Fishing Techniques
Best Bass Fishing Lures for May: Tournament-Proven Picks for Every Region
Understanding May Bass Behavior
May is one of the most dynamic months in bass fishing. Across the country, water temperatures rise, spurring bass into different phases depending on their region. Southern bass may already be post-spawn and feeding aggressively on baitfish, while northern populations are just moving into pre-spawn.
Regional Breakdown:
- South (Texas, Florida, Alabama):
- Water Temps: 70–80°F
- Bass Behavior: Post-spawn recovery, shad spawn activity
- Primary Forage: Shad, bluegill
- Midwest (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio):
- Water Temps: 55–65°F
- Bass Behavior: Primarily spawning or late pre-spawn due to delayed warming
- Primary Forage: Bluegill, crawfish, perch
- North (Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York):
- Water Temps: 50–65°F
- Bass Behavior: Late pre-spawn or early spawn
- Primary Forage: Perch, crawfish, smelt
Pro Insight:
Elite Series angler John Cox notes that “bass are often in three different stages this time of year—even in the same body of water.” This makes lure selection critical for matching the prevailing conditions.
Top 5 Tournament-Grade Lures for May
1. Buzzbaits for Aggressive Post-Spawn Bass
Best For:
- Southern shad spawn
- Wind-blown points and shallow flats
Why It Works:
Buzzbaits trigger aggressive reaction strikes from post-spawn bass guarding fry or feeding during the shad spawn. The noisy commotion simulates fleeing baitfish, making it irresistible.
Gear Setup:
- Rod: 7’0″–7’4″ Medium Heavy Fast
- Reel: 7.1:1 gear ratio
- Line: 50 lb braid or 17 lb mono for stretch
Pro Tip:
Swap standard skirts for a swimbait trailer in clearer water or a twin-tail grub in stained conditions.
2. Spinnerbaits for Versatile Coverage
Best For:
- Murky water
- Cover-heavy areas like laydowns and grass edges
Why It Works:
Spinnerbaits excel at imitating baitfish and navigating heavy cover without snagging. Their flash and vibration draw bass from a distance, making them lethal in stained water.
Retrieve Tips:
- South: Burn it fast over spawning flats.
- North/Midwest: Slow-roll near cover or deeper transitions.
Gear Setup:
- Rod: 7’0″ Medium Heavy Moderate Fast
- Reel: 6.4:1 gear ratio
- Line: 17 lb fluorocarbon
3. Swim Jigs for Targeting Suspended Bass
Best For:
- Grass lines, docks, or shallow cover where bass suspend
Why It Works:
Swim jigs offer a more subtle profile than spinnerbaits, ideal for pressured waters or clear conditions. They mimic bluegill or shad, depending on trailer choice.
Gear Setup:
- Rod: 7’3″ Heavy Fast
- Reel: 7.1:1 gear ratio
- Line: 20 lb fluorocarbon or braid in heavy cover
Forward-Facing Sonar Application:
Identify suspended bass and swim the jig through their strike zone for reaction bites.
4. Soft Plastic Worms for Precision Presentations
Best For:
- Beds, isolated cover, or deeper structure
Why It Works:
Worms offer a natural presentation, perfect for picky bass in clear water or when targeting specific fish. Versatility in rigging makes them adaptable to any situation.
Rigging Options:
- Texas Rig: Heavy cover
- Shaky Head: Clear water or rock transitions
- Neko Rig: Finesse pressured fish
Gear Setup:
- Rod: 6’10″–7’3″ Medium or Medium Heavy
- Reel: 6.4:1 gear ratio
- Line: 10–15 lb fluorocarbon
5. Lipless Crankbaits for Reaction Strikes
Best For:
- Covering water, targeting transitional bass
Why It Works:
Lipless crankbaits are a staple for May when bass are scattered or transitioning. Their tight wobble and vibration trigger strikes in open water or around submerged grass.
Retrieve Tips:
- Burn and kill: Speed up, then let it drop.
- Yo-yo: Lift and drop along grass edges.
Gear Setup:
- Rod: 7’0″ Medium Moderate
- Reel: 6.4:1 gear ratio
- Line: 15 lb fluorocarbon
Regional Adjustments: North vs. South May Lure Tactics
| Region | Water Temp | Lure Focus | Key Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| South | 70–80°F | Buzzbait, Spinnerbait | Target shad spawn, cover water fast |
| Midwest | 55–65°F | Swim Jig, Worm | Focus on spawning flats and transitions |
| North | 50–65°F | Worm, Lipless Crank | Pre-spawn staging areas, deeper breaks |
Leveraging Forward-Facing Sonar for Lure Selection
Forward-facing sonar unlocks visibility into bass positioning and how they react to different lures. Watching fish follow or reject certain presentations allows for on-the-fly lure adjustments.
Pro Tip:
Use sonar to monitor swim jig depth or lipless crankbait retrieval paths.
Bonus Lures Worth Trying in May
- Topwater Walking Baits: Effective during calm mornings in southern regions.
- Glide Baits: Best for targeting giants in clear, post-spawn conditions.
- Ned Rigs: Perfect finesse option for pressured northern fish still in pre-spawn.
Key Takeaways for Tournament Success in May
- Adjust lure selection by region and spawn stage.
- Prioritize buzzbaits and spinnerbaits in southern waters with shad spawns.
- Lean on soft plastics and lipless cranks for northern pre-spawn bass.
- Use forward-facing sonar to refine presentations and maximize strike opportunities.