Best of top lures 2021

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It was all part of the plan. The 2021 Bassmaster Elite series schedule lined up with the best times to visit some of the nation’s best bass fisheries. Prespawn, spawn and postspawn. The complete spawning cycle played out during the season, giving fans and anglers the chance to learn from the pros. <br><br> <em>All captions: Craig Lamb</em>
It was all part of the plan. The 2021 Bassmaster Elite series schedule lined up with the best times to visit some of the nation’s best bass fisheries. Prespawn, spawn and postspawn. The complete spawning cycle played out during the season, giving fans and anglers the chance to learn from the pros.
All captions: Craig Lamb
Jeff Gustafson introduced us to a Canadian bait and ice fishing tactic that caught southern smallmouth. Bill Lowen taught us that drifting lighter weight jigs in river current keeps them longer in the strike zone.
Jeff Gustafson introduced us to a Canadian bait and ice fishing tactic that caught southern smallmouth. Bill Lowen taught us that drifting lighter weight jigs in river current keeps them longer in the strike zone.
Seven of the nine winners held a blue trophy for the first time. Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams. Best of all, the season concluded with a storybook finish. Here’s a best of recap of the top lures used by the winners.
Seven of the nine winners held a blue trophy for the first time. Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams. Best of all, the season concluded with a storybook finish. Here’s a best of recap of the top lures used by the winners.
<b>St. Johns River</b><br> Bryan New fished a crankbait over bars, and a Texas-rigged stick worm around isolated lily pads to win on the St. Johns River in February. “Isolated targets had better light penetration to see the spawning beds and where the fish were located.” He earned the win with a winning weight of 79-7.
St. Johns River
Bryan New fished a crankbait over bars, and a Texas-rigged stick worm around isolated lily pads to win on the St. Johns River in February. “Isolated targets had better light penetration to see the spawning beds and where the fish were located.” He earned the win with a winning weight of 79-7.
New’s primary lure was a 5-inch Zoom Zlinky, rigged on a 5/0 Berkley Fusion19 Hook, with a pegged 1/8th-ounce tungsten weight.
New’s primary lure was a 5-inch Zoom Zlinky, rigged on a 5/0 Berkley Fusion19 Hook, with a pegged 1/8th-ounce tungsten weight.
For offshore fishing he used a 1/2-ounce Berkley Warpig.
For offshore fishing he used a 1/2-ounce Berkley Warpig.
<b>Tennessee River</b><br> Just like ice fishing, eh? Canadian Gustafson came to Tennessee, home of the world record smallmouth, and adopted a common ice fishing tactic to redefine how smallmouth can be caught down south.
Tennessee River
Just like ice fishing, eh? Canadian Gustafson came to Tennessee, home of the world record smallmouth, and adopted a common ice fishing tactic to redefine how smallmouth can be caught down south.
Gussy never let up, posting a wire-to-wire victory in dominating fashion, as most other anglers targeted early-season transitional largemouth on the Tennessee River. Gussy’s winning weight was 63 pounds in the mid-February tournament.
Gussy never let up, posting a wire-to-wire victory in dominating fashion, as most other anglers targeted early-season transitional largemouth on the Tennessee River. Gussy’s winning weight was 63 pounds in the mid-February tournament.
A 4-inch Z-Man Jerk ShadZ was the key producer for Gussy. He rigged it on a 3/8-ounce Smeltinator Swimbait Jig, designed by Bryan Gustafson (not related) and available from Lake of the Woods Sports Headquarters. Clear coated airbrush paint, 3D holographic eyes, textured gill plates and mouth, and a universal ribbed bait keeper are standout features of the jig.
A 4-inch Z-Man Jerk ShadZ was the key producer for Gussy. He rigged it on a 3/8-ounce Smeltinator Swimbait Jig, designed by Bryan Gustafson (not related) and available from Lake of the Woods Sports Headquarters. Clear coated airbrush paint, 3D holographic eyes, textured gill plates and mouth, and a universal ribbed bait keeper are standout features of the jig.
<b>Pickwick Lake</b><br> High water was the storyline of the week during the April event. The Tennessee River was swollen to flood stage, then it began rapidly dropping during the tournament. Largemouth and smallmouth were in a state of flux, setting up ideal conditions for a challenging week.
Pickwick Lake
High water was the storyline of the week during the April event. The Tennessee River was swollen to flood stage, then it began rapidly dropping during the tournament. Largemouth and smallmouth were in a state of flux, setting up ideal conditions for a challenging week.
Bill Lowen did what he likes best, which is going to battle with a flipping stick. He used a signature jig, in a lighter weight, that proved most effective. “The lighter weight is ideal for fast current, because it can be floated through the strike zone, and stay there longer, instead of quickly sinking to the bottom.” Lowen’s winning weight was 83-5.
Bill Lowen did what he likes best, which is going to battle with a flipping stick. He used a signature jig, in a lighter weight, that proved most effective. “The lighter weight is ideal for fast current, because it can be floated through the strike zone, and stay there longer, instead of quickly sinking to the bottom.” Lowen’s winning weight was 83-5.
