Bait Recommendations for the WON U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
Get Ready For Next Month's WON BASS US Open
The morning sun crests the Black Mountains, casting a golden glow on the glassy surface of Lake Mojave. The only sound is the gentle hum of a trolling motor as a lone angler makes a long cast toward a submerged brush pile. A subtle twitch of the rod, a pause, and the line goes taut. The rod loads up, and the water erupts. It’s not just a fish; it’s a potential tournament winner. This scene will play out hundreds of times next month during the prestigious WON BASS US Open, where ounces separate champions from the rest. The difference? A deep understanding of early fall patterns and the right tools for the job. This is where the "Science of the Strike" meets the art of angling, and why FishLab Tackle and the BBZ methodology are the edge you need.
What Are the Best Techniques and Lures to Target These Fish
Your approach must be as versatile as the fish you're targeting.
The Power of the Swimbait
A soft swimbait like the FishLab Nature Series Soft Swimbait is arguably the most versatile tool for imitating shad. Its heavy kicking, erratic tail action perfectly mimics a fleeing baitfish. It can be rigged on a weighted swimbait hook for open water, a jighead for deeper presentations, or even a belly-weighted hook for a slow, dying flutter. And don't forget the power of an A-Rig for when bass are schooling up. Versatility is their strength.
Sizes: 3" (8pc), 3.5" (7pc), 4" (6pc), 4.5" (6pc)
Key Colors for Mojave: Baitfish, Silver Shad, Pro Blue
Reaction Bites with Spinnerbaits and Tailspins
When fishing wind-blown points or stained water, a reaction bait is key. The FishLab Bio-Blade Willow Spinnerbait is designed for clear water like Mojave, creating intense flashes of light that mimic shad. Its shad-shaped head allows you to rip it through brush without hanging up, and the included BBZ Mimic Tail trailer adds a level of realism that triggers more strikes.
On bright, sunny days, flash becomes your best friend. The Bio-Blade Spinnerbaits deliver with both Willow and Colorado blade options. These baits shine in clear water, offering the perfect balance of vibration and flash to trigger bites from cruising bass.
Sizes: 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz
Key Colors for Mojave: White Shad, Clear Shad
Bio-Shad Tailspin Baits
When you need a search bait to cover water fast, the Bio-Shad Tailspin is a must-have. With its flash and vibration, it’s perfect for drawing reaction strikes from wolfpacks of smallmouth or largemouth roaming in open water. Find the bait, throw the tailspin, and hold on.
Topwater Action – Bio-Blade Buzzbait & Rattle Toad Pro
Topwater can shine at Mohave, especially in the early morning or evening hours.
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The Bio-Blade Buzzbait with its dual blade design churns up the surface and calls in aggressive fish looking for an easy meal.
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The Rattle Toad Pro is built for fishing grass, mats, and shallow cover. Its rear rattle chamber creates extra noise that pulls strikes from wary fish, even on pressured water.
Big Baits – Hard Swimbait & Bio-Shad Crankbait
A game-changing hard bait that lures in hungry gamefish from far distances. Its super slow sink/suspending action allows it to hang near structure, triggering strikes from inactive fish. The 4.5" size is a perfect match for Mojave shad.
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The new Hard Swimbait offers a tighter side-to-side action, ideal for covering water with confidence.Sizes: 4.5", 6"
Key Colors for Mojave: Wakasagi (WG), Baitfish (BF)
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Don’t forget the Bio-Shad Crankbait for a tighter, shallow-running action around light structure, it’s the perfect bait to tempt pressured fish into biting.
Sometimes You Just Have to Finesse
When the bite gets tough, a subtle presentation wins. The Nature Series Flutter Nymph with its four paddle-kicking wings excels when skipped under docks or pitched into brush piles. Its compact profile mimics a variety of forage.
Sizes: 2.5", 3.5", 4.25"
Key Colors for Mojave: Green Pumpkin, California Craw
Latest Fishing News and Trends for Lake Mojave
Recent tournament reports highlight a consistent trend: winning sacks are coming from anglers who are adept at "fishing the moment." This means having the versatility to switch between a deep, slow-presented swimbait when the sun is high and a reaction bait like a spinnerbait when the wind picks up. The most successful anglers are those who can quickly locate active schools of shad and have the confidence in their gear to make precise presentations. The trend is moving away from power-fishing and toward a more nuanced, finesse-forward approach with highly realistic baits, the exact philosophy FishLab is built on.
Final Thoughts
The WON BASS US Open on Lake Mojave is the ultimate test of skill, patience, and adaptability. Victory is earned by those who respect the fishery, understand the seasonal patterns of both the bass and their forage, and pair that knowledge with the most effective tools available. The "Science of the Strike" embodied by FishLab Tackle and BBZ angling knowhow provides a proven framework for success.
Don't go into the tournament guessing. Equip yourself with the lures designed for this challenge and the mindset of a champion.
This year, make sure your boat deck is armed with everything from the Rattle Toad Pro to the Hydra-Glide, because at Lake Mohave, the right bait can mean the difference between a check and just another day on the water.
Stock up at your favorite retailer or at fishlabtackle.com before tournament day.
Legal Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute formal fishing, legal, or professional advice. Anglers are solely responsible for knowing, understanding, and complying with all current fishing regulations, laws, and rules set forth by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), Arizona Game and Fish Department, and WON BASS for the US Open tournament. Always check the official regulations for creel limits, size restrictions, closed areas, and legal tackle requirements before you fish.
