Having a suitable crankbait is crucial for bass fishing because it catches fish by mimicking prey in a way that bass can’t resist. Now, the issue arises when you’re trying to figure out which crankbait to use, especially when you’re a beginner. That’s why today we bring you a list of the best crankbaits for bass fishing that we’ve tested ourselves, and now they’ve become a part of our tackle box.
We’ve conducted an in-depth review and interviewed the best bass anglers. We’ve also highlighted the features that have proven to be very beneficial for us and them. So, let’s get started
Feature | Benefit | |
Shallow Diving Crankbaits | Shorter, more vertical bills for a wider wobble | Effective in waters up to 4 feet deep, ideal for spawning flats, shallow rocks, and grass beds |
Medium Diving Crankbaits | Longer bills for a deeper dive | Reach depths of 6–12 feet, perfect for vegetation sides, steep shorelines, or shell beds |
Deep Diving Crankbaits | Large bills for deep diving | Can reach depths of 12-20 feet, suitable for fishing over deep structures like bluff ends |
Extra Deep Diving Crankbaits | Specially designed for beyond 20 feet depths | Target deep points, rock piles, or old bridges requiring specialized gear |
Squarebill Crankbaits | Ability to deflect off underwater objects | Great for fishing around cover in waters 2-10 feet deep, enhancing snag resistance |
Lipless Crankbaits | Versatile, sinking lure with a fast, tight wobble | Perfect for a range of depths, they are excellent as search baits due to their versatility |
Flat Side Crankbaits | Tighter wobble | Ideal for colder water, works well around grass and weeds |
Suspending Crankbaits | Stays at a specific depth when retrieval is stopped | Mimics a pausing bait fish to avoid predators, effective on sluggish fish days |
How To Pick The Right Crankbait For the Bass?
Crankbaits are really good for catching bass. They come in many shapes and sizes, and picking the right crankbait is an important skill for bass fishing.
Depth is Key
Choose a bass fishing lure that can perform well when goes a little deeper than the water you are fishing in. This helps the lure hit underwater structures like logs or the bottom. For example, if the water is five feet deep, use a crankbait that goes down to 6 feet. This keeps the lure in the area where bass are likely to strike. Even though you might lose your lure sometimes, using tools like a plug knocker can help you catch more fish.
Water Temperature
Bass are cold-blooded, so how active they are depends on the water temperature. Colder water needs crankbaits with a tighter wiggle, narrow shape, and rounded bill. Warmer water needs crankbaits with a wider body and square or coffin-shaped bill for an erratic action. Good choices for cold water include the Rapala Shad Rap and Strike King Lucky Shad. Try the Castaic BD Square Bill or Strike King KVD 1.5 for warm water.
Forage Imitation
After choosing the right depth and temperature, you must pick the crankbait’s shape and color. The goal is to match the prey in your fishing area—either shad or bluegill. Look closely at the common prey and choose a crankbait like it. A smaller lure might get more bites, but a bigger one could catch that trophy bass. The color depends on what you’re copying. In spring, choose colors like crawfish.
In weedy or shallow areas, bluegill colors work best. In clear, deep water, shad colors are better. Remember, the murkier the water, the brighter and more vibrant your crankbait should be for the bass to see it.
Season/Weather Conditions
Fishing with crankbaits is a smart plan. It works in any season or conditions. The right crankbait can help you catch many fish. It is about knowing the area, the prey fish, and the fish you want to catch. With this knowledge and a good crankbait, you can catch a lot of fish. Every cast will be important.
We’ve also recommended some of the crankbaits that we use in all seasons. You should give it a read.
Top Crankbaits for Bass Fishing - Based on Types
Shallow Diving Crankbaits
We have tested the Lucky Craft LC Silent Squarebill, LC 2.5, and the Strike King Squarebill. These crankbaits are made for shallow water up to 4 feet deep. We found them perfect for fishing spawning areas, shallow rocks, and submerged grass beds where bass hide.
These crankbaits have short, vertical bills that create a wide wobble. This wobble looks like an injured prey, which helps attract bass from their hiding places. The square-shaped bills bounce off the cover easily. This means fewer snags and less frustration when casting into areas with lots of obstacles. These crankbaits are also very durable. They showed little wear even after rough use. They float back to the surface quickly after hitting something underwater. This allows quick casting again. Surprisingly, these high-quality crankbaits are affordable. They comes in many color options to match local baitfish. This increases the chance of catching bass.