Lowen used a 3/8-ounce LurePartsOnline LOW53 Lowen’s Signature Flipping Jig, with a chunk-style trailer.
Lowen used a 3/8-ounce LurePartsOnline LOW53 Lowen’s Signature Flipping Jig, with a chunk-style trailer.
Another choice was a Strike King Rodent on a 5/0 Haybusa FPP Straight Worm Hook, with a 5/16-ounce Reins Tungsten weight.
Another choice was a Strike King Rodent on a 5/0 Haybusa FPP Straight Worm Hook, with a 5/16-ounce Reins Tungsten weight.
<b>Sabine River</b><br> The Sabine River contest came down to two anglers, spread more than 200 miles apart, between Houston and far up the Sabine River, near Toledo Bend Dam. Brock Mosley stayed in canals and backwaters inside a bay within the suburbs of Houston. Jason Christie, the winner with 43-15, went far up the Sabine River, fishing a backwater located off the main river channel.
Sabine River
The Sabine River contest came down to two anglers, spread more than 200 miles apart, between Houston and far up the Sabine River, near Toledo Bend Dam. Brock Mosley stayed in canals and backwaters inside a bay within the suburbs of Houston. Jason Christie, the winner with 43-15, went far up the Sabine River, fishing a backwater located off the main river channel.
A 1/2-ounce Booyah Spinnerbait with tandem Colorado blades, with a YUM Swim’n Dinger was a top lure for Christie. The bladed bait enabled him to cover water and incite reaction strikes.
A 1/2-ounce Booyah Spinnerbait with tandem Colorado blades, with a YUM Swim’n Dinger was a top lure for Christie. The bladed bait enabled him to cover water and incite reaction strikes.
So was a YUM Spine Craw, with a 4/O Lazer Trokkar TK130 Flippin’ Hook, with a 3/8-ounce tungsten weight. The setup was key to his winning flipping presentation.
So was a YUM Spine Craw, with a 4/O Lazer Trokkar TK130 Flippin’ Hook, with a 3/8-ounce tungsten weight. The setup was key to his winning flipping presentation.
The spawning cycle was in all phases at Lake Fork, where part-time guide and now two-time Elite Series champion Lee Livesay joined the Bassmaster Century Club with a winning weight of 112 pounds, 5 ounces.
The spawning cycle was in all phases at Lake Fork, where part-time guide and now two-time Elite Series champion Lee Livesay joined the Bassmaster Century Club with a winning weight of 112 pounds, 5 ounces.
A top lure for Livesay was a 6th Sense Magnum Squarebill.
A top lure for Livesay was a 6th Sense Magnum Squarebill.
Livesay also used a Heddon Saltwater Super Spook.
Livesay also used a Heddon Saltwater Super Spook.
Another top choice was a 3:16 Lure Company Work Horse glide bait.
Another top choice was a 3:16 Lure Company Work Horse glide bait.
<b>Neely Henry Lake </b><br>
A postponed day, near-flood conditions and falling water. The pros faced all those conditions to set up a challenging tournament at the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake.
Neely Henry Lake 
A postponed day, near-flood conditions and falling water. The pros faced all those conditions to set up a challenging tournament at the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake.
Wes Logan, the winner with 57-9, used lures to catch bass during a shad spawn, and out of willows along current breaks in the river-run lake.
Wes Logan, the winner with 57-9, used lures to catch bass during a shad spawn, and out of willows along current breaks in the river-run lake.
Logan alternated between a squarebill crankbait and jigs for the win.
Logan alternated between a squarebill crankbait and jigs for the win.
Logan always used a Team ARK CT35 Squarebill Crankbait, with No. 6 Gamakatsu Round Bend Treble Hooks.
Logan always used a Team ARK CT35 Squarebill Crankbait, with No. 6 Gamakatsu Round Bend Treble Hooks.
A 5/8-ounce Dirty Jigs Matt Herren Flippin’ Jig, with a Zoom Big Salty Chunk, was another top choice for Logan. He also used a Dirty Jigs No-Jack Swim Jig, with a Zoom Super Speed Craw trailer (not pictured).
A 5/8-ounce Dirty Jigs Matt Herren Flippin’ Jig, with a Zoom Big Salty Chunk, was another top choice for Logan. He also used a Dirty Jigs No-Jack Swim Jig, with a Zoom Super Speed Craw trailer (not pictured).
<b>Lake Guntersville </b><br> The bass were in the grass and pads at the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville. One angler staged a runaway victory, going to battle in heavy cover with heavy tackle in the June contest.
Lake Guntersville
The bass were in the grass and pads at the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville. One angler staged a runaway victory, going to battle in heavy cover with heavy tackle in the June contest.
That angler was Caleb Kuphall, whose winning weight of 85 pounds, 14 ounces included an impressive scorecard. The Wisconsin pro racked up limits weighing 27-10, 15-10, 23-9 and 19-1, for an impressive 17-4 winning margin over second place.
That angler was Caleb Kuphall, whose winning weight of 85 pounds, 14 ounces included an impressive scorecard. The Wisconsin pro racked up limits weighing 27-10, 15-10, 23-9 and 19-1, for an impressive 17-4 winning margin over second place.
