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

These Baits Catch Fall Bass!! (Subtle Tricks To Get More Bites)

Come along with Matt and Tim for an awesome day on the water! The fish are aggressive, the conditions are perfect, and the guys waste no time catching a pile of fish on different techniques! This is what makes Fall bass fishing so special!

We love this time of year! The bass are feeding and we're able to catch them almost any way we want. From crankbaits and underspins, to spinnerbaits and A–Rigs, the fish are biting! Pay attention to the details as the guys explain their thoughts on lure color, stinger hooks, and more.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear the guys used throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs TacticalBassin Underspin: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Size: 1/2 oz, 4/0 Hook

•Xzone 4.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Chartreuse Blue

MICRO RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•ZMan Trout Eye Heads (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/47TKMnT

•Xzone 2.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Chartreuse Blue

CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 10: https://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Color: Citrus Shad

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

Colors: Summer Minnow, Northern Special

SPINNERBAITS...

•War Eagle Gold Screamin Eagle (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3zPd7Ps

Color: White Chartreuse Blue

•War Eagle Nickel Screamin Eagle (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2w5zoor

Color: Hot White Shad

•Gamakatsu Stinger Hook: https://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

Size: 1/0

SWIMBAIT...

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

Size: 1/2 oz

•Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Blue/Chartreuse

CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 7' Medium Moderate

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

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

SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Model: 7' Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/49al91d

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

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

SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'5" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo Premier LP: https://bit.ly/4e8LPCc

Line– Sufix 131 (50 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

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

Fall Crankbait Fishing For Bass! (Everything You Need To Know)

Today we're taking an In-Depth look at crankbait fishing for bass in Fall! We're covering everything from beginner basics, up to the most advanced details of color, cadence, and fish location. If you want to take your crankbait fishing to the next level this Fall, this video is for you!

Speed cranking involves specialized crankbaits designed to be fished at high rates of speed, to trigger a feed response in bass. It works from September to March, even in the coldest water temperatures. You no longer have to slow fish with finesse baits in Fall and Winter, its time to power fish your way to a new personal best!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Tim discussed in the video. We've included his favorite models, best colors, as well as hook and hardware upgrades. Additionally we've included links to the rod and reel combos discussed in the video, and any other relevant information. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

IF YOU ONLY NEED A COUPLE...

•Rapala DT 10: https://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Natural Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Live River Shad

Bold Colors: Citrus Shad, Crystal Craw

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Natural Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Live River Shad

Bold Colors: Citrus Shad, Crystal Craw

SPEED CRANKING BAITS...

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

Colors: Sexy Ayu, PM Kisyu Ayu, Elegy Bone

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

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Tora Zari

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

Natural Colors: Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow, Natural Gill

Bold Colors: Northern Special, Blood Craw, Metallic Shad

ROCK FISHING / MID DIVING CRANKBAIT...

•Spro Rk Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Phantom Green, Ozark Craw, Phantom Watermelon

•Rapala DT 8: https://bit.ly/40JmoBQ

Colors: Citrus Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

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

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2, Wild Craw

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Lucky Craft BDS 1: https://bit.ly/3sKcpPC

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, American Shad, Ghost Minnow

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

Colors: Matte Shad, Honey Shad, Nasty Shad

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

Colors: Threadfin Flash, Mossy Shad, Real Shad

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

Colors: Brown Craw, Threadfin Shad

TERMINAL TACKLE UPGRADES...

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

Size: 3

•Owner ST–56 Treble (3X Power): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Sizes: 2, 4

•Owner ST–35: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size: 2, 1

•BKK Spear EWG: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6, 4, 2

STORAGE BOXES...

•Medium Crankbait Box: http://bit.ly/2KwA8Kp

•Deep Waterproof Box: http://bit.ly/2xjccls

•Treble Box: Plano Stowaway 3740: https://bit.ly/2fvjcFB

TIM'S FAVORITE CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX PRO 906 CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

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

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

G Loomis GCX CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GCX 845 CBR: https://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

Model: 7' Medium Heavy Moderate Fast

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

Leader– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

SQUAREBILL COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament 6'8" Medium: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

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

Summer Bass Fishing: Crankbait VS Underspin!

Come along for an amazing day of Summer Bass Fishing! Matt finds multiple schools of fish with crankbaits and underspins, then hooks an absolute GIANT that tests the limits of an ultralight BFS rod! From Bait Finesse to deep diving crankbaits, this is a great day on the water!

This time of year there are so many great ways to catch bass. If you look at the front deck of Matt's boat, you'll notice he starts out with 12 different rods so he can adapt to changing conditions. However, it doesn't take long to realize the underspin swimbait and deep diving crankbaits will be the main fish catchers all day long.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors, sizes, hook upgrades for the baits, and even the apparel he used to hide from the blistering sun. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

AFTCO APPAREL...

•Aftco Tactical Camo Performance Hood: https://bit.ly/41iA9XD

•Aftco SolPro Glove: https://bit.ly/2X38BWs

•Aftco Bass Sun Mask: https://bit.ly/2JcA8xi

•Aftco Deck Sandal: https://bit.ly/4bczxa7

UNDERSPINS...

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

Sizes: 1/4 oz, 1/8 oz

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

Color: Albino

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

Color: Tennessee Shad

CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Grand Shad

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

Color: Metallic Shad

SHAKEY HEAD WORM...

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Color: Plum

•Missile Baits Warlock Head: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 1/4 oz

TOPWATER...

•Duo Realis Pencil 100: https://bit.ly/3RyEZgz

Color: Ghost Minnow

COMPACT JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Compact Pitchin Jig: https://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Color: Canterbury Craw

•Xzone 3.25" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Color: Green Pumpkin Black

HIGH END UNDERSPIN SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 892S JWR: https://bit.ly/49kagJX

Model: 7'5" Medium

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sufix 832 Sunrise Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

CASHION ULTRALIGHT BFS COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 6'8" Ultralight: https://bit.ly/4aurFAO

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

Line– Sufix 832 Sunrise Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

ABU GARCIA BFS COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon BFS 7'1" ML: https://bit.ly/49WVp8U

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

DEEP CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX PRO 968 CBR: https://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Model: 8' Heavy Crankbait

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

Line– Sunline FC (15 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