11 best crankbait for basses

Crankbaits are popular fishing lures used by anglers, particularly for targeting bass and other predatory fish species. These lures are designed to mimic the appearance and swimming action of small fish, making them effective for attracting and catching bass. Here's what you should know about crankbaits for bass fishing:

  1. Diving Action: Crankbaits are characterized by their diving action, which means they sink and dive below the water's surface when retrieved. The depth to which they dive depends on their design and the specific model.

  2. Lip Design: The diving action is primarily controlled by the lip (or bill) of the crankbait. The size and shape of the lip determine the depth the lure can reach. Crankbaits can be divided into three main categories based on their lip design:

    • Shallow Diving Crankbaits: These dive to relatively shallow depths.
    • Medium Diving Crankbaits: Designed for mid-range depths.
    • Deep Diving Crankbaits: Meant to reach greater depths.
  3. Rattling and Non-Rattling: Crankbaits can come with or without rattles inside them. Rattling crankbaits produce sound and vibrations that can attract bass by simulating the sound of distressed or injured prey.

  4. Color and Design: Crankbaits come in various colors and patterns, which can imitate different types of forage fish or trigger a bass's predatory instincts. The choice of color and design may depend on water conditions, weather, and the specific bass behavior in your target area.

  5. Retrieve Speed: Effective use of crankbaits often involves experimenting with the retrieval speed. Slow and steady retrieves can mimic the movement of injured fish, while faster retrieves can simulate fleeing prey.

  6. Lure Size: Selecting the right size of crankbait is important. Smaller lures may work better for bass that are feeding on smaller baitfish, while larger lures can attract larger bass.

  7. Crankbait Types: There are two main types of crankbaits:

    • Floating Crankbaits: These float at rest and rise to the surface when retrieved.
    • Sinking Crankbaits: These sink and stay at a constant depth when retrieved.Anglers can control their depth by adjusting the retrieval speed.
  8. Line and Gear: Using appropriate fishing gear and line is crucial when fishing with crankbaits. Medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rods with a fast action are commonly used. Monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided lines can be used, depending on the situation.

  9. Structure and Cover: Crankbaits are effective around underwater structures and cover like rocks, submerged trees, and weed beds, as bass tend to hide and ambush prey in such areas.

  10. Trial and Error: Successful crankbait fishing often involves experimentation with different colors, sizes, and diving depths to find what works best in a particular fishing location and conditions.

Crankbaits are versatile lures that can be used in various bass fishing scenarios, making them a valuable addition to any angler's tackle box.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best crankbait for basses on the market
  

Bomber Lures Fat Free Shad Crankbait Bass Fishing Lure

Pradco Outdoor Brands

Based on 277 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Bomber Fat Free Guppy is a fish-catching crankbait made for medium to shallow waters. Similar to the Fat Free Fingerling, however the Guppy runs in the 4 to 6 foot zone.

  • Second smallest Member of the fat free family of crankbaits
  • Weighs in at 3/8 oz
  • Features #6 Treble hooks
  • Cranking depth of 4-6 feet

User questions & answers

Question: What are the dimensions of this item
Answer: Hello, These are 3 inches long with the bill not measured. They are also 3/4 oz with #2 hooks. Thanks,
Question: Are these flat sided
Answer: No
Question: Do you have lighted in the water
Answer: No
Question: How deep do the bomber deep fat free shad crank baits run
Answer: Hello, These crank 12- 16 feet deep. Thank you,

Norman Lures Deep Little N Crankbait Bass Fishing Lure, 9-12 Foot Depth

Norman

Based on 119 reviews Check latest price
  • Classic medium diver lure
  • Hits the 9-12 foot sweet spot quickly
  • Various color to target fish in different conditions
  • Deep Little N has posted wins in the biggest tournaments in the nation - including a Bassmaster Classic
  • Dimensions: 2 1/2 inches long, 3/8 ounces, #4 treble hook size

User questions & answers

Question: States cranking depth 9-12 feet and yet dives 12-14 feet. May I ask which it is? Thanks
Answer: Verizon may not work. We recommend T-Mobile or SpeedTalk SIM card
Question: What is the best color for Muskie
Answer: I really don't know, because my daughter is 12 and she's 5'1" now. I am very sorry that I couldn't help you.
Question: Best color for Tuna
Answer: They are actual rips in the jeans you can see the skin through the hole very cute and stretchy and the material is relaxed and not stiff at all I was very pleased with them since my kid was begging for a pair and I couldn't find the right style until I found these
Question: What is the length of this lure
Answer: Yes they are.

Bandit Series 300 Crankbait Bass Fishing Lures, Dives to 12-feet Deep, 2 Inches, 1/4 Ounce

Bandit

Based on 238 reviews Check latest price
  • Molded in lip that runs true every time
  • Butyrate body with lead weights for a dull "thud" sound
  • Deep running
  • Dive Depth is 8 to 12 Feet
  • Length is 2 Inch
  • Weight is 3/8 Ounce

User questions & answers

Question: It says this bait is 2 inches long. Is that measurement wit or without the length of the bill
Answer: Hi Amanda. The Twinkle Tummies play 4 original songs created by our designers and does not offer twinkle twinkle little star. Thank you.
Question: is this price for 1 crank bait
Answer: Hello. The Twinkle Tummies plays 4 original songs. Thank you

Band-It Crankbait Series 100 200 & 300 Bass Fishing Lures, Tennessee Shad, Series 100 (Dives to 5') (BDT102)

Band-It

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The 100 Series Bandit crankbaits run down to almost 5 feet. They feature a square lip that resists snags and gives it an enticing, panicky swimming action on the retrieve. It’s perfect for almost every skinny water application.

