The Best Hard Baits For Bass Fishing - Shallow, Deep, Reaction (SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026)

Today we're covering the best hard baits for Spring bass fishing! In our final Buyer's Guide of Spring, we're covering all the major categories for Spring Bass Fishing. From Blade baits to crankbaits, swimbaits to chatterbaits, these are the baits we personally fish in Spring. No matter what you face on the water, you can go confidently know exactly what we'd throw in your situation.

Spring is a great time to learn a new technique. Bass are moving shallow and you can target them with a variety of lures. Whether you're looking to dial in a technique, or you just want to fish with more confidence, these recommendations will save you a lot of time and money. These are our favorite baits from each major category we use in the Spring, so you don't have to second guess your choices when you're out fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video, in the order they appeared. We've even included our favorite sizes and colors. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDE...

•Budget Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/3yxQzzPMxM0

•Bang For The Buck Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/zSpUeryIBoE

•High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/eN0jl8xIJR4

•Budget Baits: https://youtu.be/4_M0OoZK2Y8

•BFS Guide: https://youtu.be/BO3GbKkgobo

•Soft Baits: https://youtu.be/02vnmQ6dJzQ

JERKBAITS...

•Jackall Rerange 95: https://bit.ly/3JCi7f6

Colors: HL Silver Shad, SG Threadfin

•Duo Realis 100 SP: https://bit.ly/45LDkf7

Colors: AM Edge, Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

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

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Crawdad, Bruised Citrus Shad

•Berkley Frittside 5 Clickin: https://bit.ly/4rV0Kah

Colors: Ghost Red Craw, Special Red Craw, Kentucky Blue

MID/DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 12: https://bit.ly/4pSzbNU

Colors: Live River Shad, Crystal Craw, Citrus Shad

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

Color: DD Minnow, Metallic Shad, Ghost Minnow

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

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

Sizes: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Red Craw, Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin

•Rapala Snare 50: https://bit.ly/47hD5sq

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Craw, Lemon Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors: RT Bluegill, RT Ghost Gill

•Bucca Brand 5" Bull Shad: https://bit.ly/4aYEpTm

Colors: Gizzard Magic, Matte Shad

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Threadfintastic, Gizzard Magic, Matte Shad

•Savage Gear Scandal 200: https://bit.ly/48q7MNJ

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Rainbow Trout, Ghost Bone

SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80 (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Komochi Wakasagi

BLADE BAIT/TAIL SPIN...

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

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Color: Dera Shad, Clear Shad, Silver

TOPWATER...

•Rapala PXR Jowler: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Colors: Matte Shad, Pure Chrome

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Bone Python, Spotlight Shad, Juvy Gill

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: Kasumi Ito, HT Ito Wakasagi, HT Moroko KS

•Megabass Karashi 80: https://bit.ly/4lgNFFK

Colors: STP, Kasumi Ito, Matte Shad

•Duo Realis Popper 64: https://bit.ly/4a1hoMQ

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Shadow Boxer, Holo Ghost Shad

WIRE BAITS...

•Zman Evo Elite (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Electric Shad, Bama Bream, Bruised Green Pumpkin

Bluegill Trailer - Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: TW Sunfish Magic

•Dirty Jigs Compact Double Willow Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3OyxKDD

Colors: Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

The EASIEST Trick To Catch More Bass In Spring! (And The Mistakes To Avoid)

RED and ORANGE baits 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, squarebills, 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 and sizes Tim discussed in the video. We've also included links to our favorite trailers and colors where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each lure.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH AND LURE DESIGNS

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

SHALLOW CRANKS...

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

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw

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

Colors: Red Craw

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

Colors: Red Crawdad, Classic Craw

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

Colors: Red Crawdad, Classic Craw

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Evergreen JackHammer (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Fire Craw, Fire Craw Orange, Hite's Hot Craw, Spring Craw

•Zman Elite Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Lava Craw

CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

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

Colors: Blow Torch, Green Pumpkin

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

Colors: Lava Craw

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

Colors: Flame Thrower, Red Ghost, GP Flamethrower

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis Rat–L–Trap (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Fire Craw, Strawberry Craw

•Bill Lewis Hammer Trap (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3Uk0Ri1

Colors: Fire Craw, Baton Rouge

•Jackall TN Lipless (60 and 70): https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Marroon Gill, RT Escape Craw, Crawfish

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

Color: Red Craw

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Holo Red Craw

CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Wild Craw, GP Spawn Killer

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

Color: Blood Craw

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

Colors: Red River Craw, Electric Craw

SPINNERBAITS...

•Nichols Pulsator Metal Flake (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2Sttxpc

Colors: Red Pepper, Red Shad

•Nichols Hoosier Series (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3sUKJEd

Color: Citrus Shad

FAVORITE SQUAREBILL COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

Line– Seaguar InvizX (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

FAVORITE CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Daemos": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Medium+

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

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

FAVORITE LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament Carbon Cranker: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/4h9DHmn

Reel– Seviin GF Series 7.3:1: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE! Best Spinnerbaits, Trailers, Alabama Rigs, and Gear!

Today's buyers guide is all about spinnerbaits and A–Rigs! We're streamlining two of the largest categories in bass fishing to help you fish with confidence! Come along as we take a quick dive into some of the best spinnerbaits and rigs on the market!

Spinnerbait options can leave the most seasoned angler confused! Different shapes, sizes, and blade configurations all impact the effectiveness of your bait. The same can be said for A–Rigs, but not after today! With spinnerbaits, we're focused on baits that run flat, track true, and fish well when paired with simple trailers. With A–Rigs we're focused on reliable baits with great movement!

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear in the order we discussed them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

Buyer's Guide: Best Jigs And Jig Trailers– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

Buyer's Guide: Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

FULL FRAME SPINNERBAITS...

•Nichols Catalyst: https://bit.ly/3QfCSuM

Color: Gizzard, Bombshell Shad

•Nichols Dirty Flake: https://bit.ly/427QocQ

Colors: Alabama Bream, Tactical Shad, Moon Shiner

MID FRAME SPINNERBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Compact: https://bit.ly/3OyxKDD

Color: Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream, Chartreuse Shad

•Damiki TOT Type 1: http://bit.ly/38cxmD6

Color: Smelt Shad, Sharp Belly

•War Eagle Screamin Eagle Nickel: https://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Colors: Mouse, Spot Remover, Aurora

•Megabass SV–3: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Color: Gill, Hasu, Wakasagi

FINESSE SPINNERBAITS...

•War Eagle Finesse: https://bit.ly/4246JxU

Color: Mouse, Sexxy Mouse

•Zman Sling Bladez Power Finesse: https://bit.ly/35NqVev

Color: Mouserat, Greenback Shad

KICKER BLADE SPINNERBAITS...

•Nichols Red Colorado: https://bit.ly/46Mxmtz

Colors: Coleslaw, Citrus Shad

•Nichols Pulsator Hoosier Series: https://bit.ly/3sUKJEd

Colors: Coleslaw, Snow, Citrus Shad

TRAILERS AND STINGER HOOKS...

•Gamakatsu Trailer SP Hook: https://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

Size: 1/0 - 3/0

•Gamakatsu G Stinger Trailer: https://bit.ly/3jdoaWN

Size: 2, 1

•Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Nomad 4" Spectre Minnow: https://bit.ly/48MOyle

Colors: Arkansas Shiner, Blueback Herring

SPINNERBAIT STORAGE...

•Buzbe Fast Flatz (Half Large): https://bit.ly/3Tu2yac

TACTICAL BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

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

•Hog Farmer Tactical 5 Hook (Bladed): https://bit.ly/429NWTK

TACTICAL NON BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

•Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

SWIMBAIT HEADS (Largest To Smallest)...

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

Recommended Size: 1/8 – 3/8 oz

•ZMan Trout Eye Finesse Head: https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Recommended Size: 1/8 oz

REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS AND TOOLS…

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

Size: 4

•Owner CPS Spring: http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Size: Medium

SWIMBAITS FOR MICRO RIG…

•Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Size: 3”

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

•XZone Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Size: 2.75"

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

SWIMBAITS FOR MINI AND FLEX RIG...

•XZone Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Size: 3.5 - 4.75”

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Sexy Shad

•Keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Sizes: 3.8" - 4.8"

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

RIG STORAGE...

•Rig Rangler: https://bit.ly/3DqKUw2

•Rod Glove XL Sleeve: http://bit.ly/2GFOT9R

•TW Alabama Rig Bag: https://bit.ly/3Z1xAbH

HIGH END SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 7'1" Heavy Fast

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

BUDGET SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'3" Med Heavy: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

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

Line– Sunline FC (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

ALL AROUND RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7’5” Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M (HG): https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

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

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

How To Catch Shallow Bass Right Now! (Shad Spawn Fishing)

Its time! The bass are shallow and you can catch them! There is a short window in Spring when shad are spawning and bass are aggressively chasing them, don't miss it! Come along for a crazy morning on the water as Matt takes full advantage of the shad spawn bite!

The shad spawn is an open door for bass fishermen to have a great morning on the water. Forget the post-spawn blues, get up early, and catch a bunch of fish! The key to this pattern is fast moving baits with flash, combined with likely locations for a spawn. At first light the shad will be spawning along shallow banks, grass, even docks, and the bass will be ready to ambush them!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt used in the video. We've also included his exact rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

RELATED VIDEO...

•Adam Hinkle Breaks Down The Shad Spawn: https://youtu.be/3HOLCoUM-RA

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Elite Evo Mini Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

Colors: Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Electric Shad

POPPER...

•Nomad Chug Norris Popper: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Color: Holo Ghost Shad

WALKING BAIT...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Megabass Sexy Shad

UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 1/4 oz

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

SPINNERBAIT...

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

Color: Mouse

•Gamakatsu Spinnerbait Trailer: https://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

Size: 2/0

POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: DRX 723 C

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 853C MBR

Reel– Shimano Metanium 70 DC: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2KS92gK

Model: 722

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

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (16 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6'9" Medium: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz