BUYER'S GUIDE: CRANKBAIT FISHING (SHALLOW TO DEEP + RODS)

Today's Buyer's Guide is all about crankbaits! Crankbaits are a huge lure category but today we're breaking it down into a handful of baits. From cold water speed cranking baits, to lipless baits, to shallow square bills, we’re showing you our favorite crankbaits at all the major depth ranges!

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...

Buyer's Guide: $100 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/2eCEb3G3VE0

Buyer's Guide: $200 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/AcrTDhtaSQg

Buyer's Guide: $500 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/WAgpVnuE800

Buyer's Guide: $$ High End Combos $$– https://youtu.be/obxNp48IALo

Buyer's Guide: Alabama Rigs– https://youtu.be/wPm3izTumxk

Buyer's Guide: Strolling– https://youtu.be/EVnMJWMtZhE

Buyer's Guide: Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/Ua7pEd04ikw

Buyer's Guide: Casting Reels– https://youtu.be/auHdSCwYaI0

Buyer's Guide: Hard Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/LmlH3MGLnvY

Buyer's Guide: Soft Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/D0CCgJxMLZ0


SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad


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

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad


•Megabass Super Z Z–1: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Mat Craw 2, Kasumi Ito


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

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive, Fire Craw


SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad


•Bill Lewis ATV 2.5: https://bit.ly/3UDHRdp

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad


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

Colors: Bruised Citrus Shad, Red Crawdad


•Rapala OG Big Rocco: https://bit.ly/3Z10UBj

Colors: Bruised Citrus Shad, Red Crawdad


MID DIVING CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Red Crawfish, Phantom Green


•Rapala DT 10: https://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors: Citrus Shad, Live River Shad


DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: True Shad, DD Minnow, Northern Special


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

Colors: Natural Threadfin, Brown Craw


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

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Tora Zari


LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Cali Craw, Ghost Minnow, Sexy Chrome


•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Chartreuse Threadfin Shad


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

Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow


•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin


LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

Reel– Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Line– Power Pro Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


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 SQUAREBILL COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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


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

The EASIEST Trick For EARLY SPRING Bass Fishing!

RED and ORANGE catch BIG bass in the Spring! When water temperatures reach 50 degrees you should be reaching for a red bait to catch bigger bass! Whether your lake is crystal clear or chocolate milk, bass will attack red baits as they head into the pre-spawn. It can work with chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, squarebill crankbaits, and more!

The biggest issue with throwing these crawfish–imitating baits is knowing exactly which color to throw. Some baits are neon orange, others are transparent red. So how do you know which ones to try? It all comes down to water color and conditions. Pay close attention as Tim explains how to use each color to your advantage and when to switch between them.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, colors, and sizes Tim discussed in the video. We've also included links to some of our favorite gear for fishing these different baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each lure.


CHATTERBAITS...

•ZMan Big Blade Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3hjvGid

Color: Fire Craw, Hot Craw


•Zman Elite Evo: https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Lava Craw, Bama Craw


CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

•Big Bite Baits Kamikaze SwimOn: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Colors: Flame Thrower, Sweet Potato Pie


•Missile Baits Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Colors: Lava Craw


•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Blow Torch


•Yamamoto Kickin Zako: https://bit.ly/3fPRQsF

Colors: Fire Craw


SQUAREBILLS...

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

Colors: Cold Blooded, Delta Craw


•Nomad Atlas 55: https://bit.ly/3UOkjU5

Colors: Red Craw, Brown Craw


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

Colors: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw


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

Colors: Ghost Craw, Red Craw


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

Colors: Blood Craw, Fire Craw


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

Colors: Red Crawdad, Rootbeer Crawdad


DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Blood Craw


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

Colors: Red Bug, Electric Red Craw


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

Colors: Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2


LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Jackall TN70: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: RT Escape Craw, Crawfish


•Bill Lewis Hammer Trap: https://bit.ly/3Uk0Ri1

Colors: Fire Craw, Rayburn Red Craw


FAVORITE CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 883C BJR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate System Shock 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2


FAVORITE SQUAREBILL COMBO...