  • Molded in lip that runs true every time
  • Butyrate body with lead weights for a dull "thud" sound
  • Right size, action and colors to catch bass anywhere
  • Sport type: Outdoor Lifestyle
  • Dive Depth is 2 to 5 Feet
  • Length is 2 Inch
  • Weight is 1/4 Ounce

Bandit Rack-It Square-Bill Crankbait Bass Fishing Lure with Unique Sound, Dives 4-5 Feet Deep, 2 3/4 Inches, 5/8 Ounce

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • Bass can hear the difference with the Bandit Rack-It
  • Butyrate body emits a unique sound compared to all the other plastic crankbaits in the water today for more srikes
  • Square bill crankbait dives 4-5 feet deep and is perfect for using around rocks or wood due to the high-deflection rate
  • Molded-in and shaved bill also increases the hunting action to a new aggressive level
  • Length: 2 inches; Weight: 5/8 ounce; Hooks: #4 treble

Karin Beckett 5pcs Fishing Bass Lure 7 Segment Multi Jointed Artificial Bait Lifelike Trout Swimbait Treble Crankbait Hooks Hard Fish 10cm/3.93inch

Karin Beckett

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hook: #6

Length: Approx. 10cm / 3.93in

Weight: Approx. 15.5g / 0.54oz

Material: ABS

Designed with 7 segmented body sections, S-Shaped swim-baits with lifelike appearance, are the latest innovative fishing lures which make fishing so easy. They will mimic a real fish to tempt fishes, regardless of being fished fast or slow, shallow or deep.

Constructed with a tough ABS plastic body that is supported by super strong mesh woven fabric to ensure the durability, the separate sections are puncture and tear resistant while still being flexible enough to create the action of a real swimming fish.

3D REALISTIC LOOKING

3D realistic looking eyes & multi jointed body make it wiggles like a real fish would swim.

Metal material inside which has a great effect of gravity.

Treble Hooks - 2 super sharp rust-proof hooks, stable and durable.

STREAMLINED BODY DESIGN

Streamlined Design reduces wind resistance during throwing.

Different colors and patterns to match any fishing environment.

Notes

1. Keep it away from children.

2. Be careful when you outdoor fishing, also be careful when you use the hook, it is very sharp!

  • Bionic 3.93inch/10cm 7-segment fishing lure,with 2 treble hooks, S-swim motion at any speed.
  • Swims like a real fish-The Bionic bait lures are special for fishes 3D eyes ,Make fish think the lure is a real fish then you catch them easier.
  • Artificial Bait - 3D printing body ,Reusable & environment protective swimbait.
  • Strong loading-Using strong fabric to joint the fish, pulling force up to 17kg, can eaily catch any big fish.
  • Widely targeting at predator fishes such as bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, etc. Suitable for seawater and freshwater, wonderful bait for anglers.

User questions & answers

Question: can these be used in both fresh water and salt water
Answer: No, they are a solid form.
Question: How deep do they swim
Answer: Hi. No, this toy is not machine washable, due to the plastic center piece and electronics. Please surface wash only. Thank you
Question: Is it for all
Answer: Hi dbrown22. The B. Twinkle Tummies cat plays 4 unique and original songs created by our in house design teams. Thank you.

Bomber Model 6A Medium Diving Crankbait

Bomber

Based on 49 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Bomber Model 6A is a 2 1/8 inch, 3/8 ounce shallow diving crankbait. This is an excellent multi-species lure with great floating action and a tight wiggle that has been a staple among avid anglers for years, and continues to get the job done. It's timeless design, durability, true-running dependability, and pure fish-catching abilities define the meaning of "go-to lure." An affordable workhorse, the Model 6A dives 6 to 8 feet, is rigged with size 6 trebles, and is available in 12 colors.

  • Tough construction and quality hooks and hardware mean that you can take it out of the box and immediately begin catching fish
  • It features a rattle to create fish-attracting sound and a realistic searching action on the retrieve
  • Runs straight and true right out of the box
  • Equally effective cast or trolled
  • Catches bass, walleyes and other gamefish; No. 1 crankbait for year-round fishing

User questions & answers

Question: Is this good for fresh water bass
Answer: No

Rebel Super Teeny Wee-R Lure

Rebel Lures

Based on 80 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Rebel Super Teeny Wee-R crankbait has the soul of a Wee-R in a tiny 1/8 oz body. Bass Anglers use this bait to locate fish around rocks, stumps and submerged timber.

