Top lures at Ray Roberts

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Put the world’s top bass anglers on the same lake and you throw away the textbook of bass fishing. That sums up what happened at the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Initial predictions of a textbook, summertime offshore bite went away after Lake Ray Roberts rose 4 feet from heavy rains before the event. <br><br> <em>Captions: Craig Lamb</em>
Put the world’s top bass anglers on the same lake and you throw away the textbook of bass fishing. That sums up what happened at the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Initial predictions of a textbook, summertime offshore bite went away after Lake Ray Roberts rose 4 feet from heavy rains before the event.
Captions: Craig Lamb
The water stabilized and remained high all week. The variant was water temperature. Like the water, it shot up, beginning at around 71 degrees the week prior to the competition, and rising to 87 by Championship Sunday. The hotter it got, the slower the fishing went. Fishing flooded shoreline cover became the name of the game.
The water stabilized and remained high all week. The variant was water temperature. Like the water, it shot up, beginning at around 71 degrees the week prior to the competition, and rising to 87 by Championship Sunday. The hotter it got, the slower the fishing went. Fishing flooded shoreline cover became the name of the game.
Perseverance paid off. Hank Cherry became only the fourth angler to win back-to-back Classics. A familiar pattern will emerge as you view the lures of the Top 25. From bottom to top, baits for flipping and pitching were the top choices.
Perseverance paid off. Hank Cherry became only the fourth angler to win back-to-back Classics. A familiar pattern will emerge as you view the lures of the Top 25. From bottom to top, baits for flipping and pitching were the top choices.
<b>Seth Feider (25th 26-9)</b><br> Seth Feider used a signature series bait as his primary lure for Ray Roberts.
Seth Feider (25th 26-9)
Seth Feider used a signature series bait as his primary lure for Ray Roberts.
That was an Outkast Tackle Cage Feider Jig, paired with a Z-Man Turbo Crawz.
That was an Outkast Tackle Cage Feider Jig, paired with a Z-Man Turbo Crawz.
<b>Chad Pipkens (24th; 27-2)</b><br> Chad Pipkens went with a topwater and crankbait to cover the water column from top to bottom.
Chad Pipkens (24th; 27-2)
Chad Pipkens went with a topwater and crankbait to cover the water column from top to bottom.
A Damiki D Pop 70 was a top choice. The popper-style bait also produces a walk-the-dog action.
A Damiki D Pop 70 was a top choice. The popper-style bait also produces a walk-the-dog action.
A Damiki Brute Squarebill Crankbait did the trick for mid-range depths.
A Damiki Brute Squarebill Crankbait did the trick for mid-range depths.
<b>Clark Wendlandt (23rd; 27-12)</b><br> Clark Wendlandt kept it simple with a rig made for flipping the flooded shoreline cover.
Clark Wendlandt (23rd; 27-12)
Clark Wendlandt kept it simple with a rig made for flipping the flooded shoreline cover.
He used a Texas-rigged Strike King Rage Bug, with a 4/0 Owner Jungle Hook and a 3/4-ounce weight.
He used a Texas-rigged Strike King Rage Bug, with a 4/0 Owner Jungle Hook and a 3/4-ounce weight.
<b>Frank Talley (22nd; 27-13)</b><br> Frank Talley rigged up for the heavy-cover bite with a perfectly matched bait for the conditions.
Frank Talley (22nd; 27-13)
Frank Talley rigged up for the heavy-cover bite with a perfectly matched bait for the conditions.
Talley flipped a Strike King Rodent on a 4/0 Owner Jungle Hook, with a 3/4-ounce weight.
Talley flipped a Strike King Rodent on a 4/0 Owner Jungle Hook, with a 3/4-ounce weight.
<b>Jeff Gustafson (21st; 28-7)</b><br> Jeff Gustafson rigged up with a heavy-duty bait for the heavy-duty fishing conditions.
