Best crankbaits for bass

Crankbaits are a type of fishing lure designed to imitate the movements and appearance of a swimming baitfish. They are commonly used for freshwater fishing, particularly for species such as bass, pike, and walleye. Crankbaits are effective at attracting fish by creating vibrations and erratic movements in the water.

10 best crankbaits for bass

When it comes to crankbaits for bass fishing, there are numerous options available on the market. The “best” crankbaits can vary depending on factors such as water conditions, bass behavior, and personal preference. However, here are ten popular crankbaits that have been effective for many bass anglers:

1. Strike King Squarebill 1.5. A shallow-diving crankbait that excels in shallow cover and deflects off structure, making it great for targeting bass in and around cover.
2. Rapala Shad Rap. A versatile crankbait known for its realistic swimming action and ability to dive to various depths. It imitates a wounded baitfish and can be effective in a wide range of conditions.
3. Lucky Craft LC Series. These crankbaits have a lifelike appearance and a tight wobbling action. They come in various sizes and dive depths, allowing you to cover different parts of the water column.
4. Strike King KVD 1.5. Designed in collaboration with professional angler Kevin VanDam, this crankbait has a wide wobble and is great for deflecting off cover. It performs well in shallow to medium depths.
5. Bomber Fat Free Shad. This crankbait is known for its tight, erratic action that mimics a fleeing baitfish. It works well in medium to deep water and is particularly effective for targeting larger bass.
6. Berkley Flicker Shad. An affordable option that offers excellent performance. It has a lively action and dives quickly, making it suitable for covering large areas of water.
7. Livingston Lures Howeller Dream Master Classic. Known for its built-in sound technology, this crankbait emits realistic fish sounds that can attract bass from a distance. It has a wide wobble and is effective in various depths.
8. Duel Hardcore Crankbait. Featuring a unique weight transfer system, the Duel Hardcore crankbaits offer long casting distances and realistic action.
9. Spro Little John MD. This crankbait is designed to dive to medium depths and has a subtle wobble that entices bass. It works well in both stained and clear water conditions.
10. River2Sea Biggie. With its wide wobbling action, the Biggie crankbait is effective for drawing reaction strikes from bass. It comes in different sizes and can cover various depths.

Strike King Squarebill 1.5

The Strike King Squarebill 1.5 is a popular crankbait lure choice among bass anglers. It is specifically designed for targeting bass in shallow water and around cover such as submerged vegetation, rocks, and fallen trees.

The Squarebill 1.5 features a compact body with a square-shaped bill that allows it to deflect off cover and run at a shallow depth. This diving action makes it ideal for fishing in areas with brush, stumps, or other structure where bass like to hide and ambush their prey.

The lure’s design creates a wide wobbling action and a tight wiggling motion, imitating a distressed baitfish. This action is highly enticing to bass and can trigger aggressive strikes. The Squarebill 1.5 is often effective in both calm and slightly turbulent water conditions.

To fish the Squarebill 1.5 for bass, cast it out and retrieve it at a steady pace. The lure’s buoyancy and design will cause it to bounce off and deflect from underwater obstacles, mimicking a fleeing prey. It is important to make contact with cover during the retrieve to entice strikes from bass hiding in the structure.

The Squarebill 1.5 is available in various color patterns to imitate different baitfish species and match the bass’s preferred forage. It is recommended to experiment with different colors and retrieve speeds to determine the most effective presentation for the specific fishing conditions.

When fishing with the Squarebill 1.5, it is recommended to use medium to medium-heavy fishing tackle to handle the strikes and potential fights with bass. Always check and adhere to local fishing regulations and restrictions, as they may specify hook size, lure usage, and catch-and-release guidelines for bass fishing.

Rapala Shad Rap

The Rapala Shad Rap is a popular and versatile crankbait lure that is highly effective for bass fishing. It is designed to mimic the profile and swimming action of a wounded baitfish, making it a tempting target for hungry bass.

The Shad Rap features a sleek and slender body shape with a pronounced diving lip. This lip allows the lure to dive to specific depths, depending on the model and size. It is available in different sizes to target different depth ranges and fishing conditions.

When retrieved, the Shad Rap produces a tight wobbling action that closely resembles the swimming motion of a distressed shad or minnow. This realistic action, combined with the lure’s lifelike finishes and color patterns, makes it incredibly attractive to bass.

