Last updated on August 18th, 2023
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Do you want to catch more bass? The best way to do that is by using the right crankbaits. But what are the best crankbaits for bass fishing and how can they help you become a better angler? In this article, we’ll explore all of these questions as well as discuss important features such as shape, diving depth and colors when it comes to selecting the best crankbait lures for bass. So if you’re looking for tips on catching bigger fish with your favorite lure, then read on.
Table of Contents:
- What is a Crankbait?
- Best Crankbaits for Bass Fishing
- How to Fish with a Crankbait
- Important Features of a Crankbait
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Best Crankbait for Bass Editor Picks:
What is a Crankbait?
A crankbait is a type of fishing lure that imitates the movements of small baitfish. It is typically made from plastic or wood and has one or two treble hooks attached to it. Crankbaits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and diving depths to match different types of fish and water conditions. The most common type of crankbait used for bass fishing is called a “crankbait” because it resembles the swimming motion created by cranking on the reel handle while retrieving the line.
There are several types of crankbaits available for anglers to choose from depending on their needs. Hard baits are generally more durable than soft plastics and can be fished in deeper waters where other lures may not reach effectively. Soft plastics offer more subtle action which can be beneficial when targeting finicky fish in shallow water situations. Lipless crankbaits are designed with no lip at all so they can be worked quickly across open water without getting snagged on weeds or rocks as easily as traditional models with lips do. Lastly, jointed baits have multiple sections connected together by hinges which allow them to move independently creating an erratic swimming action that attracts larger predators such as bass and pike.
Crankbaits are a great way to target bass, and with the right knowledge of how to fish them properly you can become an expert angler. Let’s explore the most effective approach for utilizing crankbaits when bass fishing.
Key Takeaway: Crankbaits are a popular type of fishing lure that imitate the swimming motion of baitfish, and come in hard or soft plastic varieties as well as lipless or jointed designs. Anglers can choose from these various models to target bass effectively in any water depth while avoiding snags on weeds and rocks.
Best Crankbaits for Bass – 2023 Review
Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. We use so-called affiliate links in this article offered by program such as the amazon associates program. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.
Norman Lures Middle N Mid-Depth
Specs: Size: 2″ – Weight: 3/8 oz – 20+ color options. Two treble hooks (#6). Diving Depth: 7-9 ft.
Why we picked it: Norman Lures Middle N Mid-Depth is a great choice for anglers looking to target bass in mid-depth waters. This crankbait lure has been designed with an aerodynamic shape and balanced weight, making it perfect for casting long distances and getting into the strike zone quickly. The body of this lure is made from durable plastic that won’t crack or break under pressure, while its two treble hooks ensure that you’ll have plenty of hookups when fishing with this bait.
I like the large variety of colors including black, bluegill, chartreuse shad, crawfish orange belly, green pumpkin seed and more. The diving depth of the Norman Lures Middle N Mid-Depth ranges from 7 to 9 feet depending on the speed at which you retrieve it. Additionally, this crankbait features realistic eyes and three-dimensional scales that help attract bass even when they’re not actively feeding.
Pros: One of the biggest advantages of using this particular crankbait is its ability to dive deep without having to be pulled too fast by the angler – something many other lures can’t do as well as Norman Lures Middle N Mid-Depth does. Furthermore, its realistic design makes it incredibly attractive to fish; plus its durable construction ensures that it will last through countless trips out on the water without needing replacement anytime soon! Lastly, thanks to its wide range of color options available you can easily find one that matches your local conditions perfectly so you don’t miss out on any bites due to poor visibility or contrast issues between your bait and background environment!
Cons: The only real downside we could discover during our test, was the fact tht the big lip sometimes gets stuck in the wheeds due to its shape. But if you’re fishing in shallower areas other crankbait lures for bass fishing are a better choice anyways.
Bomber Lures Fat Free Shad
Specs: Size: 2.5″ – Weight: 1/2 oz – 10+ color options. Two treble hooks. Diving Depth: 8-12 ft.