Jeff Gustafson (21st; 28-7)
Jeff Gustafson rigged up with a heavy-duty bait for the heavy-duty fishing conditions.
He relied on a Texas-rigged Z-Man Goat Twin Tail Grub, with a 3/8-ounce weight, and a Gamakatsu Super Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook.
He relied on a Texas-rigged Z-Man Goat Twin Tail Grub, with a 3/8-ounce weight, and a Gamakatsu Super Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook.
<b>Paul Mueller (20th; 29-2)</b><br> Paul Mueller rotated between a jig and buzzbait to cover shallow and deeper bass.
Paul Mueller (20th; 29-2)
Paul Mueller rotated between a jig and buzzbait to cover shallow and deeper bass.
He used a 3/4-ounce Strike King Hack Attack Jig, with a Zoom Magnum Ultra Vibe Speed Craw trailer, also applying Spike It Dip-N-Glo dye to the tails for added strike appeal.
He used a 3/4-ounce Strike King Hack Attack Jig, with a Zoom Magnum Ultra Vibe Speed Craw trailer, also applying Spike It Dip-N-Glo dye to the tails for added strike appeal.
He also chose a 3/8-ounce Booger Man Buzzbait, with a Zoom Horny Toad trailer, and a 2/0 Gamakatsu Spinnerbait Trailer Hook for short strikes.
He also chose a 3/8-ounce Booger Man Buzzbait, with a Zoom Horny Toad trailer, and a 2/0 Gamakatsu Spinnerbait Trailer Hook for short strikes.
<b>Cody Bird (19th; 29-15)</b><br> Cody Bird kept it simple with a creature bait and deep diving crankbait, to cover both ends of the water column.
Cody Bird (19th; 29-15)
Cody Bird kept it simple with a creature bait and deep diving crankbait, to cover both ends of the water column.
A Strike King 6XD did the trick in deeper water.
A Strike King 6XD did the trick in deeper water.
For flipping along the inundated shoreline, he used a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, rigged on a 5/0 Owner Rig-N-Hook, with a 3/8-ounce tungsten weight.
For flipping along the inundated shoreline, he used a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, rigged on a 5/0 Owner Rig-N-Hook, with a 3/8-ounce tungsten weight.
<b>Jamie Hartman (18th; 31-9)</b><br> Jamie Hartman fished bushes with a Texas-rigged Riot Baits Vigilante.
Jamie Hartman (18th; 31-9)
Jamie Hartman fished bushes with a Texas-rigged Riot Baits Vigilante.
He rigged it on an Owner straight shank hook, with a 3/8-ounce weight. Hartman also used a wacky-rigged Riot Baits Baton Worm.
He rigged it on an Owner straight shank hook, with a 3/8-ounce weight. Hartman also used a wacky-rigged Riot Baits Baton Worm.
<b>Brandon Palaniuk (17th; 32-0)</b><br> Brandon Palaniuk’s one-two approach was drop shotting a 6-inch Xzone Deception Worm on a 1/4-ounce jighead, with a number 1 VMC Finesse Neko Hook.
Brandon Palaniuk (17th; 32-0)
Brandon Palaniuk’s one-two approach was drop shotting a 6-inch Xzone Deception Worm on a 1/4-ounce jighead, with a number 1 VMC Finesse Neko Hook.
He also used a Rapala DT10.
He also used a Rapala DT10.
<b>Kyle Welcher (16th; 33-3)</b><br> Kyle Welcher went with a heavy cover approach for the conditions.
Kyle Welcher (16th; 33-3)
Kyle Welcher went with a heavy cover approach for the conditions.
Welcher used a Missile Baits D Bomb with a 1/2-ounce weight and rigged on a Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook.
Welcher used a Missile Baits D Bomb with a 1/2-ounce weight and rigged on a Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook.
<b>Matt Herren (15th; 33-11)</b><br> Matt Herren used a familiar bait and tactic at Ray Roberts. Of no surprise, that meant flipping in heavy cover.