The Shad Rap can be fished in various ways depending on the situation. It can be cast and retrieved steadily to cover water and search for active bass. It can also be worked with a stop-and-go retrieve, incorporating pauses to imitate a wounded baitfish. Additionally, it can be trolled at different speeds to target specific depths and cover more water.

This lure is effective in a wide range of fishing environments, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. It can be used to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The Shad Rap is particularly effective in areas with submerged structure, such as rocks, timber, or weed beds, where bass tend to congregate.

It is recommended to experiment with different colors and sizes of the Shad Rap to find the most effective combination for the given fishing conditions. As with any lure, it is important to match the hatch and imitate the natural prey that bass are feeding on in the area.

When fishing with the Shad Rap, it is advisable to use medium to medium-heavy fishing tackle, as it may attract larger bass. Always check and adhere to local fishing regulations and restrictions, as they may specify hook size, lure usage, and catch-and-release guidelines for bass fishing.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Realistic baitfish profile: The Shad Rap is known for its realistic baitfish profile, which closely resembles a small shad or baitfish. This lifelike appearance can entice bass to strike, as they are naturally drawn to prey items that resemble their primary forage. Versatile in water conditions: The Shad Rap is effective in a wide range of water conditions, including clear water, stained water, and slightly murky water. Its realistic profile and natural swimming action can trigger strikes from bass in various environments. Effective at different depths: The Shad Rap is available in various sizes and diving depths, allowing you to target bass at different parts of the water column. Whether you need to fish shallow or deeper water, there is a Shad Rap option that can meet your needs. Responsive action: The Shad Rap has a responsive action that mimics the movements of a distressed or injured baitfish. It has a tight wobbling action and rolls side-to-side, creating vibrations and attracting the attention of bass.

Limited snag resistance: The treble hooks on the Shad Rap can make it more prone to getting snagged in weeds, brush, or other underwater structures. It’s important to be cautious when fishing around cover and structure to minimize snags and potential lure loss. Susceptible to fouling: The Shad Rap’s exposed treble hooks can get fouled with vegetation or debris, reducing the lure’s effectiveness. It’s important to check and clear the hooks regularly to ensure they remain free and unobstructed. Limited casting distance: The Shad Rap, particularly the smaller sizes, may not have the same casting distance as some other crankbaits. The lure’s weight and design can affect the distance you can achieve during your casts. However, this may not be a significant drawback in most bass fishing situations. Less effective in heavily pressured waters: While the Shad Rap is a proven lure for bass, it may be less effective in heavily pressured waters or when bass have become conditioned to seeing similar lures. In such scenarios, trying different colors, sizes, or alternative lure types might be necessary to entice wary bass.

Lucky Craft LC Series

The Lucky Craft LC Series is a well-known and highly regarded line of crankbaits designed specifically for bass fishing. These lures are crafted with precision and attention to detail, making them effective tools for enticing bass to strike.

The LC Series features a range of sizes and depths to accommodate different fishing conditions and water depths. Each lure is equipped with a durable and responsive bill that helps it dive to specific depths and create a realistic swimming action. The shape and weight distribution of the lure allow for accurate casts and precise control during retrieval.

The design of the LC Series crankbaits incorporates lifelike patterns and finishes, as well as realistic 3D eyes, to mimic the appearance of natural baitfish. This attention to detail increases the lure’s appeal to bass and can trigger aggressive strikes.

When fishing with the LC Series crankbaits, anglers typically employ a cast-and-retrieve technique. The lure can be cast to cover various areas such as points, drop-offs, weed edges, or submerged structure where bass are likely to be holding. During retrieval, the lure’s diving bill helps it to reach the desired depth, and anglers can experiment with different retrieval speeds and cadences to imitate the movement of injured or fleeing baitfish.

The LC Series crankbaits are effective for both largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing in a variety of environments, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They can be particularly productive in areas with cover such as submerged vegetation, rocks, or fallen trees where bass tend to seek shelter or ambush prey.

It’s worth noting that lure selection, including specific models and colors from the LC Series, may vary based on regional preferences, water conditions, and the behavior of the bass. Experienced anglers often carry a selection of different sizes, colors, and diving depths to adapt to changing fishing situations and maximize their chances of success.

