Early spring brings a lot of challenges. Between the unstable weather and water color you have enough to worry about without trying to figure out lure color. If you're looking for a reaction bite, start with red or orange. If the water is leaning toward the clear side, the ghost reds will be best and if its leaning to the muddy side, the day glow oranges are the best bet. The only exception is the orange-accented chartreuse/white spinnerbait. That bait almost defies logic but its wise to keep one close at hand in the early Spring.
Below is a break down of the baits by style, model, and color. They're in no particular order though we tended to list our favorites first.
Squarebill/Shallow Crankbaits...
-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo
This squarebill is mid-sized, has a deep knocking sound and is a proven fish catcher. Comes with size 2 trebles. Recommended colors- Cold Blooded, Delta Craw
-Spro Little John: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt
This bait features an extremely tight action. It excels as a fast-burning shallow cover bait. Comes stock with small hooks that should be replaced with appropriate size 4's. Recommended colors- Blood Craw, Western Craw
-Luhr Jensen Speed Trap: http://bit.ly/2fyC098
This bait features a mid-wobble and high-pitched sound. It excels around grass and other cover where it can be ripped or banged along. Size 4 trebles. Recommended color- Crystal Crawdad, Orange Crawfish
-Strike King 4.0: http://bit.ly/2dzeCUk
This is an oversized squarebill. Perfect for banging through shallow cover and targeting larger fish. Upgrade to stronger size 1 trebles. Recommended colors- Chili Craw, Delta Red.
Mid and Deep Diving Crankbaits...
-Strike King 3XD: http://bit.ly/2oSMj8s
This miniaturized "XD" bait is everything you'd expect. hard pulling, great rattle, and excellent cover deflection in a small package. Recommend upgrading to size 4 short shank trebles. Recommended Colors- Chili Craw, Delta Red
-Spro RockCrawler: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t
This crank is a hard pulling bait in a smaller package. Think "finesse cranking" but be prepared for big bites! Great hooks but replace with size 4 short shanks when the time comes. Recommended colors- Red Bug, Red Crawfish.
-Lucky Craft Classical Leader: http://bit.ly/2zKkhlV
This tight running bait is great at deflecting and fast movements. Comes equipped with thin size 6 trebles that should be upgraded. Recommended Colors- Craw
-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP
This tight action crankbait shines in the early spring. When you need to reach deeper but maintain a refined look, this is the bait. Size 2 hooks can be upgraded to stronger options. Recommended colors- Fire Craw, Stealth Craw.
Lipless Crankbaits...
-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd
This bait has a tight action, loud rattle, and fast sink rate. Upgrade stock hooks with size 4's. Recommended Colors- Aurora Craw, Spring Craw, Wakin.
-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210
This high-pitched, slow sinking bait excels around grass. Upgraded size 4 hooks are a must! Recommended colors- Rayburn Red, Royal Red.
-Jackall TN -70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh
This is a very refined bait with great action, sound, and profile. Upgrading hooks to size 4 is wise. Recommended colors- Crawfish, RT Escape Craw.
-Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT
This is a great all-around/ Do-everything bait. Rip grass, burn open water, or slow roll deep. Size 4 hooks for 1/2 oz or size 2 hooks for 3/4 oz. Recommended Colors- Royal Red, Delta Red.
Spinnerbaits...
-River2Sea 1/2 oz Bling Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/2diSwqq
The Bling is a light wire spinnerbait great for covering water. Recommended colors- Cold Blooded.
-Revenge Double Willow: http://bit.ly/2bwYnaP
Another amazing spinnerbait. Great hook, great components, very refined. Recommended colors- Habanero, Orange Crush.
-Blade Runner Double Willow: http://bit.ly/2ShreWf
This bait is designed with heavy components for big fish. Recommended colors- Delta Craw
-Bling w/ Colorado and Indiana Blades: http://bit.ly/2t5jecE
This is the bait with a small orange Colorado blade. Give it a try and you might be surprised! Recommended colors: Lemonade Twist.
Chatterbaits...
-Evergreen JackHammer: http://bit.ly/2popvj6
The most refined chatterbait on the market! Perfect balance and excellent start up speed. Recommended colors- Hite's Hot Craw
-Picasso Tungsten Shock Blade: http://bit.ly/2Tt2tne
This shock blade has been a deadly bait for years. The addition of the tungsten offering takes it to a different level in a smaller package. Recommended colors- Dark Red Craw RT.
Crankbait Hooks/Split Ring Upgrades...
-Direct Replacement- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2DCOlmV
-Short Shank Replacement- Owner ST-35: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj
-Strong Replacement- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW
-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings Size 3: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