Why we picked it: The Bomber Lures Fat Free Shad is another great choice for anglers looking to target bass in mid depths water of around 10ft. This crankbait features an ultra-realistic design that closely mimics the look and movement of real baitfish, making it irresistible to bass. The lure has a wide body shape with an extra-wide lip that allows it to dive deep quickly and stay in the strike zone longer. It also comes in several colors, so you can choose one that best matches your fishing conditions.
One of the key features of this crankbait is its ability to reach depths up to 12 feet when retrieved at medium speeds. This makes it ideal for targeting deeper waters where larger fish are likely hiding out. Additionally, the Bomber Lures Fat Free Shad‘s weightless construction helps keep it stable as it dives down into the water column, allowing you to cover more area with each cast without having to worry about line twist or tangles.
Another great feature of this lure is its realistic swimming action which mimics a fleeing baitfish perfectly – something sure to draw attention from nearby predators! Its unique tail design creates plenty of vibration and flash underwater while still remaining lightweight enough for long casts without tiring your arm out too quickly.
In terms of pros and cons, there’s not much bad we can say about this crankbait other than perhaps some anglers may find the price tag a bit steep compared with other lures on the market today – but considering all that you get with this product, we think it’s worth every penny!
All things considered, if you’re serious about catching big bass then adding one (or two!) Bomber Lures Fat Free Shad into your tackle box should be top priority!
Strike King Kvd Square Bill 2.5 Pro-Model Crankbait
Specs: Size: 2.5″ – Weight: 5/8 oz – 9 color options. Two treble hooks. Diving Depth: 3-5 ft.
Why we picked it: The Strike King Kvd Square Bill 2.5 Pro-Model is a must-have for any serious bass fisherman. This crankbait has been designed with the help of Bassmaster Classic Champion and legendary angler, Kevin VanDam, to provide an exceptional fishing experience.
Shape: The shape of this crankbait is unique in that it features a square bill design which allows it to deflect off structure more effectively than traditional round billed lures. This makes it ideal for targeting shallow cover such as rocks, stumps and laydowns where other baits may struggle to reach the strike zone. All colors feature 3D eyes which add realism when viewed from below by fish.
Diving Depth: The Strike King Kvd Square Bill can dive up to 5 feet deep making it perfect for targeting deeper water bass or those suspended near cover in depths between 1 and 4 feet deep.
Pros: One of the best things about this bait is its versatility; you can use it just about anywhere! It works great around shallow cover like docks, stumps or laydowns but also excels when fished deeper over points or drop offs too! Plus they come prerigged with VMC black nickel hooks so you don’t have to worry about rigging them yourself before heading out on the water!
Cons: One downside of the Strike King Kvd Square Bill is its price tag; they are quite expensive compared to some other crankbaits on the market today but if you’re looking for quality then these are definitely worth investing in! Also keep in mind that due to their square bill design they tend not swim very straight at slow speeds so make sure you reel fast enough when using them otherwise they won’t track correctly through the water column!
Rapala Dives-To 3/8 Oz Fishing Lures
Specs: Size: 2.5″ – Weight: 3/8 oz – made from wood. Two treble hooks. Diving Depth: 6 ft.
Why we picked it: Here’s another great option if you’re looking to target bass holding in the upper part of the water column. The Rapala Dives-To is designed with a diving lip, allowing it to dive down into the water column and reach depths up to 6 feet. It has a wide wobbling action that mimics the movements of baitfish in the water which helps attract more strikes from predators. When it comes to color selection, these lures come in several shades ranging from natural hues like green pumpkin or black neon to brighter ones such as chartreuse or firetiger.
They also offer different sizes so you can choose one based on your needs; some models are even equipped with rattles for added attraction when casting out into deeper waters. In terms of construction quality, these lures are made from durable basalt wood that stands up well against wear and tear over time while still providing good buoyancy in the water column. Furthermore, the hooks on the Rapala Dives-To 3/8 are strong enough to handle larger catches without breaking off easily during retrieval or fighting with bigger fish after being hooked on them.
