BUYER'S GUIDE: CRANKBAITS - SQUAREBILLS, LIPLESS CRANKS, AND CRANKBAIT RODS
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- Опубліковано 10 жов 2024
- Welcome to the final buyer's guide of the year! Today we're talking shallow crankbaits and lipless for year round fishing. We're covering which baits stand out from the crowd, which ones have unique actions, and which ones you should make room for in your arsenal. You don't want to miss this!
Crankbaits are some of our favorite lures! Next to swimbaits, we've caught more double digit fish on crankbaits than any other lure category. Understanding how to use these baits and which ones are actually worth putting time into, will cut your learning curve dramatically. From the largest square bills, to the smallest lipless, we're breaking it all down in this final review so you can go out and fish with confidence.
Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear in the video. We're listing them in the order they appeared and including important details like size, weight, and favorite colors, for each bait. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
PREVIOUS BUYER’S GUIDES…
-Jerkbait guide: • BUYER'S GUIDE: JERKBAI...
-Chatterbait/Spinnerbait Guide: • BUYER'S GUIDE: CHATTER...
-Tackle Storage Guide: • BUYER'S GUIDE: TACKLE ...
-Swimbait Guide: • BUYER'S GUIDE: SWIMBAI...
-High End Combo: • BUYER'S GUIDE: ULTRA H...
-$200 Combos: • BUYER'S GUIDE: $200 RO...
SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...
-Lucky Craft 1.5: bit.ly/2BGxKPa
Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, BP Golden Shiner
-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: bit.ly/2ahCzvo
Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad, TS Minnow
-Spro Little John 50: bit.ly/2dDfuqt
Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive, Matte Shad
-13 Fishing Scamp 1.5: bit.ly/3iMkYAw
Colors: Olive Crush, Epic Shad, Day Old Guac
-Megabass Super-Z Z1: bit.ly/2Y9dkHB
Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2, Wild Craw
-Ott's Garage Slim: bit.ly/3pV1CLN
Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Green Gizzard Shad
-Ott's Garage Tiny: bit.ly/3A76zGi
Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Green Gizzard Shad
-Spro Fat John 50: bit.ly/2V03giW
Colors: Matte Shad, honey Shad, Citrus Nasty
LARGE SQUAREBILLS...
-Lucky Craft BDS 6: bit.ly/2sRZby9
Colors: BP Golden Shiner, TO Craw
-6th Sense Mini Mag: bit.ly/31KGyeC
Colors: Shad Scales, Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad
LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...
-Lucky Craft LV-500: bit.ly/2aAUUbd
Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad
-Lucky Craft LV-100: bit.ly/3HGwNnV
Colors: Ghost Minnow, BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad
-Jackall TN-70: bit.ly/2lqAwjh
Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin
-Jackall TN-50: bit.ly/2lqAwjh
Colors: Sprinkle Wakasagi, RT Scale Minn ow, SG Threadfin
-Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap 1/2 oz: bit.ly/2gm8CjC
Colors: Cali Craw, Silverado, Diamond Dust
-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: bit.ly/2y3K210
Colors: Royal Red, Chrome Black, Chrome Blue
LARGE LIPLESS...
-Spro Aruku Shad 85: bit.ly/37seMJN
Colors: Red Crawfish, Clear Chartreuse, Chrome Shad
-6th Sense Quake 80: bit.ly/2Kxt4zm
Colors: Shad Scales, 4K Shad, American Shad
FAVORITE CRANKBAIT COMBO...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam 150 MGL (XG): bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader-Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: bit.ly/2ae97J9
DEDICATED LIPLESS COMBO...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 855 CBR: bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2 (8.3:1): bit.ly/2NlzZhg
Line- Sufix 131 Braid 40 lb: bit.ly/314VoyF
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: bit.ly/2ae97J9
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: bit.ly/38YpPIz
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Major Equipment We Use Daily...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Net- Frabill Conservation PLD 2612: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
Favorite Tools and Gear…
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3kngvEG
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2MpUBEr
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/2NQ2jbH
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#fishing #crankbait #review
When the LCS weight comes loose look out. It's so loud and absolutely catches fish on a whole new level. The deflection and hunting action after the weight comes loose is so amazing.
Very interesting, thanks for the tip!
WOW! The Cotton Cordell Spot! At a boat and fishing show in Austin TX, 1983, I bought 3 original Spots from Cotton Cordell himself! Super nice guy. I bought a rod from him also and he autographed the reel seat. Ah, memories!
That must have been a great time and a memory you feel blessed to have. Thanks for sharing!
I have fallen in love with cranks, squarebills and lipless this summer. I lost a ton because of the rod....but what a dang hoot!!!!
The 6th Sense lipless are my favorites. Same for the Mini Mag crankbait. Awesome paint schemes and hardware.
Once again you guys guided me through some money 💰, but, this year I was able to be more selective and complete, and I say that because of the testing you have done, I knew I could rely on your guidance , and that’s rods, reels,( Shimano 4 life ), baits,and terminal tackle. I truly wish you both a very happy holiday season and an extraordinary new year 2022 🤩✊💯 Thank you both 🙏
I fish mostly ponds and that little John 50 is phenomenal lure
Ugh, gotta wait 12 more months to get these buyers guides again. I really enjoy this video series. Great stuff guys!!
Big fan of the spot & rat-L-trap. Very productive lures!!
I grew up throwing the Bill Lewis. Can’t deny they simply work. A lot of big fish caught on lipless cranks every year.
You guys get the best info out there simplified and I learn every day favorite UA-camrs and ordered your hat and about to order your crankbait thanks
I don't know why but I have loved the 3/4oz Booyah One Knocker out here in Tennessee. My go to is something chrome (Chrome Blue or black back) ticking it across the top of chunk rock like a squarebill. I wear the paint off the nose of them pretty quickly but I've caught multiple 3-5lbs fish like this. Also has worked great when burning over grass, getting hung up and ripping it out
I cant get enough of these videos. I'm looking forward to some shallow speed cranking! Bass wont know what hit em!
You're going to have a blast!!
Those lucky craft squarebills have been absolutely killer for me since first watching one of your videos on squarebills. Everything from little 3/4 lbers to 5 and 6 lbers have wolfed it at my lake from the bank. Thanks guys for the amazing content over the years, I hope you and your families have an amazing Holiday season, can’t wait for what next year brings. Cheers!
The Bandit 100 series is another excellent budget option.
Just started fishing cranks and lipless. Bought a bunch of cotton cordells as I’m learning what lines to use and how lines affect depth. I can find them for sub $4 a crank. So I throw them on for any new pond / lake I go. If I can fish without losing them I’ll switch out to other cranks I like a bit better
I know I’m late to this party, but these videos have helped me to plan for my big Rayburn trip in April! Can’t thank you guys enough for the advice over the last few years since I got into fishing!
I have a box full of strike king 1.5 and it is my favorite bait and all I need for the shallow water application.
Man did I have a day on the Jackall TN-70 in Spawn Tiger color yesterday in south Florida! Seven fish within 28 minutes, 11 total in less than two hours from the bank! Last full moon before the spawn here. Fish were NUTS! The dinks were hitting on a burn & kill retrieve, but the bigger fish wanted it yo-yoed off the bottom, just like y'all taught me! No Giants, but biggest of the day went 3-10 at only 18"! Fish are really packing on for the spawn! I've been loving the LC 2.0 square bill in BP Golden Shiner aswell...
That sounds like a blast!! Way to go!
I really woke up to crankbaits this year so this info is killer. Thanks guys!!
Awesome! We're happy to help!
i have had more success with the Strike King Red Eye Shad than any other lipless. i don't know what it is but for me it's just automatic. in my area of central NC Natural Shad and Smokey Chrome Blue are killers
Funny you mentioned that I have spent hundreds of dollars on Megabass, lucky craft and other (expensive) JDM branded lipless cranks and the good ole Strike King Red Eye shad has out fished every other lipless I have ever tried! Hands down bar-none it’s not even a contest. It’s gotta be that horizontal fall shimmy action. I guess when KVD designs a lure it’s for real!!
I think it’s the shimmer n shake free falling that make strike king red eye stand out
I can second this from central IL. I bought all the high end baits, the red eye and original Bill Lewis are still my go-to’s.
From Ohio, the Red Eye Shad is my go to lipless.. just works, year round and the finishes are quite nice.
@@AngryOtter614 I feel the exact same way. I dont know what it is but the red eye shad just crushes up here in mass also
Happy Monday Tactical Bassin! Oh no! The last one?! Lol. Got so much more confidence in cranking this year thanks to your advice. Now I actually enjoy it! Thanks guys!
We're happy to help!
