• Anglers can use many different lures to catch early summer bass.bass image by Liz Van Steenburgh from Fotolia.com
  
  There are few times of the year better for catching bass than the early summer. While those who target big bass exclusively may disagree -- and they are right -- the early summer period is unrivaled for catching large numbers of bass. The fish will hit a variety of lures, but some outshine the others.
  
  

Spinnerbait

• Bass are on the move during the early summer period, and feeding actively. As a result, a spinner bait -- designed to cover water and coax strikes from active bass -- is one of the best lures. Select a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce spinner bait with a single blade. Translucent colors are best in clear water and under sunny skies, while darker, solid colors are best in low-light conditions or in stained or murky bodies of water. Throw a spinner bait around shallow vegetation and over shallow weed flats. Vary your retrieve to make the bass believe your bait is a wounded bait fish.
  
  

Lipless crankbait

• While bass are often active during the early summer period, it can be difficult to pinpoint their exact locations because they're often on the move. One of the best lures for locating active biters is a lipless crankbait, which features float sides and can be cast as far as nearly any lure. As a result, it is a great search bait. Select a 1/2-ounce model and cast it around shallow and deep weed edges, and over the tops of vegetated flats.
  
  

Jigworm

• The jigworm is a simple lure. It is made up of a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce mushroom head jig and a plastic worm that's between 4 inches and 7 inches long. Thread the worm onto the shank of the jig and cast it wherever you are fishing. A jigworm is as effective in deep water as it is in shallow water. A good all-around retrieve is to cast the jigworm out, let it sink to the bottom, and then retrieve it back to the boat with short hops. Most strikes occur as the lure is falling back to the bottom.
  
  

Wacky Rig

• Another simple lure, a wacky-rigged worm features a worm hooked through the middle of its body. But do not let its simpleness fool you -- it can be unrivaled for catching big numbers of bass in water up to about 10 feet deep. Cast the lure around shallow vegetation, boat docks, and weed flats and let it sink. Retrieve the rig with short rod sweeps and be ready for a strike as the lure falls toward the bottom. You may not actually feel a bite, so watch your line. If it starts to move sideways, set the hook.