Forward-facing sonar technology is all the rage and all the controversy in tournament bass fishing.  It has revolutionized bass fishing by providing real-time images of fish and structures ahead of the boat. This advanced sonar allows anglers to target bass with unparalleled precision, and choosing the right bait is crucial to maximizing its effectiveness.

Here are some of the best forward-facing sonar baits for bass fishing:

1. Swimbaits

   • Soft Swimbaits: These baits are incredibly lifelike and can be rigged weedless or on jig heads. Soft swimbaits like the Keitech Swing Impact FAT, the Zoom Swimmin' Super Fluke or the GrandeBass  4.25" Shad Trixx are excellent choices. Their natural swimming action mimics live bait, making them irresistible to bass.
     
     
     
     
2.  Hard Swimbaits: Hard swimbaits such as the Megabass Magdraft or the Spro BBZ-1 offer realistic profiles and versatile action. They can be fished at various depths, making them perfect for targeting suspended bass spotted on forward-facing sonar.
   
   

3. Jerkbaits

   • Suspending Jerkbaits: These baits, like the MONSTERBASS Slick Stick 99, the Megabass Vision 110 or the Rapala X-Rap, are ideal for mimicking injured baitfish. Their erratic darting action and ability to suspend in the water column make them highly effective when bass are following but not committing to other baits.
     
     

4. Crankbaits

   • Deep Diving Crankbaits: Baits such as the Strike King 6XD, the Rapala DT16 or the Seeker 12 are perfect for reaching deeper bass spotted on sonar. Their wide wobble and ability to cover water quickly make them excellent for triggering reaction strikes.
     
     
      
5. • Lipless Crankbaits: Lipless crankbaits like the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, the Strike King Red Eye Shad & MONSTERBASS Incision are versatile and can be fished at various depths. Their tight wobble and loud rattle can draw in bass from a distance, making them easy to spot on forward-facing sonar.
     
     
     
     

6. Drop Shot Rigs

   • Drop Shot Baits: The drop shot rig is perfect for presenting soft plastics like the Roboworm Straight Tail Worm, the Zoom Finesse Worm or the GrandeBass AirTail Wiggler directly in front of suspended bass. The subtle action of these baits, combined with the precise placement offered by forward-facing sonar, makes them hard to resist.
     
     

7. Blade Baits

   • Vibrating Blade Baits: Baits like the Vibemaster or the Damiki Vault are excellent for vertical presentations. Their tight vibration and ability to be jigged vertically make them ideal for targeting bass located directly beneath the boat.
     

8. Jigs

   • Football Jigs: Football jigs such as the Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig are great for dragging along the bottom to entice bass holding near structures. Pair them with a craw trailer like the Zoom Super Chunk for added action.
     
     
   • Finesse Jigs: Smaller profile jigs like the Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ Jig are perfect for a more subtle presentation. They excel in clear water where bass can be finicky.
     
     

9. Topwater Baits

   • Walking Baits: For surface-feeding bass, baits like the Heddon Super Spook or the Ragnar from MONSTERBASS offer enticing side-to-side action. These baits are excellent for drawing aggressive strikes when bass are near the surface.
     
     
   • Poppers: Poppers such as the Rebel Pop-R or the Booyah Poppin' Pad Crasher create a commotion on the surface that can attract bass from a distance, making them easy to track on forward-facing sonar.

When using forward-facing sonar, it's crucial to match your bait choice to the behavior and position of the bass you’re targeting. Observing how the fish react to different presentations can help you fine-tune your approach and increase your chances of success. With the right baits and the advantage of forward-facing sonar, you’ll be well-equipped to catch more bass and improve your overall fishing experience.

Hope this helps.  Rick