BUYER'S GUIDE: Crankbait Fishing (Shallow, Deep, Lipless, Rods, Reels)

Today's Buyers Guide is all about crankbaits! When should you throw a deep diver? Which shallow runners hit what depths? Is one lipless crankbait better than another? Which rod should you throw a crankbait on? From cold water speed cranking baits, to wide wobbling Summer baits, we’re showing you our favorite crankbaits for every season!

Crankbait fishing is a giant category! 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 try next. 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 the best of the best!

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... 

•$100 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/n3AQnmNoUPQ

•$200 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/YqWwjXJtkdo

•$500 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/cAtbntQHpv4

•Ultra High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/-4aUElWcGxw

•BFS (Bait Finesse) Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/xaEw2WvkgZA

•Dropshot Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/WwrrebYluSI

FAVORITE COMBO FOR MID-SIZE CRANKS...

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

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

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

FAVORITE COMBO FOR LARGE CRANKBAITS...

Rod– G LOOMIS IMX Pro 968C CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Tranx 200 A (HG): http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line– Sunline Crank FC (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

BEST ALL AROUND GLASS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Tranx 200 A (HG): http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line– Sunline Crank FC (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

BUDGET ALL AROUND GLASS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Line–Sunline Super FC (15 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SMALLER CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

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

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS... 

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

Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Jackall TN 70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

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

Color: Chrome Black, Chrome Blue, Royal Red

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Abalone Shad, Gizzard Shad, Cold Blooded

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

Colors: American Shad, BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad

•SPRO Baby Fat John 50: http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Matte Shad, Honey Shad, Nasty Shad

MID DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 8: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors: Delta, Olive Green Craw, Live River Shad

•Jackall MushBob MR: https://bit.ly/3AYyKcB

Colors: Half Mirror Wakasagi, Kawashima Red Black

•Spro RkCrawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Phantom Green, Red Crawfish, Olive Craw

SPEED CRANKING BAITS...

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

Colors: True Shad, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

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

Colors: Sexy Ayu, PM Kisyu Ayu, FireCraw

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

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Tora Zari

MAGNUM DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Azuma Z Boss 22: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Gold Digger, Goldie Lox

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

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Sexy Blue Back Herring

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

How To Catch Shallow Bass In The Fall!!

Shallow bass can be tough! You see them chasing baitfish in the backs of coves or splashing around grass edges but can you catch them? Sure you can! These are the tricks we use to catch shallow fish all through the Fall!

Bass have seen a lot of lures by Mid Fall. If they've been living in the shallows they've seen worms, topwater, crankbaits, and a variety of other lures on a daily basis. These fish are educated and wary but they still need to eat! We rely on downsized presentations with key sounds and colors to draw reaction strikes from these shallow water bass. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Tim discussed in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see photos and descriptions of each item. We've even included some of our favorite rods for throwing the different lures. 

TOPWATER...

•Jackall Kaera Frog: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Color: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

•Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Full Metal, American Shad

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

Color: Natural Minnow, Shiner

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

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

Sizes: TN 60 or 70

Color: Ghost Minnow, SG Threadfin, Holo Bluegill

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

Color: Ghost Minnow, American Shad

BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault Blade: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz 

Color: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT...

•Lucky Craft BDS 1: http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

Color: Golden Shiner, Ghost Minnow

SWIMBAITS…

•River2Sea S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: I Know It, Party Crasher

•SPRO Baby Shad: https://bit.ly/325h8ez

Color: Blue Back Herring, Natural Shad

•Huddleston Shad: https://bit.ly/2GC9Qrg

Color: Twilight, Money

SOFT JERKBAIT…

Bait– Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Color: Smokin Shad, Electric Shad

Hook–Gamakatsu 4/0 Superline: https://bit.ly/3AmFDnK

S WAVER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'6" Med Hvy: http://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Curado 200K (HG): http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock (20 lb): http://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

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

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

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

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

BUDGET ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Sunline FC (12 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

Best Crankbaits For Fall Bass Fishing!

Its time to dust off your crankbaits! Fall is prime time for crankbait fishing and today we're showing you our favorites! From deep to shallow, lipless to wide wobbling, these are our confidence baits for crankbait fishing in the Fall!

Crankbaits should be a staple in every angler's Fall arsenal. No matter what lake you call home, Bass are aggressively feeding this time of year and there is a crankbait that can trigger them into biting. We have multiple videos covering the different cranking techniques in Fall, today we want to help you build confidence in the baits you're using. Tim has separated Fall crankbaits into 4 categories and gives you his top choices from each category. These are baits we rely on day in and day out to consistently catch fish. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment discussed in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 16 or 20: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors: Rootbeer Crawdad, Shad, Live River Shad

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

Colors: Mirrored Minnow, True Shad, Glass Minnow

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

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Tora Zari

MID CRANKS...

•Megabass Super Z Z–2: https://bit.ly/3fsxn9G

Colors: Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2, Kasumi Ito

•Megabass Super Z–3: https://bit.ly/3HDg7wc

Colors: Kasumi Ayu, GP Skeleton Craw

•Spro RkCrawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Phantom Green, Phantom Watermelon

SHALLOW SQUAREBILLS...

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

Colors: Abalone Shad, Gizzard Shad, TS Minnow

•Spro Little John 50: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Chrome Olive, Copper Shad, Matte Shad

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

Colors: Citrus Nasty, Matte Shad, Honey Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 1: http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

Colors: Golden Shiner, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad

•Jackall TN 70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, SG Threadfin

•Jackall TN 50: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad

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

Size: 1/2 oz

Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad

HOOK UPGRADES...

Round Bend– Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Tipped In Point– Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Bladed– VMC Bladed Treble: http://bit.ly/2oqWODi

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

Sizes: 2, 3

FAVORITE CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

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

SQUAREBILL COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'2" Med Mod Glass: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

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

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

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

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7'6" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Line- Sunline Super FC (12 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

The BEST Way To Catch MORE Bass This Spring! (Schooling Bass)

Come along as we head out on the water to uncover the BEST way to catch Bass in the Spring! You can spend your time searching for a bite or you can specifically target schools of fish and catch multiples from each location. We use very specific lures to trigger schools of bass into a feeding frenzy, then catch the big ones while they're caught up in the excitement!

This method of targeting big bass in schools works all over the country. We discovered this method over a decade ago and have put it to work countless times. By triggering the smallest bass in the school to feed, you can get even the largest fish to engage without having to fool them into believing your lure is real. Forget trying to catch Spring bass on slow moving baits, its time to learn how to trigger entire schools!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt had on deck. We've included the exact colors, sizes, and hook upgrades for each. We've also included the rods and reels he was using to maintain such a high hook up to land ratio despite using treble hooks. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see photos and descriptions of each item. 

CHATTERBAIT... 

Bait- ZMan Evergreen Jackhammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

Trailer- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Sexy Shad

BLADE BAIT... 

Bait- Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Real Shad, Black Holo

DAMIKI VAULT HOOK UPGRADE... 

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

Sizes: 2 and 3

Hooks- Owner STX-38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: https://bit.ly/3HGwNnV

Color: Chartreuse Shad

LV-500 HOOK UPGRADE... 

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

Size: 3

Hooks- Owner STX-58: http://bit.ly/2fXGkLc

Size: 4

SQUAREBILL... 

-13 Fishing Scamp 60: https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Color: MudBug Punch

A-RIG...

Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads- Dirty Jigs Matt Allen (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

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

Colors: Albino, Smokin Magic Shad

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

BLADE BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride B 7'2" Med Lt: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 (16 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

BUDGET BLADE BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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