Everything You Need To Know About Squarebills and Shallow Crankbaits! (Full Seminar)

We're taking a deep dive into the world of shallow crankbaits! Come along as Matt teaches how, when, and where to fish these baits! If you've ever thrown a shallow crank, or even if you have the slightest curiosity about them, this video is for you!

There are so many new baits on the market, it's hard to know which baits to use! This is everything you need to know! From color, to size, to diving depth, Matt breaks down shallow crankbaits so the rest of us can enjoy them.

OVERSIZED CRANKS...

•Megabass Big M 4.0: https://bit.ly/44Sg9Mv

Colors: Jukucho Shad, GG Gill

•Megabass Big M 2.0: https://bit.ly/3ZifaE6

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Gillkko

•Strike King 8.0: https://bit.ly/45Pcpwi

Colors: TN Shad 2.0, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

•Strike King 4.0: https://bit.ly/2dzeCUk

Colors: Olive Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 6: https://bit.ly/2sRZby9

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad

LARGE CRANKS...

•6th Sense Crush 100X: https://bit.ly/3LJSeIv

Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 75 Big: https://bit.ly/3PAgT4u

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 4: https://bit.ly/3PjXmUz

Colors: American Shad,  Ghost Minnow

•Rapala BX Big Brat: https://bit.ly/3r8WZOW

Colors: Homers Buddy, Pearl Grey Ghost, Silver

•Bill Lewis ATV 2.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Red Glitter Craw

•13 Fishing Scamp 2.5: https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Colors: Epic Shad, Mud Bug Punch

FAT SQUAREBILLS...

•Megabass S Crank 1.5: https://bit.ly/2dPdTxb

Colors: MB Gizzard, Megabass Sexy Shad

•Damiki BTC 60: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

Colors: Blue Craw, Mossy Shad, Real Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 50: https://bit.ly/3EDeBv5

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad, Sexy Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 2: https://bit.ly/48r4Q0T

Colors: American Shad, Golden Shiner

•Shimano Macbeth 63: https://bit.ly/3LnsMYP

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

PRIMARY SQUAREBILLS...

•Spro Essential Hunter 65: https://bit.ly/3cSMnOD

Colors: Black Silver, Fire Craw

•6th Sense Crush Silent 50S: https://bit.ly/2BGUQlS

Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

•River2Sea Biggie Poppa: https://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad

•Strike King 1.5: https://bit.ly/3xLv526

Colors: Sexy Ghost Minnow, TN Shad 2.0

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Tuxedo Shad, Red Crawdad

•13 Fishing Scamp 1.5: https://bit.ly/3PBfRVF

Colors: Olive Crush, Mudbug Punch

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Spro Speed Demon 55: https://bit.ly/3XGWUC2

Colors: Laundry Matte, Crystal Craw

•Lucky Craft 1.5: https://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow

SMALL PROFILE CRANKS...

•River2Sea Biggie Smalls: https://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.0: https://bit.ly/3kBMuGb

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Rapala BX Brat: https://bit.ly/2qFBMiR

Colors: Mossy, Pearl Grey Shiner

•Rapala DT 4: https://bit.ly/3EFGd2J

Colors: Live Bluegill, Green Gizzard Shad

•Megabass Super Z Z2: https://bit.ly/3fsxn9G

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2

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

Colors: Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2, Kasumi Ito

ODD BALL CRANKS...

•Nishine Chippawa RB Blade: https://bit.ly/3Z8wueJ

Colors: Ghost Shad, Hologram Shad

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

Colors: Black Back Shad, Lucky Charm

SHALLOW CRANKS...

•Damiki BTC 50: https://bit.ly/3OVb3Lc

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 50S: https://bit.ly/48m3ch1

Colors: Sleeper Shad, Ghost Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 1: https://bit.ly/3sKcpPC

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Spro Outsider 55 SR: https://bit.ly/3Pfx1XI

Colors: Dirty Gizzard, Rainbow Gill, River Gold

•Evergreen CH1: https://bit.ly/2MrsOCG

Colors: Ghost Wakasagi, Bone, Champion Shad

•Spro Fat John 50: https://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Matte Shad, Honey Shad, Cell Mate

BFS CRANKS...

•Damiki Disco 40: https://bit.ly/432XZaY

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad, Olive Flash Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 39F: https://bit.ly/45Pj3Dd

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass Griffon BFS SR: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Mat Shad, GP Kawamatsu

FLAT SIDE CRANKS...

•Shimano Macbeth Flat: https://bit.ly/3QNYS1g

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass SonicSide: https://bit.ly/2PxtPWo

Colors: Green Craw, MB Gizzard

•Spro Little John: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive

•Spro Little John Type R: https://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Colors: Copper Shad, Rayburn Red

•Rapala Ott's OG Slim 06: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad

•Rapala Ott's OG Tiny 4: https://bit.ly/3A76zGi

Colors: Live River Shad, Shad

MATT’S MAIN SQUAREBILL COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

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

GREAT CRANKBAIT RODS...

HIGH END - St. Croix Legend Tourn. 7'2" M Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

BFS - Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

BUDGET - St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" MM: https://bit.ly/3P8REVe

HOOKS…

1X Strength - Gamakatsu EWG: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Size: 6, 4, 2

2X Strength - BKK EWG 71SS: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6, 4, 2

3X Strength - Owner ST-56: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 6, 4, 2

Split Ring - Owner Hyperwire: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2, 3

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

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

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

Post Spawn Crankbait Fishing Tricks - Speed Cranking For Aggressive Bass!

Forget the way you fish crankbaits! If you're not speed cranking in the post spawn, you're missing an amazing opportunity to catch big bass. Its all about TRIGGERING a reaction strike. Whether you're a Southern Largemouth guy or a Northern Smallmouth guy, you have an amazing opportunity right now to force feed your crankbaits to the bass. The crank's ability to fire up a feeding frenzy is second to none as bass are moving toward their Summer haunts and you don't want to miss it!

This technique works incredibly well this time of year. It doesn't matter if your fish are 20' deep feeding on outside ledges or 2' deep on shallow rock bars. The method works in both scenarios, you just need to adapt the specific baits to maintain the speed at different depths. We find that carrying a variety of squarebill crankbaits, mid divers, and deep divers will allow you to adapt to changing conditions. Also, traditional knowledge would encourage using ghost colors in clear water but we've found that during this period you can see incredible results fishing bold colors like Chartreuse or chartreuse/Blue, even in gin clear water. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt discussed along with size and color recommendations. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Summer Bait... 

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

Colors: Chart Sexy Shad, Powder Blue Back Chart

Squarebills... 

-Strike King KVD HC 1.0 Squarebill: http://bit.ly/2Pz3HvE

Colors- The Shizzle, Summer Sexy Shad

-Lucky Craft BDS-3: http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

Colors- Golden Shiner, Ghost Minnow

-Damiki BTC 60: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

Colors- Baby Bow, Threadfin Flash

Deep Cranks... 

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

Colors- Metallic Shad, Natural Gill

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

Colors- See Through Chart, Blue Back Matte Chart, Sexy Ayu

-Norman Deep Little N: http://bit.ly/2acSLUd

Colors- Chart/Blue, Chartreuse Shad, Nutter Shad

Mid Cranks...

-Norman Deep Baby N: http://bit.ly/2O9CAcu

Colors- Chart Blue, Nutter Shad, Sexy Shad

-SPRO Rock Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Colors- Phantom Green, Missouri Craw, MudBug

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades... 

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

-Owner ST-56 Size 4 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Gamakatsu EWG Size 4 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Fluorocarbon Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR (7'6" MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

Braid Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR (7'6" MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

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