Heavy cover. Heavy-duty tackle. Caleb Kuphall went to battle in the thick stuff. Kuphall chose lures designed to hold up to the job.
Heavy cover. Heavy-duty tackle. Caleb Kuphall went to battle in the thick stuff. Kuphall chose lures designed to hold up to the job.
A top choice was a 1-ounce Dirty Jigs Tour Level No-Jack Punchin’ Jig, with a matching trailer.
A top choice was a 1-ounce Dirty Jigs Tour Level No-Jack Punchin’ Jig, with a matching trailer.
For matted vegetation, he used a Zoom Z Hog, rigged on a 4/0 VMC Ike Approved Flippin’ Hook, and a 1-ounce tungsten weight.
For matted vegetation, he used a Zoom Z Hog, rigged on a 4/0 VMC Ike Approved Flippin’ Hook, and a 1-ounce tungsten weight.
For punching milfoil, he used a Zoom Z Hog, rigged on a 4/0 VMC Ike Approved Wide Gap Hook, with a 3/4-ounce tungsten weight.
For punching milfoil, he used a Zoom Z Hog, rigged on a 4/0 VMC Ike Approved Wide Gap Hook, with a 3/4-ounce tungsten weight.
<b>Lake Champlain</b><br> Bryan Schmitt relied on his knowledge of Lake Champlain and his expertise fishing for largemouth and smallmouth. It would take both to win the early July tournament with a weight of 78-5.
Lake Champlain
Bryan Schmitt relied on his knowledge of Lake Champlain and his expertise fishing for largemouth and smallmouth. It would take both to win the early July tournament with a weight of 78-5.
Schmitt rotated through a variety of soft plastics for his run-and-gun strategy.
Schmitt rotated through a variety of soft plastics for his run-and-gun strategy.
On a spinning rig he used a Missile Baits Ned Bomb, on a 1/4-ounce jighead.
On a spinning rig he used a Missile Baits Ned Bomb, on a 1/4-ounce jighead.
Schmitt used a Missile Baits D Bomb, in the new Texas Toast pattern, with a 5/0 FPP Hayabusa Straight Shank Hook, and a 5/16-ounce Reins Tungsten Weight. 
Schmitt used a Missile Baits D Bomb, in the new Texas Toast pattern, with a 5/0 FPP Hayabusa Straight Shank Hook, and a 5/16-ounce Reins Tungsten Weight. 
On a casting combo was the winning bait, a Missile Baits Quiver Worm, Cherry Blossom, rigged on a 4/0 Haybusa WRM959 Wide Gap Hook, with a 3/8-ounce Reins Tungsten weight.
On a casting combo was the winning bait, a Missile Baits Quiver Worm, Cherry Blossom, rigged on a 4/0 Haybusa WRM959 Wide Gap Hook, with a 3/8-ounce Reins Tungsten weight.
<b>St. Lawrence River</b><br> “Smallmouth like Taku,” said the champ. Indeed, they did. For the third time in just four trips to New York, Taku Ito fished on a Championship Sunday. This time, the Japanese angler sealed the deal with a winning weight of 90 pounds at the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
St. Lawrence River
“Smallmouth like Taku,” said the champ. Indeed, they did. For the third time in just four trips to New York, Taku Ito fished on a Championship Sunday. This time, the Japanese angler sealed the deal with a winning weight of 90 pounds at the Farmers Insurance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
“I was using many Japanese techniques,” Ito said. “I would cast and sometimes the fish would take (the bait) while it was falling.
“I was using many Japanese techniques,” Ito said. “I would cast and sometimes the fish would take (the bait) while it was falling.
“Sometimes, I kept my bait on the bottom for 10 seconds, 15 seconds, with no action,” Ito said.
“Sometimes, I kept my bait on the bottom for 10 seconds, 15 seconds, with no action,” Ito said.
Ito used Japanese soft plastics that he soaked in an unnamed solution for added strike appeal. He told us the concoction was a key to his win. We also got a rare sneak peek inside his secret storage compartment of Japanese treasures. We couldn’t believe our eyes.
Ito used Japanese soft plastics that he soaked in an unnamed solution for added strike appeal. He told us the concoction was a key to his win. We also got a rare sneak peek inside his secret storage compartment of Japanese treasures. We couldn’t believe our eyes.
Ito made a drop shot with a 4-inch Ecogear Aqua Swim Shrimp, rigged on a 1/0 Ryugi Talisman Hook, with a 1/4-ounce Ryugi Heavy Delta TG Sinker.
Ito made a drop shot with a 4-inch Ecogear Aqua Swim Shrimp, rigged on a 1/0 Ryugi Talisman Hook, with a 1/4-ounce Ryugi Heavy Delta TG Sinker.
He made a wacky-style Neko rig with a 4.5-inch Nories Latterie straight tail worm, rigged on a 1/0 Ryugi Talisman hook, with a 3/16-ounce Neko hook.
He made a wacky-style Neko rig with a 4.5-inch Nories Latterie straight tail worm, rigged on a 1/0 Ryugi Talisman hook, with a 3/16-ounce Neko hook.