BUYER'S GUIDE: CRANKBAIT FISHING ( Squarebill, Deep Diver, Lipless, Rods )

Today's Buyer's Guide is all about crankbaits! We're taking this giant lure category and breaking it down into segments that are easy to understand. From cold water speed cranking baits, to wide wobbling Summer baits, we’re showing you our favorite crankbaits for every season, at all the major depth ranges!

Crankbait fishing is a giant category, as witnessed by several of our recent seminar–style videos on the subject (linked below). You can stand in front of the crankbait wall at your local tackle shop and your head will spin as you try to figure out what to use. Or, you can simply watch this video and let us show you exactly how we’ve narrowed it down over the years. We’re eliminating all the guess work and showing you our favorite baits from each major category.

Below you'll find links to the exacts baits and gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, as well as the exact rods we throw them on. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Casting Reel Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/EHi18PwH4mU

•Hard Swimbait Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/g314S4ZyT6g

•Tackle Storage Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/m30hnkoqHBc

•Bait Finesse Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/bEXFgo5YaRU

•Jerkbait Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/o8C9jW4Lxtk

CRANKBAIT SEMINAR VIDEOS...

•Speed Cranking Tricks For Fall And Winter Bass: https://youtu.be/j2WEBHrcsXI

•Everything You Need To Know About Squarebills: https://youtu.be/ISAGu--xg3g

•Lipless Crankbait Tricks You Need To Try: https://youtu.be/kLAIZu7OoMk

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Bruised Citrus Shad, Red Crawdad

FLAT SIDED CRANKBAITS...

•Spro Little John: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive, Matte Shad

•Shimano Macbeth Flat: https://bit.ly/3QNYS1g

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Damiki BTC 50: https://bit.ly/3OVb3Lc

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Shimano Macbeth Shallow: https://bit.ly/48m3ch1

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Lucky Craft LV 500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Jackall TN Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Sizes: 60 and 70

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

•Bill Lewis Rat–L–Trap: https://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Cali Craw, Ghost Minnow, Sexy Chrome

SPEED CRANKBAITS...

•R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: True Shad, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

•Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Tora Zari

MID DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 8: https://bit.ly/40JmoBQ

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Live River Shad, Delta

•Spro Rock Crawler 55: https://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Red Crawfish, Phantom Green

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Nomad D–Trak 80: https://bit.ly/3MRvMxz

Colors: Natural Threadfin, Brown Craw

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Rootbeer Crawdad

BIG DEEP DIVERS...

•Azuma Z Boss 22: https://bit.ly/3J05uHl

Colors: Grand Shad, Hot Mess, Goldie Lox

•Azuma Z Boss 24: https://bit.ly/3oKifPk

Colors: Grand Shad, Hot Mess, Goldie Lox

•Strike King 10XD: https://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Colors: Powder Blue Back Chart, Sexy Blue Back Herring

FAVORITE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

FAVORITE FLAT SIDE COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– 13 Fishing Concept C2 (7:1): https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sufix 131 (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Saltimate System Shock (16 lb): https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Lipless Crankbait Tricks You Need To Try!! ( Stop Losing Fish! )

Lipless Cranks are amazing!! Today we're showing you all the tricks you need to know! These crankbaits catch great numbers of fish and they catch giant bass too! They can be hopped, ripped, or steady retrieved in open water, around cover, or along the bottom. With so many ways to fish them its easy to get lost, but not after today!

The lipless is one of our favorite bass fishing techniques. It shines in the Spring and Fall but can catch fish any time of year. Our two main methods are hopping the baits on bottom (what we're doing today) and steady retrieving them in the middle of the water column. The two methods utilize completely different baits and today we're explaining why.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each, the rods and reels we use to fish them effectively, and the components we upgrade to keep our fish hooked. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE BAITS...

•Jackall TN Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Sizes: 60 and 70

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Blueback Chrome

•Nomad Swimtrex Max: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Size: 1/2 oz

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad

•Lucky Craft LV 500: https://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad

•Bill Lewis Rat–L–Trap: https://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Size: 1/2 oz

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Summer Sexy Shad

HOOK UPGRADES BY BAIT...