Matt Herren (15th; 33-11)
Matt Herren used a familiar bait and tactic at Ray Roberts. Of no surprise, that meant flipping in heavy cover.
He flipped a 5/8-ounce Dirty Jigs Matt Herren Flipping Jig. He also used a Texas-rigged Reaction Innovations Spicy Beaver, rigging it on a Hayabusa FPP Straight HD Worm Hook, with a 3/4-ounce weight.
He flipped a 5/8-ounce Dirty Jigs Matt Herren Flipping Jig. He also used a Texas-rigged Reaction Innovations Spicy Beaver, rigging it on a Hayabusa FPP Straight HD Worm Hook, with a 3/4-ounce weight.
<b>Todd Auten (14th; 34-4)</b><br> Todd Auten alternated between a topwater walker and a creature bait.
Todd Auten (14th; 34-4)
Todd Auten alternated between a topwater walker and a creature bait.
That choice was a Zoom Z Hawg, rigged on a 3/0 Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Worm Hook, with a 1/2-ounce Bass Pro Shops tungsten weight.
That choice was a Zoom Z Hawg, rigged on a 3/0 Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Worm Hook, with a 1/2-ounce Bass Pro Shops tungsten weight.
For early topwater action, he used a Reaction Innovations Vixen.
For early topwater action, he used a Reaction Innovations Vixen.
<b>Steve Kennedy (13th; 35-8)</b><br> On Friday, Steve Kennedy struck quick, catching 17 pounds and building on his catch throughout the day. He took the lead on that day.
Steve Kennedy (13th; 35-8)
On Friday, Steve Kennedy struck quick, catching 17 pounds and building on his catch throughout the day. He took the lead on that day.
A duo of jigs flipped and pitched into heavy cover were the baits of choice for Kennedy.
A duo of jigs flipped and pitched into heavy cover were the baits of choice for Kennedy.
He used a 3/4-ounce D&L Tackle ADVANTAGE Jig, with a Zoom Super Chunk trailer.
He used a 3/4-ounce D&L Tackle ADVANTAGE Jig, with a Zoom Super Chunk trailer.
Another choice was a 3/8-ounce model of the same jig, also with a Zoom Super Chunk.
Another choice was a 3/8-ounce model of the same jig, also with a Zoom Super Chunk.
<b>Ed Loughran (12th; 36-7)</b><br> Ed Loughran doubled up with a Texas-rigged Missile Baits D Bomb, with a Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Worm Hook and a 3/8-ounce weight.
Ed Loughran (12th; 36-7)
Ed Loughran doubled up with a Texas-rigged Missile Baits D Bomb, with a Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Worm Hook and a 3/8-ounce weight.
He also used a Spro Bronzeye Poppin’ Frog 60.
He also used a Spro Bronzeye Poppin’ Frog 60.
<b>Cory Johnston (11th; 37-0)</b><br> A flipping tactic was most productive for Cory Johnston.
Cory Johnston (11th; 37-0)
A flipping tactic was most productive for Cory Johnston.
Johnston flipped a Strike King Rage Craw, rigged on a 3/0 Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook, with a 1/2-ounce weight.
Johnston flipped a Strike King Rage Craw, rigged on a 3/0 Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Flippin’ Hook, with a 1/2-ounce weight.
<b>Patrick Walters (10th; 38-1)</b><br> Walters found most of his success on the western shoreline of Ray Roberts. Flooded shoreline cover provided ambush points for largemouth feeding on shad.
Patrick Walters (10th; 38-1)
Walters found most of his success on the western shoreline of Ray Roberts. Flooded shoreline cover provided ambush points for largemouth feeding on shad.
Patrick Walters never put down his flipping stick. Tied on was a bait package ideal for the conditions.
Patrick Walters never put down his flipping stick. Tied on was a bait package ideal for the conditions.
