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Best Lures for Spring Bass Fishing in the UK

Spring is that magical time when everything starts to come alive again — including the bass. After a long, cold winter, UK waters begin to warm up, and the bass start moving closer inshore, following baitfish and hunting in the shallows. They’ll be scavenging our shores for those peeler crabs that are starting their molt as the water temperature rises. If you’re keen to take advantage of this prime time, knowing the best lures for spring bass fishing in the UK can make all the difference.

But spring can also be unpredictable; sometimes it’s never that straightforward, with changing tides, water clarity, and weather patterns. So choosing the right lure can be the difference between going home with a blank or landing that first mega bass of the year.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best types of lures for spring bass fishing in the UK — what works, when to use them, and why they’re worth having in your bag.

Why Spring Bass Fishing is Unique

Spring bass fishing is all about transition. Bass are waking up from their winter slumber and starting to feed more actively, especially on warmer days and during the right tidal movements. But they can still be finicky — one minute they’re hitting lures hard, the next they’re ghosting you completely.

Last year (2024), we experienced a phenomenal start to the spring and the start of the season. But please remember: these are what we experience around our neck of the woods. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, some anglers are blessed with bass fishing with lures all year round. We are not.

Here is a list of things to consider in early Spring

• Water temperature: Cold water means slower retrieves, and natural presentations work better.
• Baitfish presence: Bass key in on smaller fish like sandeels, whitebait, and sprats.
• Water clarity: Spring rains can stir up sediment, so lure visibility becomes crucial.
• Tides: Bigger spring tides in March and April often bring in baitfish and trigger feeding windows.

Top Lure Types for Spring Bass Fishing in the UK

So let’s take a look at what’s on offer to catch these amazing creatures we call bass.

Two Kietech Easy Shiners 5 (Weightless & Weighted)

Spring Time SP’s – Soft Plastics

Soft plastics have to be one of the go-to choices of lure for those early spring mornings — or any time of the day, depending on your work commitments, of course.

There are hundreds to choose from nowadays, but here are some of the more popular choices (and not just mine) — the likes of:

• Fiish Black Minnow
• Savage Gear Gravity Sticks
• Pirate Teasers
• Albie Snax (Copies)
• Kietech Easy Shiner
• OSP Dolive Stick

Please don’t tell me “I’ve missed blah blah & blah.” Trust me, I could go on for ages about different types of soft plastics.

So, how are we going to fish them?

Fished Weightless: So, what is a huge advantage of the weightless soft plastic is that we can fish extremely shallow water where our normal hard lures are going to get snagged. We don’t want that, do we? They cost a lot of money.

As for the tide, we are not realistically going to be chucking a weightless SP in a rip-roaring tide. No, because we are using them in shallow water, it’s less likely to be a strong tide anyway. But that’s not to say that a bass is not going to take one. Lure fishermen have been known to drift them in the tide, with bass taking them off the surface.

The OSP Dolive Stick & Savage Gear Scoop Shad

Retrieve

Our retrieve is going to be an important factor for our success with soft plastic, especially weightless. Remember to change things about — those bass could be extra finicky on some days. Try starting with a steady retrieve along the bottom or mid-water.

If that doesn’t work, then try a micro slow retrieve, occasionally lifting the rod tip or even tiny twitches. Also be aware that a bass may attack a lure the very second it descends through the water column, in deeper water. But for the shallow marks, keep it simple. Trial and error.

Matching the Hatch: Choosing Colours

In spring, match the baitfish — silvers, whites, translucent colours, or natural sandeel greens. If the water’s coloured or murky, switch to something alien like a chartreuse or even pink. We had some amazing success with the Savage Gear V2 Sandeel in pink last year. It’s a must-have in your lure box.

Keith’s Colour Rule 💡

“Clear water? Keep it natural. Murky? Give ‘em something loud. I always keep a chartreuse softie in the bag just in case the water’s coloured and the bass are hunting by vibration more than sight.”

Best Times to Fish Lures in Spring

My advice (depending on how long you can fish) is to try for at least two hours either side of the tide. That applies to high and low tide. Try to keep track of your progress; depending on where you are fishing, the bass may turn up at a certain time of the tide.