As with any fishing technique, it’s important to be aware of local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, as well as any specific gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines that may be in place for bass fishing in the area you plan to fish.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Quality construction: Lucky Craft lures are known for their high-quality construction and attention to detail. They are built to withstand the rigors of fishing and are designed to be durable. Realistic design: The LC series lures are meticulously designed to mimic the appearance and movement of natural baitfish. They feature realistic finishes, colors, and swimming actions, which can be very effective in attracting fish. Versatility: The LC series offers a wide range of lure styles and sizes, making them suitable for various fishing conditions and target species. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, you can find a Lucky Craft LC lure to match your needs. Proven fish-catching ability: Lucky Craft lures have gained a reputation for being effective fish catchers. Many anglers have reported great success using these lures to catch a variety of game fish, including bass, trout, walleye, and more.

Price: One potential drawback of the Lucky Craft LC series is its relatively higher price compared to some other fishing lures on the market. The quality and performance come at a cost, and they may not be as budget-friendly as some alternatives. Availability: Depending on your location, finding a specific model or size of the LC series lures may be challenging. They might not be as widely available as some other brands, especially in certain regions or smaller tackle shops. Learning curve: While the realistic design and action of Lucky Craft lures can be an advantage, it may also pose a challenge for novice anglers. It can take some practice and skill to master the retrieve techniques and effectively imitate the natural movement of the baitfish.

Strike King KVD 1.5

The Strike King KVD 1.5 is a popular crankbait designed in collaboration with professional bass angler Kevin VanDam. It is known for its versatility and effectiveness in attracting and catching bass in a variety of fishing situations.

The KVD 1.5 features a compact yet realistic body profile that mimics the appearance of baitfish, making it an enticing target for hungry bass. The lure is equipped with a square bill that helps it deflect off cover and triggers strikes by creating erratic and deflection-inducing movements.

The KVD 1.5 is designed to run at a medium depth range, typically around 3 to 6 feet, making it suitable for fishing shallow to mid-depth areas such as shallow flats, points, and submerged structure. The diving depth can be adjusted by varying the retrieval speed and line diameter.

Anglers commonly employ a cast-and-retrieve technique with the KVD 1.5. After casting, they retrieve the lure at a steady pace, allowing it to swim in a natural and enticing manner. The lure’s action can be enhanced by occasional pauses or twitches to imitate the behavior of injured or fleeing baitfish.

The KVD 1.5 is available in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing anglers to match the prevailing forage or experiment with different presentations to find what works best. Additionally, the lure is often equipped with premium hooks that provide solid hook sets and help secure bass during the fight.

It’s worth noting that the KVD 1.5 is just one model in the Strike King KVD crankbait lineup, which includes various sizes, diving depths, and profiles to cater to different fishing situations. Anglers often carry a selection of these crankbaits to adapt to changing conditions and optimize their chances of success.

Always ensure to check and adhere to local fishing regulations and any specific gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines that may apply to bass fishing in your area.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Proven fish-catching ability: The KVD 1.5 has a reputation for being highly effective in attracting and catching fish, particularly bass. It has been extensively field-tested by professional anglers and has a track record of success in various fishing conditions. Diving depth: The KVD 1.5 is designed to dive to a specific depth range, typically around 3 to 6 feet, making it ideal for targeting fish that are holding at those depths. This allows anglers to effectively cover a wide range of water columns and potentially locate active fish. Durable construction: Strike King lures are known for their durability, and the KVD 1.5 is no exception. It is constructed with high-quality components, including sturdy hooks, a strong body, and durable paint finishes, ensuring it can withstand the abuse of repetitive casts and strikes from fish. Attractive action: The KVD 1.5 features a wide wobbling action and a tight, erratic movement that mimics the behavior of a distressed baitfish. This action can trigger predatory instincts in fish, enticing them to strike the lure.

Limited diving depth: While the KVD 1.5’s diving depth range can be advantageous in certain situations, it may be a limitation in scenarios where fish are holding at deeper depths. Anglers targeting fish deeper than 6 feet may need to consider alternative crankbaits or adjust their fishing techniques. Susceptibility to snags: Due to its diving depth and treble hook configuration, the KVD 1.5 can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or time spent retrieving and clearing the bait. It’s important to be mindful of the fishing environment and adjust retrieval techniques accordingly. Color selection: The KVD 1.5 comes in a wide range of color options, which can be overwhelming for some anglers. Choosing the right color pattern for specific fishing conditions or matching the local forage can require some trial and error.

