In some stores in Louisiana, you would be hard press to find a plastic worm or lizard. Saltwater plastics are the big sellers due to the abundant redfish and speckle trout markets. A good bass angler knows there are productive lures among the saltwater sections that catch bass, offer different color choices, and provide options in presentation and lure choices.

A lead head jig is a primary lure for saltwater. Many types of bass baits convert easily to the saltwater fish. From plastic baits for jigs like curl tail grubs, split tail grubs, and paddle tail grubs to Slugo type minnows, saltwater baits are the same size as bass baits. The most important difference is color selection. Saltwater anglers have dozens of choices in color that bass anglers and bass seldom see. This one feature gives the bass angler a new weapon.

Old Bay Side™ 4” Squid is the perfect example of a saltwater bait that works for bass. It resembles a tube bait with a cylinder shaped body and trailing tentacles. The hollow body bait has small wings running down the side of the bait to give it a squid looking appearance. The wings cause the bait to glide when the rod is lifted. A solid head section makes rigging easy. Add colors like Ayu, Opening Night, and New Penny and the angler has numerous options for bass.

Baits as the Squid work well Texas rigged or Carolina rigged. They are at home at the end of a flipping rod or light tackle spinning rod. Whether the Squid resembles a crawfish or some other freshwater creature, the bait works just like a tube. Texas rigged squids, grub tails on jig heads, or Carolina rigged shad convert to any freshwater situation.

Other saltwater soft plastics are great for spinnerbait trailers, jig trailers, and weightless presentations. Use curl tail or paddle tail minnows on jigs with clip on spinner forms. Try dressing up your preferred skirted jig with a new trailer. Weightless Slugo type baits work equally well for redfish as they do for bass. Saltwater baits afford many different choices and techniques for bass anglers.

If the angler is looking for something different, the saltwater baits available on the market today offer many opportunities. Companies like Old Bay Side™ make many styles and colors. Be sure to incorporate some saltwater baits on your next bass fishing trip.