Top 10 Baits - 2024 Bassmaster Classic

Two uncommon factors played into the outcome of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors. As Classics go, boat docks rarely fit heavily into the narrative. This time, they did, as prespawn largemouth used them as staging areas in creeks and pockets.

What else stood out were the lure choices used by the top anglers, particularly those competing on Championship Sunday. In this gallery, you will not see a single drop shot, Ned rig, Damiki rig or otherwise any staples of the scoping game. Instead, you will see a refreshing lineup of traditional lures anyone can use during the spawning cycle.

Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and old-school jigs were the top baits used to catch prespawners gathering in windblown pockets with an abundance of baitfish. That was the game plan for Justin Hamner, who won with a three-day total of 58 pounds, 3 ounces.

The fourth-year Bassmaster Elite Series pro became only the 10th angler in the 54-year history of the Classic to lead all three days. Check out his winning baits and stock up for spring with a proven lineup of spawning cycle lures.

Justin Hamner, 1st Place (58-3)

Justin Hamner used a jerkbait to trigger reaction strikes, and a jig for specific targets. A top choice was Yo-Zuri Hardcore Minnow Flat 110SP. For specific targets, Hamner slowed the pace with this 1/2-ounce Greenfish Tackle Jig. Hamner also used this jerkbait armed with No. 6 Duo Realis treble hooks. For added strike appeal he applied scent from a BaitFuel Hardbait Stick.

Adam Rasmussen, 2nd Place (55-4)

Adam Rasmussen rotated between a jig and spinnerbait to cover his strike zone. For Rasmussen, 1/2- or 3/4-ounce jigs were a top choice, each rigged with a Crush City Cleanup Craw. Rasmussen also used a 1/2-ounce spinnerbait with a gold single No. 5 Colorado blade. For covering water, he used a Rapala PXR Mavrik 110.

Cody Huff, 3rd Place (50-7)

A crankbait and jig covered the bite cadence of prespawn largemouth transitioning in shallow water. For reaction strikes, Huff used a Rapala OG Tiny 4 flat-sided crankbait. For specific targets, Huff used a 1/2-ounce Missile Baits Ike’s Mini Flip Jig.

Jay Przekurat, 4th Place (50-1)

Jay Przekurat used a jig for flipping and pitching, along with a jerkbait to cover water. To cover water, he used a Strike King KVD Jerkbait 300. The flipping package was a 3/8-ounce Strike King Structure Jig, with a Strike King Rage Tail Menace Grub.

Lee Livesay, 5th Place (49-11)

Lee Livesay rotated through crankbaits and a jig to cover territory and target different areas. To hit specific targets, Livesay chose this 1/2-ounce 6th Sense Hybrid Jig, with a Nebait Paca Slim. To cover water, Livesay used a 6th Sense Crush 50X crankbait. For shallower zones, he used this 6th Sense Pressure Diver/PD4 Crankbait.

Cory Johnston, 6th Place (49-6)

Cory Johnston covered water for prespawn largemouth with a crankbait. A top choice was this 6th Sense Crush 50X Crankbait.

Kyle Patrick, 7th Place (49-4)

Dragging a jig on the bottom was the primary tactic for Kyle Patrick. His top bait was a 3/4-ounce Ike’s Head Banger Jig, with a Missile Baits Chunky D.

Hank Cherry, 8th Place (49-4)

Hank Cherry rotated between a jig for pitching at boat docks and a bladed jig for covering water. Between the docks, Cherry used a 3/8-ounce Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer, with a Yamamoto Zacko trailer. For specific targets on docks, he used a 3/8-ounce Davis Bait Jig, with a BassMooch Pig Tail.

Shane LeHew, 9th Place (48-15)

Shane LeHew rotated between a spinnerbait and squarebill crankbait. A 3/4-ounce Berkley Spinnerbait with a single Colorado blade was a top choice. So was a Berkley SquareBull Crankbait.

Taku Ito, 10th Place (48-5)

Taku Ito rotated through a variety of power fishing baits to secure a top 10 finish at the 2024 Classic. Ito chose this Nories Crystal S Spinnerbait, with a single Colorado blade. He used a BOTTOMUP 4.2-inch Volup Swimmer for a trailer. For covering water, Ito used this Mitteru Crankbait armed with No. 6 Ryugi Pierce TC Treble Hooks. For slower presentations, he used a Nories Escape Twin on a Japanese-inspired Cherry Rig, made with a 3/0 Ryugi Infini Hobbit Offset Wide Gap Worm Hook.

Source: Bassmaster.com, "Top Lures of the 2024 Classic" by Craig Lamb, March 26, 2024. Accessed March 26, 2024. https://www.bassmaster.com/bassmaster-classic/slideshow/top-lures-of-the-2024-classic/1193833

Additional product information: Bassblaster.com, "How Hamner won it and the Top 25 Classic Baits!" by (mostly Jay), March 26, 2024. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://bassblaster.rocks/how-hamner-won-it-and-the-top-25-classic-baits