Bomber Fat Free Shad

The Bomber Fat Free Shad is a popular crankbait that has gained a reputation for its effectiveness in bass fishing. Designed with a unique shape and action, it is designed to imitate the appearance and swimming motion of a distressed baitfish, making it an enticing target for hungry bass.

The Fat Free Shad features a wide, rounded body profile and a diving lip that allows it to dive to specific depths, typically ranging from 6 to 12 feet, depending on the specific model. This makes it suitable for targeting bass in mid to deep water situations, such as offshore structure, submerged humps, or along channel edges.

One of the standout features of the Fat Free Shad is its tight, wobbling action and strong vibrations that it emits during the retrieve. This action, combined with its lifelike finishes and color patterns, makes it highly appealing to bass and can trigger aggressive strikes. The lure is also equipped with premium hooks that ensure solid hooksets and secure fish during the fight.

When fishing with the Fat Free Shad, anglers typically employ a cast-and-retrieve technique. After casting, they retrieve the lure at a medium to fast pace, allowing it to dive to the desired depth and swim with its characteristic action. Anglers often experiment with different retrieval speeds, pauses, and variations in rod twitches to imitate the behavior of injured or fleeing baitfish and entice strikes.

The Bomber Fat Free Shad is available in a range of colors and finishes, allowing anglers to match the prevailing forage or experiment with different presentations. It’s important to note that bass can have specific preferences for certain colors or finishes, so it can be beneficial to have a variety of options on hand to adapt to changing conditions and maximize success.

Always check and adhere to local fishing regulations and any specific gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines that may apply to bass fishing in your area.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Versatile design: The Bomber Fat Free Shad is designed to be versatile, making it suitable for a variety of fishing conditions. It can be effective in both freshwater and saltwater, and it can target various game fish species such as bass, walleye, pike, and more. Wide wobbling action: The Fat Free Shad produces a wide wobbling action that imitates the movement of a distressed baitfish. This action can attract predatory fish and trigger strikes, especially in situations where fish are actively feeding or searching for prey. Diving depth options: The Fat Free Shad is available in different models with varying diving depths. This allows anglers to choose the appropriate lure based on the desired depth range they want to target, making it versatile for fishing at different water columns. Durable construction: Bomber lures are known for their durability, and the Fat Free Shad is no exception. It is built with quality components, including strong hooks, a robust body, and resilient finishes, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of fishing and withstand strikes from aggressive fish.

Limited color selection: The Bomber Fat Free Shad may have a relatively limited color selection compared to some other crankbaits on the market. While it offers various color patterns, the specific colors available might not match every angler’s preference or specific fishing situations. Less effective in deepwater scenarios: While the Fat Free Shad has different diving depth options, it may not perform as well in deepwater scenarios compared to lures specifically designed for deepwater fishing. If you’re targeting fish at depths greater than the diving range of the Fat Free Shad, you may need to consider alternative lures or techniques. Susceptibility to snags: As with many crankbaits, the treble hooks on the Fat Free Shad can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or time spent retrieving and clearing the bait. Anglers should be cautious and adapt their fishing techniques accordingly.

Berkley Flicker Shad

The Berkley Flicker Shad is a popular crankbait used by anglers for bass fishing. It is specifically designed to imitate the appearance and swimming action of a shad, one of the primary forage fish for bass.

The Flicker Shad features a slender, minnow-shaped body with a bill or lip at the front. This lip helps the lure dive to specific depths, typically ranging from 7 to 20 feet, depending on the model and size. This makes it versatile for targeting bass in a variety of water depths and structures, such as submerged weed beds, rock formations, or along drop-offs.

One of the key features of the Flicker Shad is its unique action in the water. It has a tight wobble and rolling action that closely resembles the erratic movements of a fleeing or injured shad. This action, combined with its realistic finishes and color patterns, makes it highly attractive to bass and can trigger aggressive strikes.

When fishing with the Flicker Shad, anglers often use a cast-and-retrieve technique. After casting, they retrieve the lure at a steady pace, allowing it to dive to the desired depth and swim with its enticing action. Anglers may vary the retrieval speed or incorporate pauses and twitches to imitate the behavior of distressed baitfish and entice strikes.

The Flicker Shad is available in various sizes, colors, and diving depths, allowing anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions and bass preferences. It is important to experiment with different sizes and colors to match the prevailing forage or find what the bass are most responsive to.

