craw, Rage Chunk, or Zoom Chunk for an excellent craw imitation.  Available in 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, and ¼ oz models.  Black/Blue, Green Pumpkin, and Pumpkin Craw topped the list as our best sellers for 2023.

#3 Z-man Finesse TRD 2.75”

The Ned rig has become a leading finesse technique nationwide and there’s no better worm for it than the original Z-man TRD.  Coming in at just 2.75”, this snack sized bait yields big results for both smallmouth and largemouth.  Plain Green Pumpkin stood as the top selling color, but close behind were Canada Craw, Green Pumpkin Goby, Coppertreuse, and Mudbug.  The 2.75” outshined it’s 4” brother, the Big TRD, however seasoned anglers will tell you that somedays you need that bigger bait.  Try them both this season!

#2 River2Sea Whopper Plopper

Plop,plop, plop, plop…SPLASH!  It’s hard to beat the thrill of bass blowing up on topwaters, and the River2Sea Whopper Plopper never disappoints. Coming in 6 sizes (60, 75, 90, 110, 130, 190), these baits catch anything that swims.  The size 90 continues to top the charts, with the 75 and 110 also yielded great results.  Each though has its unique advantages for different water conditions.  Top colors include Bone, Bluegill, Perch, and Loon.  In our eyes, the Whopper Plopper is one of the great lures of the last decade and certainly one of the greatest topwaters ever produced.

#1 Yamamoto Yamasenko

It’s no secret that senkos get bit.  The original in its class, the senko continues its reign as a #1 fish catcher for another season.  Available in dozens of different colors, there is a senko to match any fishing situation and water condition.  New colors last year, included Smallmouth Magic, Fire Caw, and Sexy Shad.  Top selling colors included 021 Black Blue Flake, 297 Green Pumpkin Black Flake, 229 Bubblegum, 305 Baby Bass, and 967 Goby.  Again the 5 inch model was preferred, but 4 inch baits sold well all year too.   

What was your best bait for 2023?  There’s a ton of new baits coming in for 2024.  Will one of them take the top spots this season or will these fish catching classics continue to top the charts?  Good luck in your bass pursuits in 2024!  Stop in to see us before you hit the water, or shop online anytime at www.shoptackleshack.com