Do Bass Eat Shrimp? Using Shrimp Lures to Catch More Bass

Bass are aggressive predators that will eat almost anything they can fit in their mouths. From bluegill to crawfish to baby ducks, bass are true opportunistic feeders. But when it comes to shrimp, many anglers wonder – do bass really eat shrimp in the wild? And can shrimp lures and baits help you catch more bass?

In this in-depth guide, we will cover everything you need to know about bass and shrimp, including:

• What shrimp species bass eat in freshwater
• Under what conditions bass feed on shrimp
• The best shrimp lure options for bass fishing
• Pro tips for rigging and presenting shrimp lures
• Prime locations to find shrimp-munching bass
• The top shrimp bait colors and styles

Follow these tips and you’ll be catching more bass on shrimp imitations in no time!

What Kinds of Shrimp Do Bass Eat?

There are over 2,000 species of shrimp found globally in both saltwater and freshwater habitats Many of these shrimp end up as prey for hungry bass Here are some of the most common shrimp bass target

• Freshwater river shrimp – Small 1-3 inch macrobrachium shrimp are abundant in many rivers and streams. Bass gorge on these small crustaceans.

• Grass shrimp – These tiny 1 inch grass shrimp thrive in weedy ponds and lakes, becoming an easy meal for bass

• Crayfish – Juvenile crayfish resemble and fill the niche of freshwater shrimp Bass readily eat small crayfish

• Saltwater shrimp – Bass in coastal regions eat migrating saltwater shrimp entering brackish waters.

While not their primary forage, bass certainly don’t turn down a protein-packed shrimp meal when the opportunity arises.

When Do Bass Eat Shrimp?

Bass don’t feed exclusively on shrimp, but under the right conditions they will actively hunt them:

• During upstream migrations – Shrimp migrations trigger feeding frenzies among bass.

• When shrimp are abundant – Bass key in on shrimp when they are plentiful.

• In and around grass – Shrimp thrive in weeds, where bass ambush them.

• Near structure – Bass use cover to attack unsuspecting shrimp.

• During summer months – Warm weather spikes shrimp populations and bass activity.

Targeting bass when shrimp are most present and vulnerable ups your chances of success.

Best Artificial Shrimp Lures for Bass

The good news is you don’t need live shrimp to catch bass. Well-designed artificial shrimp lures trigger vicious strikes. Here are top shrimp imitations:

• Plastic shrimp bodies – Simple soft plastic shrimp on jig heads are inexpensive and effective.

• Jointed hard baits – Jointed crankbaits and swimbaits realistically imitate swimming shrimp.

• Shrimp Creature Baits – Soft crayfish hybrids combine the best of both shrimp and craw profiles.

• Shrimp spinnerbaits – Spinnerbaits with dangling rubber shrimp trailers cover water and mimic fleeing shrimp.

• Topwater poppers – Walk-the-dog style shrimp poppers drive bass nuts on the surface.

With so many options, every bass angler should have shrimp lures in their tackle box.

Pro Tips for Fishing Shrimp Lures for Bass

To maximize your success fishing artificial shrimp, follow these pro tips:

• Fish near dense vegetation where shrimp hide – use weedless rigs.

• Target shady spots and structure where bass ambush bait.

• Pop and pause retrieves to imitate live shrimp movement.

• Reel slowly and steadily, letting the shrimp action do the work.

• Use natural shrimp colors like white, tan, pink and orange.

• Scale down your shrimp lures where bass are picky.

• Match jighead weight to depth and current conditions.

Putting these strategies into play will help you fool more bass with shrimp lures.

Prime Locations to Find Shrimp-Munching Bass

Focus your efforts on bass hotspots where shrimp tend to congregate:

• Backwaters and marshes

• Around grass beds and lily pads

• Near docks, piers and pilings

• Along current breaks and creek inflows

• Around submerged structure and cover

• Near boat launches and marina areas

• In brackish tidal creeks and rivers

Hitting these shrimpy sweet spots will put you in the zone to catch shrimp-munching bass.

Best Colors for Shrimp Lures

Match the hatch by selecting shrimp lure colors that resemble natural shrimp found in your area. Best all-around options include:

• Pink

• Cream

• Tan

• Orange

• Natural translucent

• Light brown

• Chartreuse

• Glow white

Stick with these go-to colors to appeal to bass on the shrimp hunt. Adjust color selection if bass show preference for a different hue.

Shrimp Lures Catch Bass Year Round

While shrimp activity peaks in warmer months, don’t limit your shrimp lure arsenal to just summertime fishing. Shrimp imitations can produce bass bites year-round:

• Spring – Fish creek channels, emerging grass lines and flooded cover.

• Summer – Target main lake grass, lily pads and docks.

• Fall – Fish migrating shrimp in tributaries and feeder creeks.

• Winter – Grind deep weed edges, channel swings and dock structure.

Adjusting locations and tactics allow shrimp lures to produce bass in any season.

So do bass really eat shrimp? Absolutely! When conditions are right, bass gorge on shrimp. Equipped with the lures and knowledge to take advantage of this feeding pattern, you’ll put more bass in the boat thanks to these diminutive crustaceans. Give shrimp lures a shot on your home waters and see how many hulking bass you can tempt with these unlikely little creatures.