Great information...thanks alot and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Hey Matt & Tim, Thanks for all you do and have a very merry Christmas.
The 6th sense quake in their shad burst pattern is bad news in a good way 😁
Merry Christmas, Tim & Matt. Thank you for all of your work & content. I am new to Bass Fishing & am learning a lot from the both of you. Appreciate the help.
Don’t really throw cranks as I’ve never really had confidence in throwing them for some reason but this definitely makes me want to step out of my comfort zone and throw them! Great video as always guys! -Bryce
Bud there is nothing quite like a crank bait bite!! You are missing out on one of the most exciting ways to fish for Bass there is my friend! With out a doubt give it a shot! I promise you will not be disappointed.
👏👏Awesome job Tim and Matt,Thank you
Great info and very helpful. Thanks guys and Merry Christmas. 🎄
Thanks for the series. I really enjoyed them and they helped me make some decisions.
You guys should do a wake bait video
I asked for it , you delivered!
I freaking love lipless crankbaits. First lure for lmb I caught anything on of all the lures.
Thanks men. Happy Holidays.
SB57 come on man that’s one hell of a crank bait and the the guy who put his touches on it is from Cali wow. The Sb57 is like the 4 wheel drive of crank baits all day Let’s go MDJ #Ding🛎
Can't beat a Cotton Cordell Spot for a budget catcher. Suggest you change out the hooks and split rings.
Great video as always! Unusual not to include a budget combo but that’s OK. I have combos for these that I really like. Thanks so much for the “buyers guides”. They are always good but I think this years were the best I’ve seen you do. I think my daughter(adult) is actually getting me a gift from your speed/deep crank GG video that I would probably never spend the $$ on. 😆 Really appreciate you both and looking forward to your technique specific videos again.
I think it’s worth noting that the 1oz. RattleTrap is pretty much the same size as the average bluegill/sunfish that a bass will eat. I could even see bigger bass engulfing the super sized 1.5 oz “trap” if fished where they eat gizzard shad or mature panfish.
I'm ready to try speed cranking!!!
You're going to love it!
Happy Holidays
❤ these guys. Iisten and drink coffee and catch fish....
You guys rock love your videos have a very Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄
Last one!!! Nooooooo..... already can’t wait until next year!
Merry Christmas fellas!!
It happens quick! Merry Christmas!!
I live in East Tennessee rogersville Tennessee to be exact so I'm close to Knoxville Sonic fish the Tennessee River Douglas Cherokees my favorite place that's right where I live and in Cherokee lake in the fall and in the early spring the booyah one knocker is my go-to lipless
Hey Matt so many things JIVE with my fishing, LOL You jive turkey!
6th Sense could be charging more for their baits. Great paint jobs and great hardware.
Will y'all be at the East Tennessee Fishing expo ?
Don’t forget the osp blitz lineup 😉
i don't throw alot of cranks because i'm a bank fisherman, and everywhere i fish is very shallow. when i do throw a square bill, it's a bagley's balsa bee most times. it rarely fails to produce. i don't know why you didn't mention it.
Video on those budget lures that still have a place in your arsenal? I know you did one a year or more ago, but I'd love to see an update. Hard or soft baits or line or accessories... I don't think you use any budget terminal stuff and your rod/reel buyers guides already cover that avenue.
Please.
Huge category is right. I own tons. Now, thanks to you guys, I might own more!…lol
Yes!!!
Love waking up to a new tactical video! That scamp is probably my new favorite squarebill, I love that little dude! Curious if you guys have tried the Jabber Jaw and if so, have any thoughts on it?
We've actually fished it quite a bit. We're still experimenting to see if the fish like it as much as we do.
I've been using the jabber jaw (old gregg color) this past season and i personally found it excelled in the spring. It catches all sizes of fish and really handles being burned. The hooks are decent out of the box and the fish really seem to love it when you hit a piece of structure and give it that brief pause. Best of luck! You'll whack 'em!
Tim: besides a Super-Z model Z1 and Z2 there is a Super-Z Z3. Size 53mm, Weight 3/8 oz, Dives-to: 4,3m, Hooks #8 (x2).
Isn’t the Z3 brand spanking new can’t find them in any shop online or other?
@@The_Bass_Stunters JLS
Matt says the 845 and 855 are basically the same rod, except the 855 is 1" longer. But I see the 855 is a fast action and the 845 is a mod-fast. Do you see much different in their tip or is it quite minimal?
Spro little John has become my favorite and my go to. Any thoughts on the new rattling versions?
Have you guys try Gary Loomis new rod company edge? Badass rods in my opinion. Have the crankbait rod and damn its fish so well. Also have their salmon/steelhead series too.
Hi guys, great videos. I was wondering if you have ever used any Kistler rods. I have one and it seems to work very well for many applications. I have never seen you talk of them and wondered why, and if you have any insight on them. Thanks.
Man I’m disappointed in the square bill selection, not really, I like the Scamp, I’ve used it a lot. But my go too Squarebill has become the Rapala BX Brat. They’ve got great color patterns, an a serious action. It has become a serious confidence bait. I used the blaze color a lot from early early spring here In Illinois when the ice has just come off in late February, and as the water warms up and bait fish become the forage I will change over to the chartreuse shad. Have y’all not used the BX brat? If so what’s y’all opinion?
Yes they use it, I think they forgot to mention it. Like you said it is fantastic. I got into them because of tactical bassin'
That bait flat works especially on Shelbyville. I’m still biased toward the Strike King, but have success using both.
You guys really got me into throwin plugs last year. I know you guys upgrade the split rings to the owner hyperwires. But with these shallow plugs what do you change the hooks to? Are they any different than the deeper diving baits?
Do you guys have any other rod recommendations around $200 for crankbaits? I liked the action of the GCX/E6X, but I am not a huge fan of the short handle.
Have you guys tried the 6th Sense suspending lipless? I just picked up a handful of them and am looking forward to trying them out next year.
Thanks for another great video guys! Will a Dobyn's Sierra 6'-8" medium that I use for jerkbaits work for the smaller crankbaits mentioned in video.
Absolutely
I use a St. Croix Bass X 6’8” medium for jerkbaits and smaller cranks. Works great. I also fish out of a kayak and tend to like shorter rods overall.
Yes, that will definitely get the job done. I prefer to spoil fluorocarbon line though, especially for jerkbaits.
Believe it or not, my PB largemouth, smallmouth, and muskie were all caught on the Cordell Spot.
That's awesome!!
You should try the strike king hybrid hunter jr. It’s my new favorite shallow water crank you want believe how good it runs over wood cover
We've got them 👍
You guys ever try the BioSpawn Rattlebot?
Cool 👍👍👍
I have to piggy back off another comment. I have tried all the major JDM branded lipless baits and seem to never have the same success as I have in East Tennessee as I do with the Stirke King Red Eye shad??? Yes I’m using as close of a comparison as possible rattle in baits of the same weight. I know some fall nose down and spiral and the Red Eye shad falls horizontally with a shimmy. Must be in presentation and action all I can say??
Do you guys only fish bass / big mouth / small mouth ? Or do you fish anything else like pikes , musky , etc etc aswell ?
Wats the budget and or bang for buck square bill rod / reel?
Hey, I love your videos and they have helped me catch a lot of fish. My fovorite baits to fish are senkos and Ned rigs. Recently my Budget finesse gear broke and I have about $290 for new gear. Should I get a nasci with a 6,10 or 7,4 halo ks II? Or should I get multiple cheaper rods?
Get something in between. Can't go wrong with a 7'1" rod.
Man I have multiple high end combos Megabass and G. Loomis I honestly can’t justify the price difference over the middle priced stuff. If you fish a ton and like light weight gear get the good stuff but if your fish once a month maybe I probably couldn’t justify the money. Although it makes those few times you go super fun and exciting to use that nice gear bud. Tight lines.
@@The_Bass_Stunters I am going to spend at least $270 on rods, I just wanted to know if I should buy one expensive rod that will cover everything from medium to light or should I get a medium, medium light, and a light, that combined come to the same price
@@kyleanderson8670 go with a higher end rod. Put the GLoomis GCX in your hand and a couple others, feel the weight and action and go from there. With one high end rod you can do a lot with. Get something that doesn't weigh much so you're not beating yourself up. Tight Lines
@@kyleanderson8670 I own both expensive and more modest priced rods. I would not spend the money on a high end rod unless you are going to fish it a ton and use similar weights on your rigs. Honesty, I like having more rods and tie multiple different baits on each. That way I can drop a rod and pick up another.
Your choice in the end. No matter what, have a blast on the lake in 2022.
Should all crank baits have their hooks replaced with the G-Finesse hooks, or does it vary depending on the type of CB? Should I consider cheaper options for baits I don’t use much?
I absolutely love the G-Finesse stuff but it’s impossible to go wrong with Mustad Triple Grips for any treble baits
Have y’all gotten into the PH custom crankbaits and other fancy balsa ones? Wonder if y’all could give me the go ahead on some of those.
I have a bunch of the PH Customs and Black Label balsa cranks. Both are really good with great paint jobs. Very buoyant and come through cover really well. Try the Black Label Wreck squarebill.
Do chatterbaits work in winter?
What lipless crankbaits stands up on bottom?
You know a bait is good if it almost makes Matt swear definitely have to get that outs garage bait 😂
I ended up getting the Conquest 842c and I can't decide on the Aldebaran or Metanium MGL??? I'm up north but do just as much grass fishing in the finger lakes as I do smallmouth fishing on lake Ontario.... HELP MATT AND TIM!!
The 842 is so light, I really think you'd be best paired with the Aldebaran. That's a true finesse rod, it should have a true finesse reel.
@@tacticalbassin
Aldebaran it is! Maybe I'll try it ice fishing because looking at it all winter is going to be TORTURE!! 😂🎣
Merry Christmas guys, great buyers guides as usual!! Thank you!
7’2 or 7’4 for a better overall “do everything” cranking/chatter rod?
I’m a shorter guy so I prefer the shorter rod Also, helps me cast a bit more accurately. If you own a bunch of longer rods, go 7’ 4”.
I bet that $2 Cotton Cordell has like $6 worth of split rings and hooks 😅👍
Maybe more 😂😂
Deps , Osp
ZZtop joined tactical 😆
Im here early
All I want for Christmas is South America Episode 😢
Hey guys need a few tips, so when I use the blood knot on my swimbait setup I can go literally all day with no problems but I try it on anything smaller and the knot dissolved in about an hour….. any tips on what I can do to fix that ?
If you are having issues with the knot unraveling try changing the number of wraps on each side. Matt made mention of this in one of the knot videos he did. Basically you increase or decrease the number of wraps on the braid side and do the opposite on the leader side by the same amount of wraps ( i.e. instead of 9/9 braid/leader wraps try 10/8 braid/leader or vice versa).
@@richardbossman9875 thnx!!
Has anyone not had the last 4 videos. Not Shown/notified of release by UA-cam? On this thing everyday and all of a sudden they arent showing up. 🤔
How do you guys attach the owner St-35 with the 150 degree in it to the mega bass deep six and 300 on the back? Do you add a split ring for it to work how designed?
I can't speak for Tim but speaking for me, I don't use that particular hook on those two, I use the ST-56 (Size 4 for 300 and size 2 for Deep Six). Its a lot of hook for the deep six but it slows the rise and is downright mean when a big one eats it.
@@tacticalbassin right on! Thank you guys so much. Will be putting those on today.
Never leave home without a square bill or lip less,
Thanks again for emptying my wallet
No Rapala DT4 or DT6....?? Wow
It is too bad that the Mann's quality is all over the place because the smaller -1 used to be a great bait, but the quality over the last few years has really fallen off a cliff. It was also the loudest bait on the market for years. I still have some older ones I use, but the new ones,1 out of 5 run correct.
I don’t really understand why a rattle in a crankbait helps make fish bite. No live baitfish that I know of rattles. I personally have better luck with silent ones in my area.
@@emoutdoors5661 I agree many times a silent bait works better, but I fish a few lakes and rivers known to get very muddy, and in those situations those rattles help the fish find them.
It must pick 845 or 855 for both lipless/crank bait, which would you recommend?
Mostly fishing in California Delta and near by lakes.
I'd go 855. The SLIGHTLY longer rod makes it SLIGHTLY easier to bust through the grass you'll contend with on the Delta.
Thanks for keeping us poor people included in your lure selections.
Where are the south America videos 😁
I hate to say they're coming... but they're coming. Had a little hiccup in the editing a couple weeks back but we're almost there.
Y'all dont use googan baits
@@Lloyd_Will how, its googan gang or dont bang 🤘
@@huntingfish8977 you definitely don’t catch as many fish as you could be if you only use googan baits. You aren’t sponsored by googan like those youtubers so you get NO benefit from solely using googan other than being a slave to a company that makes lesser products. You can like the brand cause you are a fan but don’t try to make it seem like their baits can contend with these truly innovative companies mentioned in the video.