  • Rebel Lures "A Standard of Excellence" for every Fishing Occasion
  • Can be waked just under the surface or cranked up to 3-feet deep to catch fish in steams, ponds or even big lakes
  • Features a fat baitfish profile and a wiggling action on the retrieve that bass, panfish and other gamefish can’t resist
  • Has the soul of a Wee-R in a tiny 1/8 ounce body, which allows easy use around rocks, stumps, and submerged timber.
  • Dimenssions: 1 1/2 inches, 1/8 ounces, #10 hook size, 1'-3' cranking depth
  • Sport type: Boating

User questions & answers

Question: how long is it
Answer: Amazon sellers are higher because they have selling fees to pay on Amazon. It is not their website or store and the profits dont look like it but are very low to the seller after all the fees. Walk in stores sell at regular retail just like my regular store does.

Strike King Square Bill Crankbait

Strike King Lures

Based on 512 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lew's HCKVDS2.5-535 KVD Square Bill 2.5 / Black Back Chartreuse

  • Package length: 11.43 cm
  • Package width: 3.81 cm
  • Package height: 2.54 cm
  • Product Type: FISHING EQUIPMENT

User questions & answers

Question: does the green pumping craw color have a purple tint to the top
Answer: There is no hole just put the hook through the body exiting out opposite end of head. Crappies like them.
Question: Can you use these in saltwater applications? I'm just getting into fishing, so, sorry if this is a stupid question
Answer: Says 15 on the package? Imma go with 15...
Question: can i use it on surf casting ? if not what is the advice
Answer: 15 per pack
Question: whats the best color
Answer: There is 15 in bag

Product features

KVD Crankbaits

Squarebill Crankbait

Designed to the exact specifications of angling legend Kevin VanDam. Perfect for shallow water and power fishing. The squarebill design and unique "hunting" action will constantly "wander" with erratic movement, while still running true. It also deflects perfectly off cover to entice strikes. The KVD series of baits are designed with no internal rattles for a "silent" approach.

Flat Side Crankbait

The KVD 1.5 Flat Side crankbait has a slender modified flat side for erratic thumping action with a body size similar to the KVD 1.5 Squarebill.

A squarebill is something I've always got tied on." - Kevin VanDam

With KVD's help, we designed crankbaits that have:

  • Chip-resistant finishes
  • 3D "look-alive" eyes
  • Erratic action

A KVD crankbait is versatile, efficient, and it just flat catches them.

Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait

Strike King

Based on 454 reviews Check latest price
  • kvd shallow square bill 1.5 / natural shad
  • Sport type: Fishing

User questions & answers

Question: Does 2.5 inches in length include the bill
Answer: Yes all of the crankbaits come with a bill. If they didn’t it would be a lipless.
Question: What size are the Gamakatsu Treble hooks
Answer: 4
Question: What are the dementions
Answer: It's about 2 1/2 inches with a tight wobble. Great around the bank shallow off wood or rocks you can even rip it through the edge of the grass line but don't be afraid to throw in open water I caught a 6 1/2 this past December throwing straight out from the bank
Question: Why is fishing tackle so over priced on amazon....? These are like 5-7$ on TackleWarehouse with 2 day shipping for
Answer: Then buy it there?

Product features

KVD Crankbaits

Squarebill Crankbait

Designed to the exact specifications of angling legend Kevin VanDam. Perfect for shallow water and power fishing. The squarebill design and unique "hunting" action will constantly "wander" with erratic movement, while still running true. It also deflects perfectly off cover to entice strikes. The KVD series of baits are designed with no internal rattles for a "silent" approach.

Flat Side Crankbait

The KVD 1.5 Flat Side crankbait has a slender modified flat side for erratic thumping action with a body size similar to the KVD 1.5 Squarebill.

A squarebill is something I've always got tied on." - Kevin VanDam

With KVD's help, we designed crankbaits that have:

  • Chip-resistant finishes
  • 3D "look-alive" eyes
  • Erratic action

A KVD crankbait is versatile, efficient, and it just flat catches them.

Rapala Rattlin 05 Fishing Lures

Rapala

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Great action at slow to very fast retrieve rates.
  • Sinking
  • Long-Casting
  • Balanced Design
  • Special "tuned" sound chamber is loaded with rattlin' BBs

User questions & answers

Question: Some ratting lures have gotten way too loud in my opinion. You can hear them coming 30 ft away. How loud is this one
Answer: not sure how to answer this ,, but best I can do is to say it catch's bass and have gotten a few small Northern pike in the 18-22 inch range
Question: hello
Answer: The actual size of the body itself is 2 1/2 inches. Here's the insane (WTF) response i got from Rapala about this: Thanks for the images and your patience. Everything is as it should be. The 05 size has always been larger than what is listed on the box. It actually measures 6cm/ 2 ½’. There are a lot of older Rapala lures like that.. for example size 9 jigging rap is actually 8cm. I we don’t wish to change anything on these old lures as it will create more harm than good. People who know a size 5 RNR would be confused if we started calling at a size 6.
Question: let me know the weight & size of Rapala Rattlin 05 Fishing Lures
Answer: 2.5 inches but the box says 2 inches.
Question: How many do you get
Answer: the last time i bought them i bought4 in the bluegill color thats all they had i lost thee on big fish that end up snapping my line

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