Pros:
Great deflection
Durable
Color variety
Cons:
Higher cost
Limited in murky water
Medium Diving Crankbaits
Medium-diving crankbaits are also exceptional for catching bass. They dive down 6-12 feet deep, which is suitable for fishing around plants, steep shores, or shell beds. It’s not too shallow or too deep. The long bills on these crankbaits allow them to go down to these middle depths.
Some good medium diving crankbaits are the Rapala Shad Rap, Berkley Frittside, Strike King Pro Model Series 3, and SPRO Mike McClelland RkCrawler MD 55. The Rapala Shad Rap looks like different types of baitfish. The Berkley Frittside has a flat, unique body shape. Its vibration and action attract bass. The Strike King Pro Model Series 3 and SPRO RkCrawler last a long time They move smoothly through underwater cover. These crankbaits work great for fishing even in rough areas, and their performance remains strong. They’re best when you’re fishing deep because they go deeper than shallow crankbaits, but you don’t need heavy tackle like for deep crankbaits. You can use different techniques with them.
Pros:
Versatile depth
Broad coverage
Realistic action
Durable designs
Multiple terrains
Cons:
Higher cost
Precision needed
Deep Crankbaits
Fishing with deep diving crankbaits is an exciting way to catch bass in deep waters. These three popular lures: the Strike King 10XD, the Megabass Deep-SIX, and the River2Sea Tactical DD, are the best examples of deep-diving crankbaits. The 10XD can dive down to 25 feet. It has a big size that attracts big bass. It moves in an irregular way like a real baitfish. This makes bass want to strike it.
The Deep-SIX is a precision lure for deep fishing. It dives steeply and has a tight wobble. It can bounce off the bottom, moving like a real baitfish. It comes with upgraded hooks and split rings. The Deep-SIX works well in cold water when bass are less active. The Tactical Bassin’ DD has a strong wobble. Its steep angle keeps it in the strike zone longer. This lure can be used in summer and winter. Its design helps it catch bass in deep water all year round.
These crankbaits let anglers fish in places regular lures can’t reach. They imitate real baitfish that live in deep structures, tricking bass into striking them. However, using deep crankbaits requires special gear. It also takes effort to cast and retrieve such large, deep-diving lures.
Pros:
Deep reach
Big bass
Unique action
Cons:
Arm fatigue
Specialized gear
Higher cost
Lipless Crankbait
Lucky Craft LV-500, Strike King Redeye Shad, and Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap are very good lipless crankbaits for bass fishing. They are small and compact lures that move side-to-side in the water. They also make loud rattling noises that draw the attention of the fish. The lures work well at different depths and in different water conditions. They are not only crafted nicely, but they come in many sizes and types. So they can reach bass in different parts of the water.
During colder months, these lures are top choices for bass fishing. Using lipless crankbaits is simple and also affordable, which is why they are staples in any tackle box. These lures are versatile and reliable for catching bass.
The tight sideways wiggleThe crisp rattles of Lucky Craft LV-500 attract fish. Strike King Redeye Shad can reach bass at varying depths, and Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap has a tough and durable build. These key traits enhance the fishing experience. The lures mimic injured prey through their vibrations and sounds, drawing in the bass. The lures are simple to use in many ways. They can zip across the grass or they move up and down in deeper areas. Their range makes them helpful lures to have.
Pros:
Durable and well-made
Casts long distances
Versatile action
Effective in various conditions
Cons:
Higher price
Possible color discrepancy
Flat Sided Crankbaits
During various fishing trips, we tested the Strike King KVD HC Flat Side 1.5 and the Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Series Flat Crank in cold water conditions. These lures are known for their quality and effectiveness, making them valuable in cold weather fishing. The Strike King KVD HC Flat Side 1.5 casts easily and dives deeper with an attractive flash and wiggles that entices sluggish bass to bite. The lure’s durability and strong hooks help ensure a secure hookset once a bass strikes.
The Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Series Flat Crank is an affordable option without sacrificing quality. Its natural movement in the water is perfect for attracting bass in clear or heavily fished areas. The rattle creates just the right amount of noise to get noticed without scaring fish away. The light-wire hooks improve hookup rates in cold water. The detailed paint job and pronounced eyes on this crankbait show a careful design that stands out.
Pros:
Tight wobble
Cold water effective
Quality construction
Natural action
Cons:
Seasonally limited
Higher price point
Niche application
Less versatile
If you’d like to look at more options, please check our recommendations on flat-sided crankbaits.
Suspending Crankbaits
Some crankbaits can suspend in water, acting like jerk baits. The Rapala Shad Rap RS 7 stays in the strike zone longer. Its hard body and rattle draw fish in. Its weight helps with casting distance. The Suspending Vibe 70 can hang 3 to 4 feet below the surface. Anglers can work it like a jerkbait. This lure is ideal for fishing over grass, rocks, and wood cover. You should use a 7-foot medium-heavy rod and change line type to adjust how deep the lure swims. Try fluorocarbon or monofilament in a 12-pound test.
We have a separate article recommending Best Jerkbaits for Bass Fishing
Pros:
Suspends in the strike zone
Versatile fishing methods
Durable construction
Attractive to fish
Cons:
Specific rod and line recommendations
It may require specific retrieval techniques
Limited to certain depths
Higher price point
How To Pick The Right Crankbait For the Bass?
Crankbaits are really good for catching bass. They come in many shapes and sizes, and picking the right crankbait is an important skill for bass fishing.
Depth is Key: Choose a crankbait that goes a little deeper than the water you are fishing in. This helps the lure hit underwater structures like logs or the bottom. For example, if the water is five feet deep, use a crankbait that goes down to 6 feet. This keeps the lure in the area where bass are likely to strike. Even though you might lose your lure sometimes, using tools like a plug knocker can help you catch more fish.
Water Temperature: Bass are cold-blooded, so how active they are depends on the water temperature. Colder water needs crankbaits with a tighter wiggle, narrow shape, and rounded bill. Warmer water needs crankbaits with a wider body and square or coffin-shaped bill for an erratic action. Good choices for cold water include the Rapala Shad Rap and Strike King Lucky Shad. Try the Castaic BD Square Bill or Strike King KVD 1.5 for warm water.
Forage Imitation: After choosing the right depth and temperature, you must pick the crankbait’s shape and color. The goal is to match the prey in your fishing area—either shad or bluegill. Look closely at the common prey and choose a crankbait like it. A smaller lure might get more bites, but a bigger one could catch that trophy bass. The color depends on what you’re copying. In spring, choose colors like crawfish. In weedy or shallow areas, bluegill colors work best. In clear, deep water, shad colors are better. Remember, the murkier the water, the brighter and more vibrant your crankbait should be for the bass to see it.
Crankbait Fishing Works Great All Year Round: Fishing with crankbaits is a smart plan. It works in any season or conditions. The right crankbait can help you catch many fish. It is about knowing the area, the prey fish, and the fish you want to catch. With this knowledge and a good crankbait, you can catch a lot of fish. Every cast will be important.
How To Pick The Right Crankbait For the Bass?
To catch bass consistently, you need to understand how their behavior changes with seasons, weather, and water conditions. This will help you pick the right lures and techniques. Let’s look at how bass responds to various lures throughout the year and how we can adapt to these changes.
Bass Lure Reactions by Season
Winter: In cold weather, bass become sluggish but still bite the proper lures. Use small, slow-moving crankbaits that look like inactive baitfish. When waters get really cold, fish deeper with jigging spoons, football jigs, etc. For suspended bass in clear waters, try suspending jerk baits and small swimbaits.
Spring: Bass fishing is exciting in spring as bass move shallow to spawn. Early on, use spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps to locate fish. During the spawn, lures like lizards and jigs that appear to threaten eggs trigger defensive strikes. After spawning, bass recovering energy may require finesse tactics.
Summer: As spawning ends, the bass gets aggressive, making mornings and evenings prime fishing times. Use larger lures like big worms and jigs to appeal to bass refueling. Deep-diving crankbaits and lighter rigs work when bass seek cooler, deeper areas during hot periods.
Fall: When the water gets colder, the bass becomes more active. They often group together and eat small fish aggressively. This is a great time to use topwater lures and crankbaits that look like the small fish they eat. Choosing the right size and color of lure to match the local small fish is very important for catching bass in the fall.
Weather and Water Conditions
Bass are very sensitive to changes in weather and air pressure. These changes can make the bass feed a lot more or less. If the air pressure drops suddenly, the bass may start feeding frantically. But if the air pressure is high, the bass may be sluggish and harder to catch. The clarity of the water also matters when choosing bait. In clear water, you may need a more subtle lure. But bright and vibrant crankbaits can work better in murky or stained water.
Adaptability - The Angler's Best Tool
The most crucial thing for an angler is to be able to adapt. Bass behavior is not fixed. It changes based on the environment. Being observant and ready to switch up your baits, techniques, and even fishing spots as conditions change is essential. Whether you need to adjust the depth of your crankbait to match where the bass is or change the color and action to appeal to bass in different weather, being flexible and willing to learn from each fishing trip will greatly improve your bass fishing results.
Conclusion
Fishing with crankbaits is not just about casting a line. It’s about telling a story with every cast. Each crankbait plays a main role against the changing water and weather. Our guide on crankbaits comes from real fishing trips and how bass behave. It’s not just advice – it’s sharing our experiences from days spent by the water, in sun, rain, and cloudy skies. Our favorite crankbaits, from shallow dancers for spawning beds to deep divers probing the depths, each have stories of fish caught and lessons learned. The crankbaits we choose depend on how deep they go, the wobble they create, and how well they mimic baitfish movement.
Our guide aims to help both new and experienced anglers find crankbaits that catch fish and create memories. As we change lures for depth, temperature, and clarity, we also follow the bass’s lifecycle, communicating with them through our crankbait choice. When you pick your next crankbait, remember, you are choosing more than just a lure. You are choosing a partner for your next fishing adventure.
FAQs
What crankbait color works best on cloudy or sunny days?
On cloudy days, bass see shapes better than colors. So use dark crankbaits that stand out in murky water. But on sunny days, choose see-through or realistic colors. The clear water lets bass spot life-like lures.
What’s the difference between rattling and silent crankbaits? When should I use each?
Rattling crankbaits have beads inside that make noise when retrieved. This sound attracts bass in dirty water, where they rely on vibrations to find prey. However, silent crankbaits work better in clear water. They don’t scare wary bass with unnatural sounds.
Can crankbaits be used in rivers with flowing water?
Yes, crankbaits work well in rivers with the current. However, choosing the right crankbait is important for it to work in moving water. Medium-depth crankbaits that move from side to side or roll are often the best choice for river fishing. Their erratic movement and vibrations help bass sense them through their lateral lines, even in turbulent water. Crankbaits that dive moderately are less likely to be swept away by the current, allowing for better control.
How does the material of a crankbait affect how it works?
The material a crankbait is made of impacts how it performs. Traditionally, crankbaits were made of wood like balsa or cedar. These wooden lures float naturally. Crankbaits come in plastic and balsa wood. Plastic crankbaits are tough and can dive to different depths with various actions, making them versatile for anglers. Balsa wood crankbaits are buoyant, offering a subtle, natural swimming motion. This delicate action can entice wary fish or work well in cold water. Whether to use plastic or balsa wood crankbaits depends on the desired action, diving depth, and finesse needed for the fishing situation.
What maintenance or care tips should be considered to keep crankbaits performing their best?
After using them, always rinse crankbaits with fresh water. This removes salt, dirt, or anything else that could damage the lure over time. Check the hooks often and replace any that are dull or rusty. This keeps the lure able to hook and catch fish well. When not using them, store crankbaits in a dry, organized way. This prevents colors from bleeding onto each other or hooks from getting tangled and damaged. Slightly bending the bill or body can change how the crankbait swims. Anglers can tweak them to match conditions on the water. By taking these simple care steps, anglers ensure their crankbaits keep working great season after season.
Related:
Best Bass Fishing Bait & Lures
Best ChatterBaits For Bass Fishing
Best Smallmouth Bass Lures
Jack Morrison
Meet Jack Morrison, our experienced captain at FishChart. With over 15 years of fishing know-how in Cape Cod, Jack knows where to find the best spots and how the ocean behaves, making every trip rewarding. He’s certified in weather analysis, ensuring accurate forecasts for safe and enjoyable outings. Jack’s expertise in safety and navigation ensures everyone aboard has a successful and pleasant journey.