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I love to test new fishing gadgets and share my opinion.
The beginning of this year has brought dozens of new distinct designs of crankbaits for bass. From shallow diving hard baits to deep diving crankbait and lipless crankbaits, fishers have plenty of alternatives to get the job done.
Crankbaits are famous for their ability to provide lifelike swimming action and copy the appearance of natural baitfish, which attracts fish in different depths of water.
Nowadays, crankbait fishing is so evolved that manufacturers have created many shapes, sizes, and colors of crankbaits. You will miss out on plenty of fish if you don’t have several bass lures in your tackle box.
To help you out, we have selected the best crankbait for bass that you can try out and enjoy your fishing trip.
Comparison Table - The Best Crankbaits for Bass
Best Overall
Strike King Square Bill Crankbait
- Multi-usable lure
- Solid crankbait
- Excellent crankbaits for shallower water
- Diverts good of covers
Best Budget
Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5
- Creates an action that entices strikes
- Great for shallow to medium-depth fishing
- Suitable for covering a lot of water
Best for Saltwater
Whopper Plopper Bone
- Pragmatic swimming action
- The bait can withstand many conditions
- An affordable option for anglers on a budget
Table of Contents
Best Bass Crankbaits
1. Strike King Square Bill Crankbait – Best For Shallow Water Bass Crankbait
2. Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 – Best Budget Bass Crankbait
3. Pelican Mate – Best for Saltwater Bass Crankbait
4. Strike King 10XD Pro Model Series Crankbait -Best For Deep Diving Bass Crankbait
5. Lure Minnow Body Crankbaits – Best For Impressive Lifelike Colors Bass Crankbait
6. Strike King Red Eyed Shad Tungsten – Best Lipless Bass Crankbait
7. Rapala Rapala Dives to Fishing Lure – Best Medium Diving Bass Crankbait
Best Crankbaits for Bass Fishing: Review
#1 Strike King Square Bill Crankbait - Best For Shallow Water
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Strike King Square Bill Crankbait is created as an all-around lure, perfect for both shallow water and power fishing. Additionally, you can find it in many sizes and crankbait colors. If you’re looking for more alternatives, check our article on the best bass lures.
- Material: Blend
- Weight: 0.023 pounds
- Color: Blue Gill, Fire Tiger, Delta Red, and 45 others
Pros
- Multi-usable lure
- Solid crankbait
- Excellent crankbaits for shallower water
- Diverts good of covers
Cons
- Not recommended for a deep-depth range
- The magnum sizes are smaller than others
- There are no KVD hooks, and this is a KVD bait
BUYING ADVICE: There are many options for the Strike King Square Bill Crankbait anglers can choose from. From beginners to pros, this bass crankbait is simple and diverts from rocks, stumps, and wood. Silent running and pretty forward to cast, this crankbait will undoubtedly help you to catch fish.
FEATURES: The Strike King Square Bill Crankbait has a tight wiggle and a tight tail. This allows it to stay in the strike zone longer to catch bass. It is also constructed with premium components, like stainless steel split rings and Mustad Ultra Point hooks, offering fishers an incredibly robust and pragmatic appearance.
#2 Best Budget - Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5
WHY WE LIKE IT: The square bill lure was created to maneuver easily through tight spaces like rocks, stamps, etc. Also, it bounces off cover easily and provides erratic movement, which allures fish. You can reach your desired depth pretty straightforwardly. Pair it with a sturdy crankbait rod, and you have a winning combination.
- Material: Blend
- Weight: 0.02 Pounds
- Size: one size
- Color: Blue Craw, Bluegill, Brown Craw, and 48 others
Pros
- Creates an action that entices strikes
- Great for shallow to medium-depth fishing
- Suitable for covering a lot of water
- No built-in rattles
Cons
- Mainly meant for expert fishers
- The size of the bait can scare off fish in the shallow water column
- Square bills can also be challenging to fish in specific depths
BUYING ADVICE: If you want a proven performance and to learn how to catch bass like a pro, using this bait will be a perfect fit for you. Moreover, these Strike King series are meant for a silent fishing approach. However, if you reel them incorrectly, they can easily be tangled.
FEATURES: Square Bill Silent has unrepeatable action compared to other lures, dives 3-6’ft, and has no internal rattles. Using this lure makes you feel like a pro.
#3 Pelican Mate - Best for Saltwater
WHY WE LIKE IT: Pelican Mate Crankbaits are an excellent choice for many anglers looking for an effective crankbait. You can use it in salt water, rinse it out, and it will still look new. We had a perfect run with these bates, so we warmly endorse them to anglers that want to attract hungry bass fast.
- Material: ABS
- Weight: 0.044 pounds
- Colors: Green, Blue, Yellow/Black, and Multicolor
Pros
- Pragmatic swimming action
- The bait can withstand many conditions
- An affordable option for anglers on a budget
- It can move agile in the water
Cons
- The weight of the crankbait can influence the accuracy of casting
- The action of the crankbait may attract unwanted attention from predators.
- The hook of the crankbait may become tangled in debris
BUYING ADVICE: Pelican Mate crankbaits are an excellent choice for bass fishing in shallow water. You can use this bait in fresh and saltwater. Generally, they dive quickly and stay shallow, and are great for topwater fishing.
FEATURES: The realistic colors and action of the fish crankbaits lures will help to entice even the most finicky bass. The hooks on the lures are also created to stay sharp, so you won’t have to worry about them becoming flat.
However, it is a small minnow lure, so not a good choice for large prey. Also, pelican mate crankbaits are not known for their durability, as the hooks can bend or break.
#4 Best For Deep Diving - Strike King 10XD Pro Model Series Crankbait
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Strike King 10XD sinks deep and hard through the water column, and its broad wobbling action and loud rattle will seize the attention of the big bass. A spectacular choice for anglers looking to target big bass, the Strike King 10XD Crankbait is sure to become an essential part of any tackle box.
- Material: Synthetic
- Weight: 0.125 pounds
- Color: Chartreuse Black Back, Chartreuse Yellow Perch, Olive Shad, Peral Black Splatter Back
Pros
- You can find fish that you couldn’t reach with a crankbait before
- You can easily cast it and pull it
- Available in a scope of hues
- Pretty easy to use
Cons
- Expensive compared to other crankbaits
- It can be challenging to work in murky waters or around cover
- May be ineffective in shallow water
BUYING ADVICE: It is an attractive option for tournament anglers that want to try out into deeper water. Although, the heavy weight of the lure can limit its range of motion. If you’re going to experience an adventure with this bass lure, as we did, test it and enjoy the ride.
FEATURES: The Strike King 10XD Crankbait is built with high-grade plastic construction, which helps to ensure long-lasting performance. This diving depth crankbait has free-floating rattle chambers. Therefore it can dive to an astonishing 25ft and emits varying sound frequencies when you retrieve it.
#5 Lure Minnow Body Crankbaits - Best For Impressive Lifelike Colors
WHY WE LIKE IT: Lure minnow body crankbaits are a popular lure among anglers. Thus, the manufacturers created them to look like small baitfish, making them appealing to all game fish. The best thing is that you can use them in different ways, from trolling to casting.
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadlene Styrene, Alloy Steel, Plastic
- Size: 2.25 inches
- Weight: 0.031 pounds
- Color: Multiple
Pros
- Imitation of real-life baitfish and trigger strikes from game fish.
- When you retrieve them, they have life-like swimming actions that will draw attention.
- Easy to use
- Built-in steel balls for more fish attention
Cons
- They are more susceptible to snags on the bottom structure
- Require maintenance to keep them functioning properly
- They are on the expensive side
BUYING ADVICE: These lures are excellent because they are very versatile lures that can help you catch bass, crappie, walleye, and more. We loved the deep dive action that they provide and the accurate cast they have every single time.
FEATURES: These crankbaits are not new. They have been existing for decades and with good reason. Having the option to use them in distinct ways and changing water temperature makes these crankbaits stand out from other lures. On the downside, due to their lightweight, they are difficult to cast.
#6 Best Lipless Crankbait - Strike King Red Eyed Shad Tungsten
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Red Eye Shad has a special swimming motion that can be used in many applications, from deep to shallow water. This bait proved that its durable body holds up to multiple fish catches. It’s an amazing lipless crankbait, that’s a great addition to any tackle box.
- Material: Synthetic
- Weight: 0.047 pounds
- Color: Albino, Chrome Black, Natural Shad, and 52 more.
Pros
- It has a realistic look and feel
- Easy to rig
- Robust and long-lasting
- 3D eyes
Cons
- It may not be an ideal choice for clear water conditions
- It can be challenging to work in faster water
- The red eyes may be too much for some fish species
BUYING ADVICE: The Red Eye Shad is built with a special, patented, holographic 3D eye created to impersonate the appearance of hurt baitfish, triggering a feeding response from the bass. This bait has a dense profile and is easy to cast. You can move it through the water with a very tight wobble action that bass love.
FEATURES: Its hard plastic body is created to avoid snagging, and you can find it in 1/2 and 3/4-ounce sizes. Moreover, the lure is equipped with a durable 3X strong hook to ensure a secure hold when a fish strikes.
However, this lure is not that efficient regarding faster waters. Overall, exceptional casting distance and enjoyable time are what you’re going to get from this bass lure.
#7 Rapala Rapala Dives to Fishing Lure - Best Crankbait For Medium Diving
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Rapala Dives series comes is very versatile, allowing you to aim for fish from shallow to deeper depths. The bait’s lip design enables a more life-like swimming motion that triggers fish to strike.
- Material: Balsa wood
- Weight: 0.0006 pounds
- Size: 2 – 2.75 inches
- Color: Baby Bass, Bleeding Olive Shiner, Blue Gill, Drak Brown Crawdad, Shad, Yellow Perch, and Multicolor
Pros
- It is made to suit any angler's needs
- A sturdy lure that can last for multiple fishing trips
- It has a practical swimming movement that can entice fish to strike
- May be easily cast 150 feet
Cons
- Unsuitable for use in muddy or weedy waters
- You need a specific hook to be effective
- You will have to do several casts to get a fish to bite
BUYING ADVICE: This series is an attractive option that enables effective fishing in any water depth. We were surprised that this lure could be cast at 150 feet, so when we almost thought we had lost the rod tip, a smallmouth bass caught the lure. Conversely, Rapala Diveslure is slightly more expensive than other lures and less effective in catching larger fish. If you’re looking for more great smallmouth bass lures, check out our list of the best ones.
