Hot Smallmouth Bass Lures for 2018

Smallmouth bass are among the hardest-fighting fish in fresh water, and here's the good news:

Summer is a great time to target them, especially if you have the tactics and gear you can count on.

Here's a look at some hot smallmouth bass lures that will help you get the job done in 2018.

JIGS

Northland Weed-Wedge Jig

Give your favorite soft plastics new life. The Weed-Wedge's balanced, keel-weight head engenders a gliding fall that mimics a dying baitfish. Works with swimbaits, creatures, worms, flukes and minnow baits. Comes in three sizes, all weedless with screw-lock keeper that holds plastics fast, yet swings sideways for easy rigging. northlandtackle.com $5 for 2

 

Z Man NedlockZ HD

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Designed specifically for finesse Ned Rig applications, the NedlockZ HD features a mushroom head, split keeper for holding ElaZtech and traditional plastics in place, and a super-duty Mustad UltraPoint hook. Comes in 1/15-, 1/10-, 1/6- and 1/5-ounce sizes in green and black finishes. zmanfishing.com $7 for 5

VMC FWJ Finesse Weedless Jig

Summer smallies often frequent isolated weedbeds near rock structure. Jig them up with this new finesse head. Features wire keeper and hollow back for snug softbait attachment and "pleated" weight distribution for a wider profile, plus a light-wire needle-point hook and stainless weedguard. Weights up to 1/2 ounce. vmchooks.com $5 for 4

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

• Game & Fish Magazine's 2018 Gear Issue highlights the best hunting and fishing gear for your region and state. Buy a copy at a retailer near your. Click here to subscribe

CRANKBAITS

Bagley Pro Sunny B

Precision-weighted to reliably reach the 3- to 5-foot depth range, this 3-inch, 1/2-ounce balsa squarebill careens off rocks and wood. Features a high body profile, balloon-like buoyancy and tight action ideal for tempting finicky bass. Comes in eight catchy colors, including brown crawdad. bagleybait.com $13

Rapala BX Brat

Bully bass into biting. This brawny squarebill boasts a balsa core cloaked in a rugged copolymer shell, ideal for pounding the meanest rocks, stumps and dock posts. Comes in two models — one dives 3 feet, the other 6. Both measure 2 inches, weigh 3/8 ounce and brandish No. 6 VMC treble hooks. rapala.com $9

Storm Wiggle Wart Craws

Four all-new craw patterns on Storm's Original Wiggle Wart - including phantom green, copper craw -allow anglers to better match crayfish colorations in lakes across the continent. Couple such realism with the 2-inch bait's wide wobble and fish-calling rattle, and you have a new go-to for cranking summer smallies. stormlures.com $6 

PLASTICS

Strike King KVD Popping Perch

When feisty smallies go on a topwater tear over their favorite summer haunts, try this 2 1/2-inch hollow-bodied alternative to hard poppers. Offers a distinct profile, sturdy 4/0 hook and a wide-cupped mouth that creates maximum surface disturbance. strikeking.com $8

Savage 3D Goby Tube

Exceptional realism based on three-dimensional scan, includes lifelike color and profile, plus side and dorsal fins that contribute to a strike-triggering, gliding fall. Comes in 12 colors and 3 1/2- and 4-inch sizes built to accommodate tube jigs from 1/8- to 1/2-ounce. savagegear-usa.com $5 for 6

Z-Man Trick ShotZ

A limber, ribbed body and spade-shaped tail give this sweet new dropshot bait lifelike action with little rod movement, while tough, ElaZtech construction increases durability. Available in 3.5- and 4.2-inch sizes in 10 colors. zmanfishing.com $4 for 6

SPINNERS, BLADES AND SPINNERBAITS

LiveTarget BaitBall Spinner Rig

A truly unique bass lure, the BaitBall Spinner Rig relies on three Teaser bodies and a willow blade positioned above a larger, strategically placed Target body to mimic a cluster of fleeing baitfish, and guide striking bass to the hook. Three sizes and eight colors available. livetargetlures.com $12 - $14

Mepps Aglia Flashabou

This glitzy new combo blends the vibration and flash of a classic Mepps Aglia blade with a highly reflective, hand-tied flashabou tail to push star-struck smallmouths over the edge. Look for six sizes and a boatload of color options. Available in single and double-bladed models. mepps.com $4 - $8

Strike King Tour Grade Belly Blade

Add flash to your favorite swimbaits with this new weedless underspin, which features the company's exclusive "Raz-R-Blade" blade, a premium black-nickel hook and comes in 1/8, 1/2- and 3/8-ounce sizes. strikeking.com $5

Coming Soon: Smallmouth Bass Rods and Reels for 2018