Split Rings– Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

•TN 70/LV500 Hooks– Gamakatsu EWG (Size 4): https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

•TN 60 Hooks– Owner ST–35 (Size 6): https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

•Swimtrex Max Hook– BKK Spear EWG (Size 6): https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

TIM'S LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

MATT'S LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament Carbon Cranker: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod- Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline FC 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Speed Cranking Tricks For Fall And Winter Bass!

This is the future of crankbait fishing! Don't miss the boat! Speed cranking is completely changing how anglers fish in the Fall and Winter! We used to think of the cold water months as slow periods but not anymore. Grab a speed crank, a high speed reel, and burn up that cold water! Let's go!!

The concept of triggering a feed response in a bass is not new, but the reality of being able to do it in the coldest water temperatures of the year is amazing! Winter fishing is a lot more fun when you're burning a bait instead of finesse fishing. Not only will this method of fishing catch bass all Winter, it is capable of catching the biggest bass in the lake!

Below you'll find a breakdown of the exact baits, colors, hooks, and equipment we use to fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Golden Ghost Minnow, True Shad, Green pumpkin Craw

•Megabass Deep X 300: https://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu, PM Kisyu Ayu

•Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Tora Zari

•Duo Realis G87 20A: https://bit.ly/2Jh4ktg

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Morning Dawn, Green Smelt

FLAT SIDED BAITS...

•Rapala Ott's OG Slim 6: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad

•Spro Little John: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive, Spooky Shad

•Shimano Macbeth Flat: https://bit.ly/3QNYS1g

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

HOOK AND SPLIT RING UPGRADES...

•Owner ST–35 Treble: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

•Gamakatsu EWG Treble: https://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

•BKK Spear EWG 71 SS: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Split Rings– Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2 or 3

STOCK HOOK SIZE BY BAIT...

Size 2: Tactical DD 75, Deep Six, G87 20A

Size 3: OG Slim 6

Size 4: Deep X 300

Size 6: Macbeth Flat, Little John

PLIERS...

•Split Ring Pliers – Texas Tackle: https://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0

Size: Executive

•Tuning Pliers – Rapala Mag Spring Pliers: https://bit.ly/3xJFwTu

Size: 6"

CRANKBAIT LINES...

Braid– Power Pro Maxcuatro: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Fluorocarbon – Sunline Crank FC: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

Tinted Fluorocarbon – Daiwa Hidden: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

FAVORITE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

FAVORITE FLAT SIDE COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– 13 Fishing Concept C2 (7:1): https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

BUDGET FRIENDLY CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT Glass 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/46t66yR

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT (7:1): https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Everything You Need To Know About Squarebills and Shallow Crankbaits! (Full Seminar)

We're taking a deep dive into the world of shallow crankbaits! Come along as Matt teaches how, when, and where to fish these baits! If you've ever thrown a shallow crank, or even if you have the slightest curiosity about them, this video is for you!

There are so many new baits on the market, it's hard to know which baits to use! This is everything you need to know! From color, to size, to diving depth, Matt breaks down shallow crankbaits so the rest of us can enjoy them.

OVERSIZED CRANKS...

•Megabass Big M 4.0: https://bit.ly/44Sg9Mv

Colors: Jukucho Shad, GG Gill

•Megabass Big M 2.0: https://bit.ly/3ZifaE6

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Gillkko

•Strike King 8.0: https://bit.ly/45Pcpwi

Colors: TN Shad 2.0, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

•Strike King 4.0: https://bit.ly/2dzeCUk

Colors: Olive Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 6: https://bit.ly/2sRZby9

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad

LARGE CRANKS...

•6th Sense Crush 100X: https://bit.ly/3LJSeIv

Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 75 Big: https://bit.ly/3PAgT4u

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 4: https://bit.ly/3PjXmUz

Colors: American Shad,  Ghost Minnow

•Rapala BX Big Brat: https://bit.ly/3r8WZOW

Colors: Homers Buddy, Pearl Grey Ghost, Silver

•Bill Lewis ATV 2.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Red Glitter Craw

•13 Fishing Scamp 2.5: https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Colors: Epic Shad, Mud Bug Punch

FAT SQUAREBILLS...