Everywhere is different. Remember that the tides change, too, which will also make a huge difference. I always used to think that the bigger tides suited bass, but that is total rubbish. Sometimes the slack tides can be awesome. You have to do your homework, I’m afraid. Nobody said it was easy — you have to put in the work.

Surface Lures for Spring Bass in the UK

Yes, believe it or not, bass have been known to take surface lures all through the year. Hang on, you’re thinking. Yes, of course, it depends on where you live, but it is doable. So spring? Absolutely. There may not be as much action as you would see on those hot summer days, but they are going to have a go, especially if the baitfish are playing ball.

It has to be the most exciting and explosive way to fish for bass. Nothing gets your adrenaline pumping, seeing that bow wave behind your lure, then bang! Fish on.

Best Tactics For Surface Lure Fishing

Depending on the surface lure you are using, a ‘Walk the dog’ style of retrieve is pretty much the number one choice for most lure fishermen. If you are new to lure fishing, this method may take a bit of getting used to, but it’s not that hard to master with a little bit of practice.

So what are some of the best lures for spring bass fishing in the UK?

Well, how long is a bit of string? The options are endless when it comes to surface lures. A good rule of thumb is to have a few different options with you all the time. Or just make sure you check the weather before you go. The reason being that some surface lures are not going to work as well in choppier waters. Also, the fish may be ultra cautious about what they’re trying to scoff. So, play it safe right from the off and have the option to cover all bases.

Here’s 10 Cracking Surface Lures

• Xorus Patchinko 100mm 500G: Small but a bass magnet on its day.
• Xorus Patchinko 125mm Cabot: Loads of good options.
• Tackle House Vulture (White): Casts well, a great choice, IMA works at night.
• DUO Pencil Realis Lazer Sardine: Has a great rattle.
• Xorus Patchinko Asturie 120mm: Great action.
• IMA Chappie Mullet: Another absolute killer.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish: A brute of a lure and can be popped like a popper.
• Xorus Frosty: Probably my most productive lure when the water’s calm.
• The Autowalker Emil by Mechanical Lure: Just reel in, let the lure do the work.
• Pergochev Cobra Sardine: This little ditty is another cracker.

BONUS LURE: The Xorus Z-Claw

Retrieve tip: Try a slow walk-the-dog action with pauses — early-season bass often need a bit of time to commit.

Quick FAQ: Spring Bass Fishing Lures in the UK

Q: What are the best lures for spring bass fishing in the UK?
A: Soft plastics like the Fiish Black Minnow and surface lures like the Xorus Patchinko are top picks in spring, especially around bait-rich shallows.

Q: When is the best time to fish for bass in spring?
A: Two hours, either side of high or low tide, is a great window. Bass activity often spikes during tidal movement.

Q: What colour lures work best in spring?
A: Natural colours for clear water. Use chartreuse or pink when it’s murky. Matching the hatch is key.

Q: Can you use surface lures in spring?
A: Yes, and they can be deadly! Especially if baitfish are active near the surface. Always pack a few.

Q: Should I fish slow or fast in spring?
A: Slower retrieves work best in cold water. Bass can be sluggish early in the season, so be patient and vary your retrieve.

Best Bass Lures For Spring: Metals and Jigs

The Need for Distance

Last year (2024), we had a brainwave to use a heavier rod and belt that lump of metal to the moon. I’m joking, of course. But sometimes those fish and the clearer water can be out of normal casting range, especially in spring. There is a post about my theories here if you feel the need to read it: https://bassmasterselite.co.uk/shore-jigging-for-bass/

We have done well on the Savage Gear Seekers when ‘bizzarlly’ (if there’s such a word) the water was extremely clear in a north easterly? Like I said, read that post.

When the bass are pushed off the shore or just not committing to the close-range lures, having a heavy metal in your arsenal gives you a fighting chance. You don’t want to be standing there watching gulls diving 100 yards out and think, “if only.” That’s where the metals shine — you can reach out, punch a lure into that activity, and give yourself a real shot.

Also, metals aren’t just about distance — they allow you to fish different depths depending on how long you let them sink. It adds another layer to your approach when bass are holding at mid-water or deeper, especially on those cooler, clearer spring mornings.

Best Spring Metal Lures

There are hundreds of metal jigs and spoons on the market these days, but these are a few that have earned a place in my spring lure box year after year. Some because they just catch fish, and others because they cast like rockets and handle a bit of punishment.

My Go-To Metal Lures for Spring

• Savage Gear Seeker
  Still one of my favourites, especially in those silver or sandeel patterns. They cast a mile and have a brilliant flutter on the drop. Work it fast and erratic, or let it sink and twitch it back — both work in the right conditions.
• Abu Toby
  A proper old-school lure that’s still doing the business. It is good value for money and just has that classic movement that seems to get attention when nothing else will. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity — it’s a killer in the right hands.
• Majorcraft Jigpara
  A bit more refined, this one comes in a range of sizes and colours. The finish is quality and the action is spot on. I usually go for the 20–30g sizes in spring. Good weight for distance but still light enough to fish with finesse if needed.
• Westin Salty
  Built like a bullet, this one is all about maximum casting distance. I find it works best in choppy conditions or when the wind’s onshore. The faster you fish it, the more it seems to draw out those hit-and-run strikes.

When NOT to Use Metals & Jigs

You might think metals are the answer to everything, but like any lure, they have their limitations. If the conditions don’t suit, you’re better off switching tactics rather than flogging the sea to foam and blanking.

Murky Water

Well, a pretty consistent problem with lure fishing — especially around our neck of the woods — is the water is just too coloured. With that said, it still doesn’t mean you are not going to catch. But in all honesty, I would leave the metals in the lure bag. Then concentrate on using white, chartreuse or bright lures. Pink is a great option.

When the water’s chocolate brown, metals lose their visibility and flash advantage. You’re better off fishing something that creates vibration or a bigger profile to help the bass hone in.

Too Weedy

Yes, those metals are pretty much going to rake up everything if that weed is present. We find that the weed generally starts at the end of May and carries on till around September. Having said that, it’s normally a bit better at low water. You could opt for a single hook, but still, you are going to pick it up.

Answer: Weedless soft plastics.

Honestly, there’s nothing worse than launching a perfect cast only to feel the dreaded drag of weed ten seconds later. If the water’s full of salad, it’s a waste of time chucking metals.

Shallow Ground

Now a bit of common sense, please. Yes, unless you are a millionaire and have money to burn, DO NOT USE METALS ON SHALLOW GROUND. Only use them in deeper waters. The minute you pause that lure, it’s going to sink fast. But remember, if you are fishing in a sandy bay, then you could be ok.

Please note: The whole point of using these metals was to get distance, so as long as you reel ten to the dozen when the lure comes into shallow ground, you could be okay. Again, I’d still leave them in the lure bag.

The best approach? Know your mark. If there are snags, rocks, kelp beds, or anything you don’t want to donate a lure to, stay away from metals.

Final Thoughts

Spring can be a tricky but rewarding time to target bass on lures. The key is to just experiment by matching your lures to the conditions, slow your retrieves down, and be ready to just try something different: variety is the spice of life.

Some days they’ll be smashing a surface lure off the top, other days you’ll need to sneak a soft plastic past their nose. And then there are the days when the only thing that’ll reach them is a lump of metal flying through the air like a missile.

Just keep trying and praying the bass gods are on your side. Good luck. Tight lines.

🎣 FAQ – Metals & Jigs for Spring Bass Fishing

Q: What size metal lures are best for spring bass?
A: 20g to 30g is usually the sweet spot — heavy enough for distance, but still manageable for a natural presentation.

Q: Can you use metal lures in rough conditions?
A: Absolutely. Metals like the Westin Salty punch through wind and waves. Ideal for fishing into an onshore breeze.

Q: Do metal lures work at night?
A: Not really the best choice. Bass rely more on vibration and silhouette at night. Stick to dark soft plastics or surface lures with a thumping presence.

Q: How do I avoid losing metals to snags?
A: Fish them over clean sand or deeper marks. Avoid rocky ground unless you’re ready to reel fast and high. Know your venue.

Q: Do I need special gear for fishing metals?
A: A medium to heavy spinning rod with a fast tip helps massively — something that can handle 20–40g comfortably and punch a lure out.

Best IMA Lure