It is always recommended to check and adhere to local fishing regulations and any specific gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines that may apply to bass fishing in your area.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Unique rolling action: The Flicker Shad is designed with a distinct rolling action that imitates the movement of a wounded baitfish. This action can be highly attractive to predatory fish, triggering strikes even in tough fishing conditions. Versatility: The Flicker Shad is a versatile crankbait that can be effective in various fishing situations. It is commonly used for targeting walleye, bass, pike, and other game fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Size and color options: The Flicker Shad comes in a range of sizes and color patterns, allowing anglers to choose the most suitable option based on their target species and fishing conditions. The variety of sizes and colors increases the chances of finding the right match for the local baitfish or prey species. Quality construction: Berkley lures, including the Flicker Shad, are known for their quality construction. They are built to withstand the demands of fishing, including strong hooks, durable finishes, and sturdy components.

Limited diving depth range: The Flicker Shad has a relatively limited diving depth range compared to some other crankbaits on the market. It typically dives to a depth of around 10 to 12 feet, which may be insufficient for anglers targeting fish in deeper waters. Susceptibility to snags: As with many crankbaits, the treble hooks on the Flicker Shad can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or require extra effort to retrieve and clear the bait. Durability of paint finish: Some anglers have reported that the paint finish on the Flicker Shad can chip or wear off relatively easily, especially after extended use or encounters with hard-hitting fish. While the lure’s performance may not be affected, the appearance may become less appealing over time.

Livingston Lures Howeller Dream Master Classic

The Livingston Lures Howeller Dream Master Classic is a popular crankbait designed for bass fishing. It is known for its unique features, including built-in electronic sound technology, that aim to attract and trigger bass strikes.

The Howeller Dream Master Classic features a medium-sized body with a rounded shape and a bill or lip at the front. The bill helps the lure dive to specific depths, typically ranging from 8 to 12 feet, depending on the model and size. This makes it suitable for targeting bass in a variety of water depths and structures, such as submerged rocks, brush piles, or along weed edges.

One of the standout features of the Howeller Dream Master Classic is its integrated EBS (Electronic Baitfish Sound) technology. This technology emits a realistic and natural underwater sound that imitates the vibrations and noises of live baitfish. The sound produced can vary, mimicking the sounds of distressed baitfish, feeding frenzies, or schooling fish, which can effectively attract nearby bass and increase the lure’s effectiveness.

When fishing with the Howeller Dream Master Classic, anglers typically use a cast-and-retrieve technique. After casting, they retrieve the lure at a steady pace, allowing it to dive to the desired depth and swim with its enticing action. The built-in sound technology adds an extra element of attraction to draw bass towards the lure.

The Howeller Dream Master Classic comes in various color patterns to imitate different baitfish species or match the prevailing forage in the water. It is important to experiment with different colors and retrieve speeds to find what triggers the most bites from bass in a given fishing situation.

As with any fishing lure, it is recommended to check and adhere to local fishing regulations and any specific gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines that may apply to bass fishing in your area.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Electronic sound technology: One of the standout features of the Howeller Dream Master Classic is its built-in electronic sound technology. It emits realistic sounds of distressed baitfish, which can attract fish and trigger their predatory instincts. This feature sets it apart from many other crankbaits on the market. Versatile design: The Howeller Dream Master Classic is designed to be versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing conditions and target species. It can be effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments, and it has been successful in catching bass, walleye, pike, and other game fish. High-quality construction: Livingston Lures are known for their high-quality construction, and the Howeller Dream Master Classic is no exception. It features durable hooks, strong components, and a sturdy body, ensuring it can withstand the demands of fishing and withstand strikes from aggressive fish. Realistic swimming action: The Howeller Dream Master Classic is designed to swim with a lifelike action that mimics the movement of natural baitfish. This realistic swimming action can attract fish and entice them to strike the lure.

Higher price point: The advanced electronic sound technology and quality construction of the Howeller Dream Master Classic come at a higher price compared to many other crankbaits on the market. It may not be as budget-friendly for some anglers. Reliance on electronic sound: While the electronic sound technology can be an advantage, it can also be a limitation. Some fish may become conditioned or wary of lures with repetitive electronic sounds, potentially reducing their effectiveness over time. In such cases, relying solely on the electronic sound feature may not yield the desired results. Battery life and maintenance: The electronic sound technology in the Howeller Dream Master Classic relies on batteries. Depending on usage, the batteries may need to be replaced periodically, adding to the cost and maintenance requirements of the lure. Additionally, water exposure and damage can affect the functionality of the electronic components.