•Megabass S Crank 1.5: https://bit.ly/2dPdTxb

Colors: MB Gizzard, Megabass Sexy Shad

•Damiki BTC 60: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

Colors: Blue Craw, Mossy Shad, Real Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 50: https://bit.ly/3EDeBv5

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad, Sexy Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 2: https://bit.ly/48r4Q0T

Colors: American Shad, Golden Shiner

•Shimano Macbeth 63: https://bit.ly/3LnsMYP

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

PRIMARY SQUAREBILLS...

•Spro Essential Hunter 65: https://bit.ly/3cSMnOD

Colors: Black Silver, Fire Craw

•6th Sense Crush Silent 50S: https://bit.ly/2BGUQlS

Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

•River2Sea Biggie Poppa: https://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad

•Strike King 1.5: https://bit.ly/3xLv526

Colors: Sexy Ghost Minnow, TN Shad 2.0

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Tuxedo Shad, Red Crawdad

•13 Fishing Scamp 1.5: https://bit.ly/3PBfRVF

Colors: Olive Crush, Mudbug Punch

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Spro Speed Demon 55: https://bit.ly/3XGWUC2

Colors: Laundry Matte, Crystal Craw

•Lucky Craft 1.5: https://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow

SMALL PROFILE CRANKS...

•River2Sea Biggie Smalls: https://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.0: https://bit.ly/3kBMuGb

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Rapala BX Brat: https://bit.ly/2qFBMiR

Colors: Mossy, Pearl Grey Shiner

•Rapala DT 4: https://bit.ly/3EFGd2J

Colors: Live Bluegill, Green Gizzard Shad

•Megabass Super Z Z2: https://bit.ly/3fsxn9G

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2

•Megabass Super Z Z1: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2, Kasumi Ito

ODD BALL CRANKS...

•Nishine Chippawa RB Blade: https://bit.ly/3Z8wueJ

Colors: Ghost Shad, Hologram Shad

•13 Fishing Jabber Jaw: https://bit.ly/3z7hVdH

Colors: Black Back Shad, Lucky Charm

SHALLOW CRANKS...

•Damiki BTC 50: https://bit.ly/3OVb3Lc

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 50S: https://bit.ly/48m3ch1

Colors: Sleeper Shad, Ghost Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 1: https://bit.ly/3sKcpPC

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Spro Outsider 55 SR: https://bit.ly/3Pfx1XI

Colors: Dirty Gizzard, Rainbow Gill, River Gold

•Evergreen CH1: https://bit.ly/2MrsOCG

Colors: Ghost Wakasagi, Bone, Champion Shad

•Spro Fat John 50: https://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Matte Shad, Honey Shad, Cell Mate

BFS CRANKS...

•Damiki Disco 40: https://bit.ly/432XZaY

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad, Olive Flash Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 39F: https://bit.ly/45Pj3Dd

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass Griffon BFS SR: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Mat Shad, GP Kawamatsu

FLAT SIDE CRANKS...

•Shimano Macbeth Flat: https://bit.ly/3QNYS1g

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass SonicSide: https://bit.ly/2PxtPWo

Colors: Green Craw, MB Gizzard

•Spro Little John: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive

•Spro Little John Type R: https://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Colors: Copper Shad, Rayburn Red

•Rapala Ott's OG Slim 06: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad

•Rapala Ott's OG Tiny 4: https://bit.ly/3A76zGi

Colors: Live River Shad, Shad

MATT’S MAIN SQUAREBILL COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sunline Crank FC 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

GREAT CRANKBAIT RODS...

HIGH END - St. Croix Legend Tourn. 7'2" M Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

BFS - Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

BUDGET - St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" MM: https://bit.ly/3P8REVe

HOOKS…

1X Strength - Gamakatsu EWG: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Size: 6, 4, 2

2X Strength - BKK EWG 71SS: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6, 4, 2

3X Strength - Owner ST-56: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 6, 4, 2

Split Ring - Owner Hyperwire: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2, 3

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz