Summer Crankbait Fishing - Everything You Need To Know!

Crankbait fishing in Summer is a great way to catch fish! Crankbaits catch fish from shallow to deep, and they'll catch giants too! If you want to take your crankbait fishing to the next level, we're here to help!

Crankbaits are an enormous category. There are hundreds of options on the market from magnum deep divers, to shallow square bills, and a variety of options in between. This time of year we focus our attention on the two ends of the spectrum. We throw magnum deep divers and shallow crankbaits more than all the other categories combined. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we throw, along with the gear we use to fish them. We've included our favorite rods and reels, as well as some of the hooks and split rings we use to upgrade hardware on these baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

MAGNUM DEEP CRANKS...

-Strike King 10XD: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Colors: Sexy Blue Black Herring, Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Shad

-Azuma Z Boss 22, 24, 25: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Hot Mess

-Megabass Big M 7.5: https://bit.ly/2yHmm4R

Colors: Wagin Hasu, Yuzu Shad, Jukucho Shad

-6th Sense Cloud 9 C25: http://bit.ly/2BQ4uDs

Colors: Blue-Treuse Shad, Wild Shad, 4K Shad

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS... 

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

Colors: Metallic Shad, Natural Gill, DD Minnow

-Norman DD22: http://bit.ly/2LKB37w

Colors: Tropical Shad, Chili Bowl, TW Ghost Lavender Shad

-Rapala DT16 and DT20: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors: Citrus Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, Red Crawdad

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Powder Blue Back Chart

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS... 

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Abalone Shad, I Know It

-Lucky Craft 1.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, BP Golden Shiner, Green Herring

-13 Fishing Jabber Jaw: https://bit.ly/3z7hVdH

Colors: Black Back Shad, Lucky Charm, Olive Shad

EXTRA SHALLOW CRANKBAITS... 

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

Colors: Honey Shad, Matte Shad, Citrus Shad

HOOK UPGRADES...

-Owner ST-35: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

-Owner ST-36 Treble: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

-Gamakatsu EWG Bronze: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

EXTRA DEEP DIVING COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 (HG): http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line- Sunline Super FC 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DEEP DIVING COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Sunline Crank FC 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline FC 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS - Everything You Need To Know! (Beginner To Advanced)

Lipless Cranks are awesome! These crankbaits catch great numbers of fish and they catch giant bass too! They can be hopped, ripped, or steady retrieved in open water, around cover, or right on the bottom. With so many variables, where do you even start?! We're here to help... 

The lipless is one of our favorite bass fishing techniques. It shines in the Spring and Fall but can catch fish any time of year. Our two main methods are hopping the baits on bottom and steady retrieving them in the middle of the water column. The two methods utilize completely different baits and today we're explaining why. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as links to some of our favorite gear for fishing these baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

BAITS FOR HOPPING...

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Spring Craw  

-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: SG Threadfin, RT Scale Minnow, Ghost Minnow

SMALLER BAITS FOR HOPPING... 

-Lucky. Craft LV-150: https://bit.ly/3xh7Z38

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow

-Jackall TN-50: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: SG Threadfin, RT Scale Minnow 

BAITS FOR COVERING WATER...

-Strike King Red Eye Shad 2 Tap: http://bit.ly/2gmACC5

Colors: Delta Red, TN Shad 2.0, Chrome Sexy Shad

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Chrome Blue, Rayburn Red, Royal Red

-Bill Lewis Rattle Trap 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Bleeding Shiner Chrome, Cali Craw, Ghost Minnow

-6th Sense Quake 70: http://bit.ly/2Kxt4zm

Colors: 4K Shad, Shad Hammer, Delta Craw

HOOK/SPLIT RING UPGRADES...

-Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

-Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Owner STX-45: http://bit.ly/2FNnZwR

-VMC Bladed Treble: http://bit.ly/2oqWODi

-Owner Hyper Wire Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2 or 3

LIPLESS COMBO... 

Rod #1: G Loomis IMX PRO 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Rod #2: G Loomis IMX PRO 855 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Maxima 15 lb Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

SMALLER LIPLESS COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Victory 72MH Moderate: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2 (7:1): https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line- Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Maxima 15 lb Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BUDGET LIPLESS COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline FC 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

BUYER'S GUIDE: CRANKBAITS - SQUAREBILLS, LIPLESS CRANKS, AND CRANKBAIT RODS

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. 