Duel Hardcore Crankbait

The Duel Hardcore Crankbait is a popular lure choice among bass anglers. It is specifically designed to mimic the appearance and action of a baitfish, making it highly effective for enticing bass to strike.

The Duel Hardcore Crankbait features a realistic body shape with a lip or bill at the front. The bill is designed to provide the lure with its diving capability and control its depth during retrieval. The depth range varies depending on the specific model and size of the crankbait, allowing anglers to target bass in different water depths and structures.

The lure’s action is a key aspect of its effectiveness. The Duel Hardcore Crankbait typically exhibits a tight wobbling and rolling action, imitating the erratic movements of a distressed or injured baitfish. This action is designed to trigger a predatory response from bass, enticing them to strike the lure.

Anglers typically employ a cast-and-retrieve technique when fishing with the Duel Hardcore Crankbait. After casting, they retrieve the lure at a steady or variable speed, adjusting the retrieval speed to match the desired depth and the bass’s feeding preferences. Varying the retrieval speed and adding pauses can help imitate the behavior of injured baitfish, making the lure even more enticing to bass.

The Duel Hardcore Crankbait is available in various color patterns, each designed to imitate different baitfish species or match the prevailing forage in the water. It’s essential to experiment with different colors to determine which ones are most effective in attracting bass in specific fishing conditions.

As with any fishing lure, it’s important to comply with local fishing regulations and any gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines applicable to bass fishing in your area. Additionally, using appropriate tackle and line strength is recommended to handle the powerful strikes and fights that bass can deliver.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Durable construction: The Duel Hardcore Crankbait is built to be extremely durable. It features a tough outer shell, sturdy hooks, and strong components that can withstand the impact of strikes and the rigors of fishing in various conditions. Realistic design: The Hardcore Crankbait is designed to mimic the appearance and movement of natural baitfish. It features realistic finishes, colors, and swimming actions that can be highly effective in attracting fish and triggering strikes. Versatility: The Duel Hardcore Crankbait is a versatile lure that can be used in different fishing scenarios and target a wide range of game fish species. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this crankbait can be effective for bass, walleye, pike, and more. Depth control options: The Hardcore Crankbait is available in different models with varying diving depths, allowing anglers to target fish at different water columns. This versatility in diving depth makes it suitable for various fishing conditions and helps cover a wider range of fishing scenarios.

Price: The Duel Hardcore Crankbait may be relatively more expensive compared to some other crankbaits available in the market. The durable construction and performance come at a higher cost, which may be a consideration for anglers on a budget. Limited color options: While the Hardcore Crankbait offers a range of colors, the specific color selection might be more limited compared to other brands or models. This may not provide anglers with as many options to match the local baitfish or specific fishing conditions. Susceptibility to snags: As with most crankbaits, the treble hooks on the Hardcore Crankbait can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or require extra effort to retrieve and clear the bait.

Spro Little John MD

The Spro Little John MD is a versatile crankbait that is highly effective for bass fishing. It is specifically designed to dive to medium depths, making it suitable for targeting bass in a variety of water conditions and structures.

The lure features a compact and realistic body design, mimicking the appearance of a small baitfish or crayfish. It is equipped with a durable lip or bill that helps it dive and maintain its depth during retrieval. The shape and angle of the bill determine the lure’s diving depth and the action it exhibits in the water.

The Spro Little John MD is known for its tight wobbling action, which imitates the movements of a distressed or injured prey. This action is designed to trigger a predatory response from bass, enticing them to strike. The lure’s realistic finishes and color patterns further enhance its effectiveness in imitating natural prey and attracting bass.

When fishing with the Spro Little John MD, anglers typically employ a cast-and-retrieve technique. After casting, they retrieve the lure at a moderate to fast speed, allowing it to dive to the desired depth and maintain its action. Varying the retrieval speed, adding pauses, or incorporating subtle rod twitches can help imitate the behavior of injured or fleeing baitfish, increasing the lure’s effectiveness.

The Spro Little John MD is available in various color options, each designed to imitate different baitfish species or match the prevailing forage in the water. It’s important to experiment with different colors to determine which ones are most effective in enticing bass in specific fishing conditions.