Walters flipped a Zoom Z-Craw, paired with a 1/2-ounce weight and a VMC 3/0 Flipping Hook.
Walters flipped a Zoom Z-Craw, paired with a 1/2-ounce weight and a VMC 3/0 Flipping Hook.
<b>Drew Cook (9th; 38-7)</b><br> Drew Cook targeted a major creek arm of Ray Roberts, filled with standing timber and abundant shoreline cover.
Drew Cook (9th; 38-7)
Drew Cook targeted a major creek arm of Ray Roberts, filled with standing timber and abundant shoreline cover.
A jig and soft plastic frog did the damage for Cook.
A jig and soft plastic frog did the damage for Cook.
He used a 4-inch Big Bite Baits Fighting Frog, with a 4/0 Gamakatsu G Finesse Flipping Hook, and a 3/8 Titan Tungsten Weight.
He used a 4-inch Big Bite Baits Fighting Frog, with a 4/0 Gamakatsu G Finesse Flipping Hook, and a 3/8 Titan Tungsten Weight.
Cook also used a 1/2-ounce Nichols Lures Impact flipping jig, with a 3-inch Big Bite Baits Fighting Frog for a trailer.
Cook also used a 1/2-ounce Nichols Lures Impact flipping jig, with a 3-inch Big Bite Baits Fighting Frog for a trailer.
<b>Chris Johnston (8th; 40-2)</b><br> Chris Johnston targeted unique features of shoreline cover and habitat, including a pond located within a creek.
Chris Johnston (8th; 40-2)
Chris Johnston targeted unique features of shoreline cover and habitat, including a pond located within a creek.
Johnston needed stout tackle and bait designed for fishing the heavy cover.
Johnston needed stout tackle and bait designed for fishing the heavy cover.
He used a Strike King Rage Bug, rigged on a 4/0 Gamakatsu Super Heavy Cover Hook, with a 1/2-ounce WOO! Tungsten Weight.
He used a Strike King Rage Bug, rigged on a 4/0 Gamakatsu Super Heavy Cover Hook, with a 1/2-ounce WOO! Tungsten Weight.
<b>Matt Robertson (7th; 40-3)</b><br> Matt Robertson alternated between a swim jig and creature bait.
Matt Robertson (7th; 40-3)
Matt Robertson alternated between a swim jig and creature bait.
That choice was a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Creature Hawg, with a 4/0 hook and 3/8-ounce weight.
That choice was a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Creature Hawg, with a 4/0 hook and 3/8-ounce weight.
Robertson also used a 3/8-ounce Outkast Tackle Pro Swim Jig, with a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Chigger Craw trailer.
Robertson also used a 3/8-ounce Outkast Tackle Pro Swim Jig, with a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Chigger Craw trailer.
<b>Scott Canterbury (6th; 41-6)</b><br> Scott Canterbury flipped and pitched baits along key stretches of inundated cover.
Scott Canterbury (6th; 41-6)
Scott Canterbury flipped and pitched baits along key stretches of inundated cover.
Canterbury went to battle using namesake jigs and a favorite technique, which is flipping and pitching to heavy cover.
Canterbury went to battle using namesake jigs and a favorite technique, which is flipping and pitching to heavy cover.
The choices were a 1/2-ounce Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Flippin’ Jig, with a chunk-style trailer.
The choices were a 1/2-ounce Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Flippin’ Jig, with a chunk-style trailer.
He used the same model and weight jig, with a Netbait Kickin B Creature Bait. To a 5/8-ounce model of the Canterbury Flippin’ Jig, he used a NetBait Paca Chunk
He used the same model and weight jig, with a Netbait Kickin B Creature Bait. To a 5/8-ounce model of the Canterbury Flippin’ Jig, he used a NetBait Paca Chunk
<b>Brock Mosley (5th; 42-0)</b><br> Brock Mosley flipped bushes covered by water due to the high-water conditions.
Brock Mosley (5th; 42-0) Brock Mosley flipped bushes covered by water due to the high-water conditions.
He used a Gary Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog. He rigged it on a Vector Hooks straight shank flipping hook, with a 3/4-ounce weight.
He used a Gary Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog. He rigged it on a Vector Hooks straight shank flipping hook, with a 3/4-ounce weight.
<b>Justin Kerr (4th; 45-2)</b><br> Kerr, like most of the field, found his bass lurking in the shade of flooded cover.
Justin Kerr (4th; 45-2)
Kerr, like most of the field, found his bass lurking in the shade of flooded cover.
Kerr used a bladed jig and unusual wake bait for his top finish.
Kerr used a bladed jig and unusual wake bait for his top finish.
That choice was a custom made, hand-carved rat.
That choice was a custom made, hand-carved rat.
Kerr also used a 1/2-ounce Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer Stealth Blade, with a Zoom Speed Craw for a trailer.
Kerr also used a 1/2-ounce Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer Stealth Blade, with a Zoom Speed Craw for a trailer.
<b>Chris Jones (3rd; 45-9)</b><br> Chris Jones fished flooded shoreline cover with a jig and creature bait.
Chris Jones (3rd; 45-9)
Chris Jones fished flooded shoreline cover with a jig and creature bait.
Jones relied on this lineup for the entire tournament.
Jones relied on this lineup for the entire tournament.
A prototype, personally designed jig headed the lineup. That choice was a 1/2-ounce BOOYAH Mobster Swim Jig, with a YUM Spine Craw trailer.
A prototype, personally designed jig headed the lineup. That choice was a 1/2-ounce BOOYAH Mobster Swim Jig, with a YUM Spine Craw trailer.
Jones also used a YUM Christie Critter, rigged on a 4/0 Owner Jungle Hook, with a 1/2-ounce Pro Tungsten Weight.
Jones also used a YUM Christie Critter, rigged on a 4/0 Owner Jungle Hook, with a 1/2-ounce Pro Tungsten Weight.
<b>Matt Arey (2nd; 49-1)</b><br> Matt Arey flipped flooded brushpiles, mostly on the western shore of the lake.
Matt Arey (2nd; 49-1)
Matt Arey flipped flooded brushpiles, mostly on the western shore of the lake.
Arey rotated through a lineup of lures that were ideal for the heavy cover he encountered on Ray Roberts.
Arey rotated through a lineup of lures that were ideal for the heavy cover he encountered on Ray Roberts.
A top choice was a prototype, soon-to-be-released, 1/2-ounce Titan Tungsten Custom Jig, featuring a 3/0 Gamakatsu Hook.
A top choice was a prototype, soon-to-be-released, 1/2-ounce Titan Tungsten Custom Jig, featuring a 3/0 Gamakatsu Hook.
He also used a Lunker Hunt Compact Frog.
He also used a Lunker Hunt Compact Frog.
Arey also chose a popping-style frog.
Arey also chose a popping-style frog.
<b>Hank Cherry (1st; 50-15)</b><br> Hank Cherry caught the bulk of his weight during the week flipping flooded bushes along the shoreline and throwing a jerkbait around riprap along the dam.
Hank Cherry (1st; 50-15)
Hank Cherry caught the bulk of his weight during the week flipping flooded bushes along the shoreline and throwing a jerkbait around riprap along the dam.
Cherry covered water using a jerkbait in the presence of baitfish, and a creature bait when a slower approach was needed.
Cherry covered water using a jerkbait in the presence of baitfish, and a creature bait when a slower approach was needed.
A Berkley Stunna Jerkbait was a top choice. Cherry designed the bait that will be available in July.
A Berkley Stunna Jerkbait was a top choice. Cherry designed the bait that will be available in July.
So was a 1/2-ounce Picasso Straight Shooter Jig, with a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Chigger Craw for a trailer.
So was a 1/2-ounce Picasso Straight Shooter Jig, with a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Chigger Craw for a trailer.