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

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

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


FAVORITE LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX PRO 855 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock 20 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

Top 5 "Must Have Baits" For Spring Bass Fishing!

Early Spring fishing creeps up every year, make sure you're ready! We all know Spring is a great time to be on the water but what should you be gearing up in preparation? These are the "must have" lures for any serious angler that wants to catch big bass this coming Spring.

Spring is all about covering water to locate schools of bass. If you're fishing too slowly, the odds of finding these mega schools drops significantly. With that in mind, all our top baits focus on covering water. Aside from speed, flash, vibration, and sound, are all key components of successful Spring baits.

Below you'll find links to each of the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as a couple budget friendly rod and reel combos.  All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


MINI RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

Baits– Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


MICRO RIG...

Rig– HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Heads– Dirty Jigs Guppy: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 hook

Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver


CHATTERBAITS...

•ZMan EverGreen JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Bruised Green Pumpkin


•ZMan Mini Max (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Colors: Bluegill, Gizzard Shad


CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

•Hog Farmer 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Sexy Shad, Hematoma


•MissileBaits 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Colors: Frosted Purple, Green Pumpkin Delight, Super Bug


•Big Bite Baits 3.75" Kamikaze SwimOn: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Colors: Green Pump Chartreuse, Smoky Gold


SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Red Crawdad, Tuxedo Shad


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

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw


UNDERSPIN SWIMBAIT...

•Dirty Jigs Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz


•XZone 2.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad


•Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin, Red Craw


•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin


JERKBAITS...

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

Matte Shad, Elegy Bone, Pro Blue


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

Colors: S Hasu, Clown


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

Colors: ST Chiayu, Clown, Chart Silver


MICRO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Curado 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9


BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 A (HG): https://bit.ly/3vPtYQ5

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


BUDGET SQUAREBILL/LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" Medium Moderate: https://bit.ly/3P8REVe

Reel– Abu Garcia Max Pro: https://bit.ly/3QKCQOG

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://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

Lipless Crankbait Tricks + Blade Bait Tips For Spring Bass Fishing!

These two baits catch TONS of BIG Bass in Spring! The lipless crankbait is a staple in most angler's Spring bass fishing arsenal, but very few understand the late season effectiveness of the blade bait. Both options can produce incredible results in Spring and you should fish them with confidence!

Today we're heading down the rabbit hole of lipless and blade baits. Tim begins with a surface level approach, recommending a couple baits for all-around success, but it doesn't take long before we're looking at niche baits, detailed color analysis, and in-depth descriptions of how big bass stage in Spring.

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits, and our favorite gear to throw them. We've included favorite colors, hook upgrades, and more. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


BOTTOM CONTACT LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Lucky Craft LV500: https://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad


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

Size: 70, 60

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


TRADITIONAL LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis Rattle Trap: https://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Size: 1/2 oz

Colors: Chrome/Black, Ghost Minnow, Strawberry Craw


•Cotton Cordell Super Spot: https://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Rayburn Red, Royal Red, Chrome/Blue


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

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad


•Duo Realis Apex Vibe: https://bit.ly/4brSaIk

Size: 1/2 oz - 1 oz

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow, Sangria Craw


•Bill Lewis Hammer Trap: https://bit.ly/3Uk0Ri1

Size: Chrome Gizzard, Silverado, Rayburn Red


BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 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


HOOK UPGRADES BY BAIT...

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

Size: 3


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

Size: 4


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

Size: 6


•Swimtrex Max/Blade Bait Hook– BKK Spear EWG: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6 (Front), 8 (Back)


•Round Bend Hooks– Owner ST 36: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Sizes: 4, 6


LIPLESS STORAGE BOX...

•Plano 3700 Standard Box: https://bit.ly/2t3uHMR


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


MID PRICED 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