As with any fishing lure, it’s important to adhere to local fishing regulations and any gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines applicable to bass fishing in your area. Using appropriate tackle and line strength is recommended to handle the powerful strikes and fights that bass can deliver.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Versatile design: The Little John MD is designed to be versatile, making it suitable for a variety of fishing conditions and target species. It can be effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments and has been successful in catching bass, walleye, pike, and other game fish. Medium diving depth: The Little John MD is designed to dive to a medium depth range, typically around 6 to 9 feet. This diving depth makes it suitable for targeting fish that are holding in the middle of the water column, providing anglers with good coverage in various fishing scenarios. Realistic swimming action: The Little John MD features a wide wobbling action and a realistic swimming motion that mimics the movement of natural baitfish. This action can be highly attractive to predatory fish and entice them to strike the lure. Quality construction: Spro lures, including the Little John MD, are known for their quality construction. They feature durable hooks, strong components, and a sturdy body, ensuring they can withstand the demands of fishing and withstand strikes from aggressive fish.

Limited diving depth range: While the medium diving depth of the Little John MD can be advantageous in many scenarios, it may not be ideal for anglers targeting fish holding at deeper depths. If you’re fishing in waters where the fish are deeper than the diving range of the lure, you may need to consider alternative crankbaits or adjust your fishing techniques. Susceptibility to snags: As with many crankbaits, the treble hooks on the Little John MD can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or require extra effort to retrieve and clear the bait. Limited color selection: The Little John MD may have a relatively limited color selection compared to some other crankbaits on the market. While it offers various color patterns, the specific colors available might not match every angler’s preference or specific fishing situations.

River2Sea Biggie

The River2Sea Biggie is a popular crankbait specifically designed for bass fishing. It is known for its larger size and ability to dive to significant depths, making it effective for targeting bass in deeper waters and covering a wide range of depths.

The lure features a realistic body design with a sturdy bill that helps it dive and maintain its depth during retrieval. It is designed to have a wide wobbling action, mimicking the movements of a baitfish and creating strong vibrations in the water. This action is highly enticing to bass and can trigger aggressive strikes.

The River2Sea Biggie is designed to be cast long distances, allowing anglers to cover more water and reach bass in different areas. It is commonly used for searching and locating bass, as well as targeting bass holding near structure, such as rocks, logs, or submerged vegetation.

When fishing with the River2Sea Biggie, anglers often employ a steady retrieve, allowing the lure to swim at a consistent depth and maintain its action. Varying the retrieval speed or incorporating pauses and twitches can help imitate the behavior of injured or fleeing prey, increasing the lure’s effectiveness.

The River2Sea Biggie is available in a variety of colors and finishes to match the local forage and water conditions. Anglers often experiment with different colors to find the most effective ones for enticing bass in specific fishing situations.

As with any fishing lure, it’s important to adhere to local fishing regulations and any gear restrictions or catch-and-release guidelines applicable to bass fishing in your area. Using appropriate tackle and line strength is recommended to handle the powerful strikes and fights that bass can deliver.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Large size: The River2Sea Biggie is known for its larger size compared to many other crankbaits. The larger profile can be effective in attracting larger predatory fish that are looking for substantial meals, making it a great choice for targeting trophy-sized fish. Wide wobbling action: The Biggie produces a wide wobbling action that mimics the movement of a distressed baitfish. This action can be highly attractive to predatory fish and trigger their feeding response, increasing the chances of getting strikes. Durable construction: River2Sea lures are known for their durability, and the Biggie is no exception. It is built with high-quality components, including strong hooks, a robust body, and durable finishes, ensuring it can withstand the abuse of repetitive casts and strikes from fish. Depth control options: The River2Sea Biggie is available in different models with varying diving depths. This allows anglers to choose the appropriate lure based on the desired depth range they want to target, making it versatile for fishing at different water columns.

Limited color selection: The Biggie may have a relatively limited color selection compared to some other crankbaits on the market. While it offers various color patterns, the specific colors available might not match every angler’s preference or specific fishing situations. Limited versatility: The larger size of the Biggie may limit its effectiveness in certain fishing scenarios. It may not be as suitable for fishing in areas with heavy vegetation or when fish are actively targeting smaller forage. In such cases, anglers may need to consider alternative crankbaits or adjust their fishing techniques. Susceptibility to snags: Due to its larger size and treble hook configuration, the Biggie can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or time spent retrieving and clearing the bait. It’s important to be mindful of the fishing environment and adjust retrieval techniques accordingly.