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS…

-Lucky Craft 1.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, BP Golden Shiner

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad, TS Minnow

-Spro Little John 50: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive, Matte Shad

-13 Fishing Scamp 1.5: https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Colors: Olive Crush, Epic Shad, Day Old Guac

-Megabass Super-Z Z1: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2, Wild Craw

-Ott's Garage Slim: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Green Gizzard Shad

-Ott's Garage Tiny: https://bit.ly/3A76zGi

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Green Gizzard Shad

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

Colors: Matte Shad, honey Shad, Citrus Nasty

LARGE SQUAREBILLS... 

-Lucky Craft BDS 6: http://bit.ly/2sRZby9

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, TO Craw

-6th Sense Mini Mag: http://bit.ly/31KGyeC

Colors: Shad Scales, Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad

-Lucky Craft LV-100: https://bit.ly/3HGwNnV

Colors: Ghost Minnow, BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad

-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

-Jackall TN-50: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Sprinkle Wakasagi, RT Scale Minn ow, SG Threadfin

-Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Cali Craw, Silverado, Diamond Dust

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Royal Red, Chrome Black, Chrome Blue

LARGE LIPLESS... 

-Spro Aruku Shad 85: https://bit.ly/37seMJN

Colors: Red Crawfish, Clear Chartreuse, Chrome Shad

-6th Sense Quake 80: http://bit.ly/2Kxt4zm

Colors: Shad Scales, 4K Shad, American Shad

FAVORITE CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam 150 MGL (XG): http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader-Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

DEDICATED LIPLESS COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 855 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2 (8.3:1): https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line- Sufix 131 Braid 40 lb: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: http://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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

PREVIOUS BUYER’S GUIDES… 

-Jerkbait guide: https://youtu.be/bBxQGiHfQjM

-Chatterbait/Spinnerbait Guide: https://youtu.be/eoYj1XH2dbc

-High End Combo: https://youtu.be/WF5ncz-UWy8

-$200 Combos: https://youtu.be/duCPOzl2u50

BUYER'S GUIDE: CRANKBAITS AND CRANKBAIT RODS ( DEEP DIVING CRANKBAIT )

How do you choose the right deep diving crankbait? When is one better than another? In today’s buyer’s guide we’re taking out all the guess work as we review our favorite crankbaits. We’re showing you the best baits for every season so you know exactly which types to throw, and when to use them. From cold water and speed cranking baits, to wide wobbling Summer baits, we’ve got you covered!

Crankbait fishing is a giant category! 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. At certain times of year different actions and colors work better than others. We’re eliminating all the guess work and showing you the best of the best. 

Below you’ll find links to the exact baits, as well as the rod and reel combos we recommend. We’ve listed the baits in the order of appearance and included our favorite colors for each to make it simple for you to follow along. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

COLD WATER CRANKBAITS… 

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, DD Minnow

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

Colors: Sexy Ayu, Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard

-Spro RkCrawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Matt’s Color: Phantom Green

Other Favorites: Molting Craw, Green Craw, Phantom Watermelon

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

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Kisyu Ayu

WARM WATER CRANKBAITS… 

-Azuma Z-Boss 22 & 24: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Gold Digger, Gold Digger Chartreuse

-Strike King 10 XD: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Colors: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Olive Shad

-Duel Hardcore Bullet 7+: https://bit.ly/3gH0hGB

Colors: Blue Sexy Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

-Norman DD22: http://bit.ly/2LKB37w

Colors: Lavender Shad, TW Ghost Chart Blue, Chili Bowl

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Powder Blue Back Char, Sexy Shad, Blue Gizzard Shad

-Rapala DT 16: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors: Rusty, Green Gizzard, Rootbeer Crawdad

CRANKBAIT COMBOS (In Order Of Appearance)… 

COMBO #1…

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 (HG): http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

COMBO #2… 

Rod- Dobyns Champion XP 805 CB: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 (HG): http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

COMBO #3… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’6” Glass: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 (HG): http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

COMBO #4… 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz