Buyer's Guide: Deep Diving Crankbaits For Winter And Summer Bass Fishing

Which crankbaits catch the most fish? With thousands of crankbaits to choose from, which baits are worth trying? Today we've gathered our top picks for Summer Time Cranking and our top picks for Winter Time Cranking, and combined them into the ultimate Crankbait Buyer's Guide. No need to second guess this year, these baits have stood the test of time!

When most anglers think of deep cranking they think of summer ledge fishing and Fall feeding frenzies. While there has been a huge swing in the past year toward Winter time cranking, many anglers still don't realize its full potential. Armed with the right baits, Winter cranking can produce the biggest bass of the entire year! 

Today's video has been separated into two categories so you don't confuse the right baits for Summer with the right baits for Winter. You'll find links to all of the baits (in the order they appeared in the video) along with rod and reel recommendations. All of the baits go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

In-Depth Winter Crankbait Video: https://youtu.be/FPaL13899uc

Previous Buyer's Guides... 

-Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/395vTT6

-High End Combos: https://bit.ly/35PNOeu

-$500 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lW1o5I

-$400 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lSfwwz

-$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

-$100 Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Warm Water Baits... 

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

Favorite Colors: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Summer Sexy Shad

-Berkley Dredger 25.5: http://bit.ly/2I8xOcA

Favorite Colors: Irish Gold, Honey Shad

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

Favorite Colors: Sexy BlueBack Herring, Powder Blue Chartreuse

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

Favorite Colors: Grand Shad, Ol Blue

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

Favorite Colors: Jukucho Shad, MB Gizzard

Cold Water Baits... 

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

Favorite Colors: Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

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

Favorite Colors: MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi

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

Favorite Colors: MB Gizzard, Megabass Sexy Shad

-Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Favorite Colors: Phantom Green, Mud Bug, Ozark Craw

All-Around Crankbait Rod... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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

Budget Crankbait Rod... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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

Winter Speed Cranking Combo... 

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

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

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Fishing 3 States In 3 Days! Awesome Fall Bass Fishing Road Trip!

Come along as we explore new lakes in new states! We're throwing everything from crankbaits and swimbaits, to jigs and dropshot, to catch a pile of bass! We stick great big Smallmouth, beautiful Spotted Bass, and a few Largemouth too! Watch as we dissect 3 very different fisheries in 3 days and build patterns that produce consistent bites each day. Next, take that information home and use it to catch more fish on your own lake!

Whether you're driving across state lines or fishing right in your back yard, you can use this information to break down the lakes and ponds around you. Bass are feeding heavily before Winter and you can catch some really nice fish if you target them strategically instead of just going down the bank. Watch as we adapt to different conditions on different lakes, switch between lure styles at different times of day, and always keep an eye peeled for busting fish on the surface in the Fall!

Below you'll find links to the baits we caught our fish on each day. Its separated into day's one through three, with bait that caught the biggest bass of the day listed first. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Day One Baits...

Matt's Crankbait- R2S Tactical DD 75 (Mirrored Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Matt's Swimbait- Keitech 2.8 Fat Swing Impact (TW Ghost Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Matt's Swimbait Head- Guppy Head 1/8 oz with 1/0 (Gizzard Shad): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Coop's Jig- Jewel 7/16 Pee-Wee Football Jig (First Down): https://bit.ly/2IkGi20

Coop's Jig Trailer- Rage Baby Menace (Green pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2DSrZK3

Day Two Baits... 

Coop's Jig- Jewel 7/16 Pee-Wee Football Jig (First Down): https://bit.ly/2IkGi20

Coop's Jig Trailer- Rage Baby Menace (Green pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2DSrZK3

Crankbait- R2S Tactical DD 75 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Lipless- Lucky Craft LV-500 (Phantom Chart Shad): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Matt's Topwater- SG Prop Walker 4" Dirty Silver (Back Order Available): https://bit.ly/3kwBFAa

Coop's Topwater- R2S Rover 128 (Herring): http://bit.ly/2acSVea

GlideBait- R2S S-Waver 168 (Rainbow Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Day Three Baits...

Matt's Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Matt's Jig Trailer- Yamamoto Double Tail 5" Grub (Cinnamon Blk Pr): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Finesse Jig- Keitech Tungsten Football 1/2 oz (Brown/Purple): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Finesse Jig Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

GlideBait- R2S S-Waver 168 (Rainbow Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Crankbait- R2S Tactical DD 75 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Dropshot Bait- Keitech 2.8 Fat Swing Impact (TW Ghost Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dropshot Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Glide Bait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

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

Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader 20 lb Fluoro: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Football Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

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

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

Crankbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Crankbait Combo...

Rod- St Croix Bass X 7'2" MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Catch Fish Every Time! How To Speed Crank For Bass Right Now!

This is THE BEST technique to consistently catch fish in the Fall and Winter. Over the past few years we've dialed in our crankbait fishing and developed a style we call "speed cranking". It requires specialized baits (We even designed our own specifically for the technique), high-speed reels, and a very unique cadence with the retrieve. Done correctly, it produces incredible results all around the country throughout the Fall and Winter. 

Today we're demonstrating the technique on Dale Hollow Lake on the Kentucky/Tennessee border. This world-renowned lake is home to the world record smallmouth but is also a great largemouth and spotted bass fishery. Before we even left the marina we were catching bass on the crankbait. Throughout the day we found success using a high speed retrieve with aggressive pauses. We caught fish on both the Tactical Crankbait and the Rock Crawler with our best results split between outside grass lines and deep rock points. 

The Bait We Designed... 

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

There are a handful of lures that are capable of triggering a feed response in bass when they're not in a feeding mood. The jerkbait, Speed Cranking a deep diving crankbait, and an Alabama Rig are all great methods to trigger a bass but of these, the crankbait is the most predictable around the country. Whether you're looking for a GIANT largemouth, a world-class Smallmouth, or a trophy Spotted Bass, it can be done by speeding up your retrieve, mixing up cadence, and choosing a bait with the right vibration. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment we use for speed cranking. First is today's baits and specific colors used, then we separated all of the baits by category and included very specific color recommendations that you can rely on to get bit. We've also included the exact gear we use so you're prepared when the right bite comes and even added in budget-minded alternatives that will help you land these crankbait fish without breaking the bank. The links go direct to Tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Today's Baits... 

-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Phantom Green, Red Crawfish): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

-R2S Tactical DD 75 (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Cranks For Primarily Baitfish Eaters... 

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

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

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

Cranks For Primarily Crawfish Eaters... 

-Spro RkCrawler 55 MD (Shallower): https://bit.ly/3juD6hS

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

-Teckel Drunker: http://bit.ly/2xryClV

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

Consistent Shad Colors... 

Deep X 300: MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu, Sexy Shad

Deep Six: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Sexy Shad

Tactical DD: Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

Consistent Craw Colors... 

RkCrawler: Phantom Brown, Phantom Green, Red River Craw

Drunker: Phantom Green Craw, Phantom Brown Craw, Phantom Red

Tactical DD: Green Pumpkin Craw, Blood Craw

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Light Wire Hook- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

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

Hook Sizes... 

Size 2: Deep Six

Size 4: Deep X 300, Tactical DD

Size 6: Drunker, RkCrawler

Braided Line 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 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Fluorocarbon Combo... 

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

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

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Low Budget Combo... 

Rod- St Croix Bass X 7'2" MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Budget Rods... 

Dobyns- Fury 7' Medium Heavy Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Shimano- SLX 7' Medium Glass (Pre-Order Available): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Daiwa- Tatula XT 7' Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2FXhNpO

Falcon- Lowrider 7'6" Medium Heavy Moderate: https://bit.ly/3negdkY

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G