10 Best Crankbaits for Bass: Top Picks for Every Season
Crankbaits are essential for bass fishing, offering versatility and effectiveness in various conditions. Whether you’re fishing in the heat of summer or the chill of early spring, choosing the best crankbaits for bass can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll highlight the 10 best crankbaits for bass, categorized by season, to help you land your next trophy catch.
Why Crankbaits Are Essential for Bass Fishing
To consistently catch big bass, you need the best crankbaits for bass in your tackle box. Crankbaits are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of baitfish, making them irresistible to bass. These lures can cover large areas of water quickly, making them the best crankbaits for bass when you’re searching for active fish. With various styles available, you can find a crankbait suited for any season or situation.
Spring Crankbaits
During spring, bass are moving to shallower waters as they prepare to spawn. This is when the best crankbaits for bass are those that can create a lot of commotion, mimicking wounded baitfish. The best spring crankbaits include lipless models like the Strike King Red Eye Shad and shallow-diving squarebills like the KVD 1.5 Squarebill, both effective for attracting aggressive pre-spawn bass.
- Strike King Red Eye Shad (Lipless): This lipless model has a loud rattle, perfect for drawing attention in murky spring waters. Buy on AMAZON.
- KVD 1.5 Squarebill (Shallow-Diving): Known for its erratic wobble and durability, great for bouncing off rocks and timber. Buy on AMAZON.
- Rapala Rap Rattlin’ (Suspending): Its natural shad profile and consistent action make it effective during pre-spawn. Buy on AMAZON.
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Spring Tips:
Use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic a wounded baitfish. Let the lipless crankbait fall periodically to trigger strikes when it hits the bottom. Working it through grassy areas can also provoke hits from lurking bass.
Summer Crankbaits
In the summer months, when bass move to deeper, cooler waters, you’ll need the best crankbaits for bass that can reach those depths. Deep-diving crankbaits like the Strike King 6XD and Bomber Fat Free Shad are excellent choices, as they dive to 10-20 feet and stay in the strike zone longer. Using the best deep-diving crankbaits during summer increases your chances of catching big bass.
Recommended Crankbaits:
- Strike King 6XD (Deep-Diving Crankbait): Reaches depths of up to 20 feet, perfect for finding bass hiding from the heat. Buy on AMAZON.
- Bomber Fat Free Shad (Medium-Diving): Great for targeting bass suspended over deep structure. Buy on AMAZON.
- Norman DD22 (Deep-Diving Crankbait): Known for its long bill, allowing it to dive quickly and stay in the strike zone. Buy on AMAZON.
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Summer Tips:
Target submerged structures like ledges, drop-offs, and deep points where bass tend to congregate. A slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses can make your crankbait more appealing when bass are less aggressive.
Fall
Fall is a great time to fish for bass, as they are actively feeding on shad and other baitfish. The best crankbaits for bass during this time are those that closely resemble their natural prey. Squarebill crankbaits like the Lucky Craft 1.5 and shad-imitating models like the Yo-Zuri 3DB Shad are among the top picks. Using these best fall crankbaits for bass can significantly boost your catch rate.
Recommended Crankbaits:
- Lucky Craft 1.5 (Squarebill Crankbait): Excellent for shallow, rocky areas where shad are schooling. Buy on AMAZON.
- Yo-Zuri 3DB Shad (Shad-Imitating): Mimics the silver flash of baitfish, great for clear water. Buy on AMAZON.
- Spro Little John (Squarebill): Compact design and subtle rattle are perfect for cool, shallow waters. Buy on AMAZON.
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Fall Tips:
Work your crankbait near schools of baitfish, using a stop-and-go retrieve to mimic injured prey. Focus on transition areas between deep and shallow water, as bass move between these zones frequently in autumn.
Winter
Winter bass can be tricky to catch, but using the best crankbaits for bass can make a difference. Slow-moving, tight-wobble crankbaits like the Rapala Shad Rap and lipless crankbaits like the Strike King Red Eye Shad work best when retrieved slowly. The best winter crankbaits for bass tend to have natural, muted colors to match the colder, clearer waters.
Recommended Crankbaits:
- Rapala Shad Rap (Tight-Wobble Crankbait): The subtle, tight action is perfect for lethargic winter bass. Buy on AMAZON.
- Strike King Red Eye Shad (Lipless Crankbait): Great for slow, bottom-hopping retrieves. Buy on AMAZON.
- Cotton Cordell Super Spot (Lipless Crankbait): Effective for deeper, slow presentations. Buy on AMAZON.
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.)
Winter Tips:
Opt for natural, muted colors like shad, crawfish, or brown. Keep your retrieve slow and steady, with gentle lifts to give the illusion of a struggling baitfish. Winter bass often strike when the crankbait briefly pauses or hits structure.
Best Brands and Models
- Rapala DT Series: Versatile and effective for various depths
- Strike King KVD Squarebill: Excellent for shallow water and heavy cover
- Bomber Fat Free Shad: Ideal for deeper water and post-spawn bass
- Lucky Craft LC Series: Durable and reliable for all seasons
No matter the season, having the best crankbaits for bass can greatly improve your fishing success. Make sure to choose crankbaits that match the conditions, and always vary your retrieve to find what works best. With the right crankbaits in your tackle box, you’ll be prepared for any situation.
Crankbait Fishing Tips:
- Change Up Your Retrieve: Try varying your speed and pausing intermittently to entice strikes.
- Use the Right Gear: Medium to medium-heavy rods with a moderate action are ideal for crankbait fishing.
- Check Your Hooks: Replace stock hooks with higher-quality ones to reduce missed strikes.
- Experiment with Colors: Natural colors work well in clear water, while bright or bold patterns excel in murky conditions.
If you’re interested in picking up some new crankbaits, check out Rapala’s catalog!
đź’ˇTakeaways
- đź“ŚSpring PicksTry the Strike King Red Eye Shad and KVD 1.5 Squarebill for pre-spawn bass in shallow, murky waters. Use a steady retrieve with occasional falls to trigger reaction bites.
- đź“ŚSummer PicksGo deep with the Strike King 6XD or Bomber Fat Free Shad. Bass hide in cool water, so target ledges and drop-offs with slow, consistent retrieves.
- đź“ŚFall PicksBass chase baitfish in the fall. Use shad-imitating crankbaits like the Lucky Craft 1.5 and Yo-Zuri 3DB Shad near transitions and schools.
- đź“ŚWinter PicksSlow it down with tight-wobble baits like the Rapala Shad Rap. Stick to muted, natural colors and work your lure slowly along the bottom.
- đź“ŚTop Brands to TrustRapala, Strike King, Lucky Craft, Bomber, and Spro offer season-proof, bass-tested crankbaits you can rely on year-round.
- đź“ŚQuick TipsVary your retrieve, use natural colors in clear water, and bold ones in murky conditions. Always check your hooks and match lure depth to fish location.
FAQ
What is the best crankbait for bass?
The best crankbait for bass often depends on the season and water conditions. However, some top picks include the Strike King Red Eye Shad for spring and winter, the KVD 1.5 Squarebill for shallow, rocky areas in fall, and the Strike King 6XD for deep summer fishing. These crankbaits consistently produce results due to their lifelike action and proven color patterns.
What color crankbait is best for bass?
The best color for crankbaits depends on water clarity and light conditions. In clear water, natural colors like shad or bluegill are effective, while stained or murky water calls for bold, vibrant colors like chartreuse, firetiger, or crawfish patterns. During low light conditions, darker colors like black and blue work well as they create a strong silhouette. Matching the color to the local forage and water conditions helps increase your chances of a successful catch.
What is the #1 best bait for bass?
While crankbaits are highly effective, the best overall bait for bass can vary based on fishing conditions and location. Soft plastics like worms and creature baits are versatile year-round, while crankbaits excel at covering water and triggering reaction strikes. The KVD 1.5 Squarebill Crankbait is often considered one of the best for its versatility and proven ability to attract bass in various conditions.
What size crankbaits for bass?
Choosing the right size crankbait depends on the bass size and the forage they are targeting. Smaller crankbaits, around 1.5 to 2 inches, are great for targeting smaller or more finicky bass, especially in cooler weather. Medium-sized crankbaits, typically 2 to 3 inches, are suitable for most bass fishing situations and offer a good balance of size and visibility. Larger crankbaits, ranging from 3 to 4 inches, are best for targeting bigger bass, especially in deeper waters where larger prey are present. Adjusting crankbait size based on the season and the size of the local forage can help maximize your catch.
How do I know what crankbait to use?
Selecting the right crankbait involves considering the water depth, clarity, and the bass’s activity level. Shallow-diving crankbaits, typically running 0 to 5 feet deep, work well during spring and fall when bass are in shallower waters. Deep-diving crankbaits, which reach depths of 10 to 20 feet, are ideal during summer when bass move deeper. In clear water, natural and subtle colors are effective, while brighter colors perform better in stained or muddy water. When bass are highly active or aggressive, lipless crankbaits are excellent for covering large areas quickly, while in colder conditions, tighter wobble crankbaits are more effective.
When to use square bill crankbaits?
Square bill crankbaits are best used when bass are in shallow waters, typically around 1 to 5 feet deep. They are especially effective during the spring and fall when bass are feeding in shallow areas or near cover such as rocks, logs, or vegetation. The square bill design helps the lure bounce off obstacles without snagging, making it ideal for fishing around structures. The erratic action of a square bill crankbait mimics a distressed baitfish, provoking reaction strikes from nearby bass.