FEATURES: This lure features 7% balsa wood, an ultra-thin polycarbonate lip, and a possibility for over 150ft strike range. This crankbait is one of the DT series masterpieces composed of nickel hooks. Comes with an internal weight transfer system to cast farther.
What is a Crankbait?
A crankbait is a fishing bait created to look like a baitfish when you retrieve it through the water. Commonly, it has a lip on the front that makes it dive underwater.
How to Choose a Solid Crankbait?
Action
Crankbait action is the swimming motion of a fishing lure that is retrieved by winding the reel. You can create this motion by selecting a lure with a slim body, wide lip, and concave face.
Depth
You can utilize crankbaits in different depths, following your specific target. In general, you can utilize crankbaits from shallow to deep depths.
Bill design
Usually, you can find crankbait bills in three basic shapes: curved, v-shaped, and flat. Each shape offers different benefits, depending on the type of fishing you are doing.
Hooks
Hooks are uncommonly sharp, thin, short-shanked, and have a wide gap to secure the bait. Most crankbait hooks have a non-offset design. They are made to prevent snagging.
How To Tie A Crankbait?
Step 1: Thread the fishing line through the eye
You can start by threading the fishing line’s end through the hook’s eye. Then pull the line through until you have a few inches of line sticking out the other side. Tie a knot in the line near the eye.
Step 2: Double Your Line
You can take one end of the line and tie a small loop around the spool of the line. Afterward, take the other end of the line and thread it through the loop, creating a double line.
Step 3: Pass the hook through the loop and pull the knot tight
You need to pull the hook’s tail through the loop and tighten the knot by pulling on the ends of the hook. That is how you will make the knot tight.
Step 4: Trim the excess line
You must trim the excess line by cutting it at a certain length. You can do it with scissors or a knife.
Types of crankbaits
Depth
Shallow diving crankbaits
You can use shallow diving crankbaits for swimming between 2 and 4 feet below the surface. They are perfect for fishers who aim at shallow structures.
Medium Diving Crankbaits
Medium diving crankbaits are one of the most famous lures for bass fishing. You can use them in depths of about 5 to 10 feet, making them awesome for targeting bass in shallow to mid-depth water.
Deep Diving Crankbaits
With deep-diving crankbaits, you can target deep-dwelling fish. These lures are made to dive deep. They often have a large lip that enables them to dive quickly and stay in the water column.
Bill
Square bill crankbaits
Fishermen use square bill crankbaits for freshwater fishing. Also, they bounce off great from structures, making them an excellent solution for fishing in shallower waters.
Round bill crankbaits
Anglers use round bill crankbaits are a popular type of fishing lure. You can use them to catch many different types of fish. These lures commonly have a round shape, a lip, and several treble hooks.
Lipless
Lipless crankbaits imitate a baitfish in distress. They are commonly made of a hard plastic body and a pair of metal treble hooks.
Silent
Silent crankbaits are a sort of crankbait created not to make sounds and are more subtle to catch fish more effectively. Fishermen use them to target specific kinds of fish in deeper waters.
Body
Minnow body crankbaits
Fishers use minnow body crankbait for casting and retrieval. As the lure is reeled in, its body will move and vibrate alluring fish. The lure’s shape and size make it easy for a fish to locate and strike.
Shad body crankbaits
They are specially created to resemble small fish and are often fished along weed lines, rock piles, etc. You can find shad body crankbaits in distinct tonnes and sizes for targeting different kinds of bass.
Jointed crankbaits
Jointed crankbaits are a species of crankbait. Jointed crankbaits feature two or more sections connected by a joint. That is what enables them to move naturally through the water.
Floating crankbaits
Floating crankbaits are artificial bait used in freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are created to imitate baitfish and are often used to target predatory fish.
Suspended crankbaits
Suspended crankbaits copy the motion of injured baitfish. They are designed to be retrieved at a constant depth. This benefit allows the fisher to target specific depths and types of cover.
Sinking down crankbaits
Crankbaits are artificial bait commonly for catching predatory breeds such as bass, walleye, and pike. The most effective way to target fish with a crankbait is to cast the bait and then allow it to sink to the desired depth.
Frequently asked questions
Depending on the time of year, you need to use different crankbaits. Shapes, sizes, colors, and depths are the ones that decide which is the best one for the specific case.
Usually, the color is not that important, but using brighter colors in murky water can prove more effective.
Yes, you will need to put a worm on your bait. To be always prepared, you need to have several choices.
When you notice that there is a strike, you need to pull back while keeping steady on your rod. Then slowly reel in to dance up the line and drive the hooks toward.
You can use small weights with crankbaits. It will help to cast further and pull deeper into the water and help you to sit in the water column longer.