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

BUYER'S GUIDE: JERKBAITS AND JERKBAIT RODS!

It's time to talk Jerkbaits! Let's go!! Today's Buyer's Guide answers all the questions about jerkbait fishing. From which jerkbaits are best, to which rods and reels will work these baits effectively, we're covering all the details to help you make educated decisions about your jerkbait fishing this year.

Jerkbaits have an amazing ability to trigger a feed response in wary bass! The drawing power is remarkable and once mastered, is something you can use to consistently catch big bass. Understanding what different jerkbaits are designed for and how to fish them effectively is the missing piece of the puzzle. We've got you covered!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and equipment discussed in the video. You'll also find information on color recommendations, jerkbaits rods, and our previous buyer's guides. 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

•Spinning Reel Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/T6_6rkyXdyY

•Soft Swimbait Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/MFc8Hxn_a8w

•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


RELATED JERKBAIT VIDEOS...

•Jerkbait Seminar: https://youtu.be/_PFxnFqF428


FINESSE JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

•Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389


Favorite Vision 110 Colors: Matte Shad, Elegy Bone, Pro Blue


FLASHY JERKBAITS...

•Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Colors: ST Chiayu, Clown, Chart Silver


•Jackall Rerange 110: https://bit.ly/2ge0qED

Colors: HL Silver Shad, Blue Pearl Shad, Chart Back Pearl


•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: ST Chiayu, Pink Smelt, Clown


•Megabass X Nanahan+2: https://bit.ly/48fHMSj

Colors: GP Crystal Shad, Kasumi Ito


LARGE JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110 Max LBO: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Mat Shad, Elegy Bone


•Jackall Rerange 130: https://bit.ly/3PaUnNW

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, Chart Back Pearl


•Lucky Craft Pointer 100: https://bit.ly/tbpointer

Colors: American Shad, Aurora Black, Bone Pro Blue


LINE FOR JERKBAITS...

•Sunline Super FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Size: 10-12 lb


•Daiwa J Fluoro Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Size: 10-12 lb


MEGABASS VISION HOOK UPGRADES...

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

110 Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

110 Junior Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp


SHIMANO HOOK UPGRADES...

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

World Minnow/Diver– Hayabusa TBL930 NRB (Size 5): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Zumverno 95 SP Stock– Hayabusa TBL930 Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/44qgm9n

Zumverno 95 SP UPGRADE– Hayabusa TBL930 NRB (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB


FAVORITE JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


MID PRICED JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Curado 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

Line– Sunline FC 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


HIGH END JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 OneTen Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0


SPINNING JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Orochi XX Ronin: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line– Sunline SX1 Braid (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


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

BUYER'S GUIDE: BFS (Baits, Rods, Reels, For Bait Finesse Fishing)

Bait Finesse is here to stay!! If you're wondering what BFS is for and how to do it, you aren't alone! In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS baits, rods and reels for casting ultralight presentations with casting gear. If you're not familiar with BFS, anything you've ever done with a spinning rod can now be done with a bait caster, and with even more precision. Plus, it's a lot of fun!

BFS has been around for decades but has exploded into the US Market in the last 2 years. The arrival of the Shimano Curado BFS Reel, now followed by many others, has opened the door for a wave of anglers to experience BFS without paying outrageous prices for high end JDM rod and reel imports. If you've ever been curious about this incredible way of fishing, now is the time!

Below you'll find links to all the rods, reels, and baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite sizes and colors where applicable to make it as easy as possible for you to find the items you want. 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

•Spinning Reel Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/T6_6rkyXdyY

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

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


CRANKBAITS…

•Megabass BFS Griffin SR–X: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Shad, MB Gizzard


•Megabass BFS Griffin MR–X: https://bit.ly/47of55j

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Shad, MB Gizzard


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

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad


•Damiki Disco Deep 38 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/3nwY1rk

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad


•Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad


BFS JERKBAITS...

•Megabass X–80 Jr BFS: https://bit.ly/3KFaLoz

Colors: GG Shad, GG Invisible Wakasagi


•Duo Realis Rozante 57 MR: https://bit.ly/3YurtNa

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Ghost Wakasagi


TOPWATER...

•Megabass Dog X Jr. Coayu: https://bit.ly/475zcoD

Colors: GG Wakasagi, Bahama Milk Pearl


•Owner Cultiva Zip N Ziggy: https://bit.ly/3BTMLuh

Colors: Natural Minnow, Shiner, Brown Trout


•R2S Whopper Plopper 60: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Phantom Shad, Monkey Butt, Bone


•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: Mat Shad, MG Sexy Stream


•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown, Yellow Perch


•Damiki Umpa 40 BFS Popper: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Bone, Mossy Shad


FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Underspin (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v


•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

•Zman TRD Gobyz: https://bit.ly/3P35U1R


NED BAITS...

•Missile NedBomb: https://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core, Fishaliscious


•Missile TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug


MICRO CRAW PROFILES...

•Reins 2.5" Ring Craw: https://bit.ly/3U0OQvC

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue


•ZMan TRD Crawz: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw


BFS TEXAS RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Weight– Reins Slip Sinker 1/16 oz: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Rig-N-Hook Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2BnniXN


WACKY RIG...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Natural Shad


•Hayabusa WRM201 Wacky Hook: https://bit.ly/3UjDZx0

Size: 1


MICRO FLUKE...

•Jackall Rhythm Wag: https://bit.ly/3NT6OvF

Colors: Prism Shad, SS Shad


•BKK Chimera Hook: https://bit.ly/3IS3pwf

Size: 1/0


SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis SpinBait 80: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Shiner


THE KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: Kasumi Ito KS, Setsuki Chiayu


BFS FISHING LINE...

Braid– Sufix 131: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Size: 6-10 lb

Fluorocarbon – Sunline Super FC: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Size: 6-8 lb

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

Size: 6-8 lb


BFS REELS...

•Shimano Curado BFS Reel: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2


•Shimano Aldebaran BFS Reel: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR


•Kast King Kestrel Reel: https://bit.ly/3Or8X4W


BFS CASTING RODS...

•Dobyns Ultra Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Model: 700 (7' 0 Power)


•Shimano Curado: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Model: 6'10" Medium Light


•Cashion Icon BFS: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Models: 6'10" ML, 7' Light


•Shimano Expride B: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Models: 6'8" Light


•Megabass P5 Destroyer: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Models: Pop X Stick (6'9")


•GLoomis Conquest: https://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Models: 842C MBR (7' Medium)

Where Do Bass Go In Winter? ( And Best Baits To Catch Them )

Bass are making their final move of the year, are you ready? The shallow fish are vanishing and surface activity is coming to an end. Where has everything gone? The lake seems so dead but guys are still catching giant bass! Don't get left behind, here's what you need to know about Winter bass.

The Winter transition brings completely different bass behavior. Fish will move toward deep water areas where they have ample food sources. You'll find them on the ends of deep points, on the edges of steep slopes near narrow "pinch points", and in featureless lakes, sitting out in the "hollows". The fish use these areas because they can move up and down the water column quickly with changing weather and there is typically an abundance of baitfish in these key locations as well.

There are a variety of ways to catch these fish. You can catch them with traditional methods like jigs, small swimbaits, or a dropshot. But you can also go against the grain and catch them with big baits, or a variety of reaction baits. Below you'll find links to the exact baits that we rely on this time of year. to catch our fish. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some budget gear that will help you throw these baits effectively.


FINESSE FOOTBALL JIG...

Bait– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

Trailer– Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Cinn Black Purp, Green Pumpkin Blk


NED RIG...

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Goby


•ZMan Ned Football: https://bit.ly/3Ej3Kpm

Size: 1/8


JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Natural: Mat Shad, GP Pro Blue, Elegy Bone


SPEED CRANKBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad, Northern Special


ALABAMA RIG...

Bladed– Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads– Matt Allen Swimbait (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8


BIG SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout (Fast Sink): https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Color:  Dirty Silver, Trout


•Huddleston 8" Trout (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Color: Rainbow Trout, Hitch


BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu


•Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu


AFFORDABLE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line–Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy: http://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9


BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3O8zBye

Reel– Shimano Miravel 3000: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Leader– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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