Pros: The Rapala Dives-To 3/8 comes in a wide range of colors allowing you to select the appropriate shade according to the conditions you’re fishing in. The basalt wood makes them sustainable and durable and increases their buoyancy which ensures proper depth control while retrieving. They are also equipped with rattles which adds extra sound & vibration when casting out into deeper waters.
Cons: The only real downside to consider in my eyes when purchasing these lures is the cost, as each lure is individually handcrafted by skilled artisans they tend to be pricier than other similar products available.
Berkley Flicker Shad Jointed Crankbait for Bass
Specs: Size: 2″ – Weight: 1/5 oz – Colors: 35+. Two treble hooks. Diving Depth: 5-9 ft.
Why we picked it: The Berkley Flicker Shad Jointed is a must-have for any serious angler. This crankbait offers an impressive combination of features that make it perfect for bass fishing. Its jointed body design creates a realistic swimming action and its bright colors attract the attention of hungry fish. My favorite for bass fishing is the 2″ version that dives down to about 5-9ft. When it comes to shape, the Berkley Flicker Shad Jointed has an elongated body with a flat head that gives it stability in the water while creating a tight wiggling action when retrieved.
The lip at the front helps keep this bait running true even in strong currents or windy conditions. Plus, its internal rattle chamber adds extra sound attraction to draw fish from farther away. Furthermore, its wide array of color patterns ensures you’ll find one that works best in your local waters no matter what season you’re fishing in!
As far as pros go, there are plenty! The Berkley Flicker Shad Jointed is incredibly durable due to its hard plastic construction which makes it resistant against damage from aggressive strikes or snags on cover objects like weeds or wood debris. Additionally, since this bait runs true right out of the package without needing tuning adjustments before use – saving time and money so you can get back out on the water faster! Lastly but not leastly (yes I made up my own word) – these baits come at an affordable price point so anyone can enjoy them without breaking their wallet!
Now let’s look at some cons: First off – if used improperly these lures may spin out during retrieve causing them to lose their effectiveness; however proper technique should be able to prevent this issue from occurring often if ever at all. Secondly, although they have good durability they still need occasional maintenance such as replacing hooks after extended use due to wear & tear over time.
Overall, the Berkley Flicker Shad Jointed is an excellent choice for any angler looking for a reliable crankbait option that won’t break their bank account !
Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Crankbait for Bass
Specs: Size: Multiple – Weight: 3/4 oz – Colors: 20+. Two treble hooks.
Why we picked it: The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Crankbait is a crankbait that’s designed to catch the attention of bass. It features a unique shape and tungsten construction, making it one of the most durable lures on the market. The two-tap design allows for maximum action in the water, creating vibrations that draw fish from far away. The Red Eyed Shad has an eye-catching color pattern with bright red eyes that make it stand out from other crankbaits. Its body shape helps it dive deep into cover, allowing anglers to target deeper areas where bass may be hiding.
It also comes in several different sizes so you can choose one that best fits your fishing needs. One of its key features is its ability to cast long distances without losing accuracy or power. This makes the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless great for targeting larger bodies of water where you need more distance between casts to reach fish holding spots further away from shorelines or dockside structure.
The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Crankbait for Bass also sinks quickly and remains stable at any depth due to its weight distribution and balance point system which keeps it tracking straight through fast currents or heavy winds without wavering off course like some other crankbaits do when they hit turbulence in the water column during retrieval phases..
Another great feature is its realistic swimming action which mimics baitfish movements perfectly when retrieved at slow speeds while still being able to generate plenty of vibration when cranked faster than normal retrieve rates as well as having enough weight behind them so they don’t float up too much after hitting bottom structures like rocks or logs along their descent path back towards surface levels again once their downward momentum slows down below certain depths before reaching terminal velocity thresholds due to gravity’s pull on them..
Overall, the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Crankbait for Bass is perfect for anglers looking for a reliable crankbait that will stay true no matter what conditions are thrown at them while still providing plenty of attraction options with multiple colors available plus various size selections depending on how deep you want your lure running under those murky waters!
Pros: Big eyes attract the attention of bass. Good casting capacities and easy to fish at different dephts. Rattling sound adds to the success rate of the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless.
Cons: One of the downsides we found regarding the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless in our test, was the fact that is was not the most durable lure in our comparison. At this price point you would expect a crankbait lure for bass to last a little longer.
Booyah One Knocker Bass Fishing Crankbait Lure
Specs: Weight: 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 – Colors: 10+. Two treble hooks.
Why we picked it: When it comes to bass fishing, the Booyah One Knocker is one of our favorites when it comes to the best lipless crankbait lures for bass on the market. This lure has been designed with precision and care to ensure that anglers have a successful day out on the water. It features an innovative design that allows for maximum action and vibration in order to attract fish from far away. The body shape of this crankbait is designed specifically for deep diving and long casts, making it perfect for targeting larger gamefish like bass.
The Booyah One Knocker Lipless Crankbait for Bass also offers great versatility when it comes to colors. Anglers can choose from a variety of different shades such as chartreuse, blackblue, whitered, and many more! This makes it easy to match up with any type of baitfish or other prey that may be present in your local waters. Additionally, its unique sound chamber produces a loud knocking noise which helps draw attention from even further distances than normal lures can reach.
One of the key features that make this crankbait so effective is its wide wobbling action which creates an enticing presentation for hungry predators below the surface. Its wide range of motion also gives you greater control over your retrieve speed and depth; allowing you to adjust your technique depending on what kind of bite you’re looking for at any given time.
Pros: We found the Booyah One Knocker‘s innovative design to provide maximum action & vibration. Add in the sound, this lure makes and you’ve got a very fishy crankbait for bass.
Cons: Like with the Strike King, we weren’t impressed with the durabilty of the Booyah One Knocker during our testing outings. We lost eyes on a couple of these lures after hooking a few bass. This probaly gets worse if you hook into predators with bigger and sharper teeths such as pike or walleye.
How to Fish with a Crankbait
When it comes to fishing with a crankbait, the key is in selecting the right one for the situation. Depending on your target species and water conditions, you’ll need to choose a crankbait that will dive deep enough and have the proper action for attracting fish. If you’re targeting bass, look for crankbaits designed specifically for bass fishing. These lures usually feature larger lips or bill designs that allow them to dive deeper than other types of crankbaits.
Once you have selected an appropriate lure, it’s time to start retrieving it properly. When using a shallow-diving crankbait, try short twitches of your rod tip as you reel in line; this gives the bait an erratic motion which can be very effective at triggering strikes from fish hiding around cover or structure. For deeper diving baits, use longer pulls on your rod followed by pauses; this allows the bait to reach its maximum depth before returning back up towards the surface where hungry predators are waiting.
Vary your retrieve speed to trigger more strikes, cast parallel along weed beds or drop offs for multiple water depths, and don’t forget to give your lures an added edge with attractant spray or gel – these are some of the tricks of the trade that can help you catch more fish. Utilizing a combination of active techniques and scent-based tactics will put you in a better position to land that trophy catch.
Whether you’re just starting out with crankbaits or looking for ways to improve existing techniques, following these guidelines should help get those reels singing again soon enough. With practice comes mastery, so make sure to keep trying new things until something clicks – then go ahead and take advantage while they’re biting.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can become an expert crankbait fisherman. Now let’s look at some of the important features to consider when selecting a crankbait for bass fishing.
Key Takeaway: As an experienced angler, it’s important to select the right crankbait for your bass fishing and use proper retrieval techniques. Try short twitches or longer pulls with pauses for deeper dives, and don’t forget to spice up your lures with attractants. With practice comes success – keep trying new things until you hit pay dirt.
Important Features of a Crankbait
Picking a crankbait for bass angling necessitates considering its form, diving profundity, and shades/designs.
Shape
The shape of a crankbait plays an essential role in its performance when used for bass fishing. Different shapes of crankbaits exist, including round-lipped, square-lipped, shallow diving and deep diving models; the type chosen should be based on the angler’s needs. Round lipped ones can be used in areas with less cover whereas square lipped ones can be used in areas with more cover or structure. Shallow diving ones work best for shallower waters while deep diving ones work better in deeper water bodies.
Diving Depth
Opting for a crankbait with adjustable diving depths is the ideal option if you’re searching for something that can be utilized year-round, regardless of area or species. It’s essential to select one that dives at least four feet below the surface level as this is where bass tend to hang out during summer months; however, in winter deeper depths may be necessary.
Color
Choosing the right color and pattern becomes crucial when selecting a good quality lure for bass fishing as they have excellent vision and can easily spot different colors/patterns even from far away distances. Bright colors like reds, oranges, and yellows may be advantageous when visibility is limited due to conditions such as fog or murky water. Additionally, it is advisable to match the color/pattern according to local vegetation; if you’re fishing near weed beds then use green colored lures whereas if you’re around rocks then go with darker shades such as black or blue. This way chances are high that your lure will get noticed by hungry predators lurking nearby.
It is important to consider the shape, diving depth and colors/patterns of a crankbait when selecting one for bass fishing. With that in mind, let’s move on to discussing best practices for fishing with a crankbait.
Key Takeaway: When it comes to selecting a crankbait for bass fishing, anglers should be mindful of its shape, diving depth and colorspatterns; the right choice can make or break your chances of catching ‘the big one’. As such, natural-looking colors like browns and greens tend to work best when visibility is low while adjustable deep-diving lures provide versatility throughout the year.
Conclusion
Using the right crankbait can be the difference between a successful day on the water and an unsuccessful one. With an abundance of choices, it is essential to comprehend the features that make a great crankbait for bass fishing and how to effectively use them so as to maximize success on the water. Whether you are looking for shallow diving cranks or deep divers, there are plenty of great choices out there that will help you catch more fish. By understanding their features such as shape, color and depth capabilities, you can find the best crankbaits for bass that fit your needs.
FAQs
What are the best crankbait lures for bass?
Crankbaits are a popular choice for bass fishing, as they can be used to target different depths and cover large areas quickly. The top crankbaits for bass vary depending on the situation, but some of the most successful include Rapala DT Series Crankbait, Strike King Pro-Model Series 6XD Crankbait, Lucky Craft LV500 Lipless Crankbait, and Megabass Vision 110+1 Jerkbait. Each lure has its own unique action that appeals to bass in various conditions such as shallow water or deep water. To maximize success when using crankbaits it is important to choose lures with appropriate sizes and colors based on the type of environment you’re fishing in.
What is the best brand for crankbaits?
When it comes to crankbaits, the best brand is undoubtedly Strike King. Their lures are designed with precision and feature high-quality components that provide anglers with a reliable action in all conditions. Strike King offers a diverse selection of sizes and colors, perfect for any angling situation. Additionally, their customer service is second to none which makes them an ideal choice for serious fishermen looking for quality tackle at an affordable price.
What is the best size crankbait for bass?
The best size crankbait for bass depends on the type of water you are fishing in and the time of year. Generally, a smaller crankbait is better for shallow waters during springtime when bass are actively feeding. A medium-sized bait can be used in summer or winter when fish are less active and deeper waters may require larger baits to reach them. It’s important to match your lure size with water depth and activity level so that you have the best chance at catching a big one.
What is the best color crankbait for bass?
Generally, natural colors like green pumpkin or brown are great options as they closely resemble common prey items. Brightly colored baits such as chartreuse can be used in murky water to increase visibility, while dark colors such as black can be effective in clear waters where bass may spook more easily from bright lures. Ultimately, it’s wise to try out different shades until you find the one that functions most effectively for your context.
