The most popular artificial largemouth bass baits that imitate large insects are soft plastics, or Berkley's Gulp products (which are just like soft plastics, just more effective). Crayfish - Crayfish are a very effective bait for largemouth bass. These freshwater crustaceans are like candy for our silver friends. Large crayfish are an excellent bait for large bass. Live crayfish are difficult to fish with, but it can be done effectively with gang hooks.