2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Hardbaits For Bass Fishing (Crankbait, Topwater, Jerkbait, and More!)

Today's Buyer's Guide is all about hard baits! We're covering the best topwater, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and more! We're covering all the major categories and showing you our favorite baits! No matter what you face on the water, you can fish confidently, knowing exactly what we'd throw in your situation this year!

Whether you're looking to dial in a technique, or you just want to fish with more confidence, these recommendations will save you a lot of time and money. These are our favorite baits from each major category we use, so you don't have to second guess your choices when you're out fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as any specific components you need to fish them properly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WALKING BAITS...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Bone Python, Juvy Gill, Ito Tennessee Shad

•Evergreen Showerblows SB105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Full Metal

•Heddon Super Spook: https://bit.ly/2diThgH

Color: Okie Shad

POPPERS...

•Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Mat Shad, Gill

•Lobina Rico: https://bit.ly/2RGNx4x

Colors: Absolute, Tennessee Shad

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Shadow Boxer, Holo Ghost Shad

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

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

Colors: Blood Craw, Fire Craw, Matte Shad

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

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Crawdad, Bruised Citrus Shad

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

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Delta Red

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: DD Minnow, Metallic Shad, True Shad

•Rapala DT 16: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Color: Live River Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

•Strike King 6XD: https://bit.ly/2ery44M

Color: Sexy Shad, Gizzard Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max Series: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Sizes: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Red Craw, Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin

•Jackall TN Series: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Size: TN70 (3/4 oz), TN60 (1/2 oz)

Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Crawfish

•Bill Lewis Rat L Trap (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Rayburn Red Craw, Silver Shad, Diamond Dust

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Shad, Elegy Bone, Ito Tennessee Shad

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Clown, Macchiato

•Duo Realis Raz 105 SP: https://bit.ly/4foltw8

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

SPOONS...

•Nichols Blade Runner Duh Spoon: https://bit.ly/4cSEVki

Size: 3/4 – 1 3/4 oz

Colors: Morning Dawn UV, Sierra UV, Shattered Glass Silver

•Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: https://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Colors: Shattered Glass Silver, Purple Threadfin

•War Eagle Jigging Spoon (7/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Colors: Nickel, Purple Shad

SPYBAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 80

Natural Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait

•Spro Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Cyber Purple

•Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Ito Hiau

•Silver Buddy (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Colors: Silver Plated

TAIL SPINS...

•Jackall Deracoup (1/2 – 3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Silver, Clear Shad, Dera Shad

•Damiki Axe Blade (3/4 – 1 oz): https://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Holo Real Shad

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

•Best Budget Baller Combos– https://youtu.be/sTtrvJ6xPYE

•Best "Affordable" Combos– https://youtu.be/HU5KG3rENDA

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/vie_pr69cdI

•Casting Reels– https://youtu.be/QLsdeEaVLJg

•Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/nVS6r2V1LvM

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

Speed Cranking For Bass: Everything You Need to Know! (Fall And Winter Crankbait Fishing)

Today we're diving into the world of "Speed Cranking" with deep diving crankbaits for Fall and Winter bass! We're covering everything from beginner basics, up to the most advanced details of color, cadence, and fish location. If you want to take your crankbait fishing to the next level, this video is for you!

Speed cranking involves specialized crankbaits designed to be fished at high rates of speed, to trigger a feed response in bass. It works from September through February, even in the coldest water temperatures. You no longer have to slow fish with finesse baits in Fall and Winter, it's time to power fish your way to a new personal best!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite models, best colors, as well as hook and hardware upgrades. Additionally we've included links to the rod and reel combos discussed in the video, and any other relevant information. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE MAIN BAITS...

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

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Mat Shad

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

Colors: Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow, Ghost Minnow

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

Colors: Mat Shad, MB Gizzard, PM Kisyu Ayu

ADDITIONAL BAITS...

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Natural Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Live River Shad

•Rapala DT 10: https://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Natural Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Live River Shad

•Spro Rk Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Phantom Green, Ozark Craw, Phantom Watermelon

•Megabass Super Z–3: https://bit.ly/3HDg7wc

Colors: Mat Shad, Phantom Green Craw

HOOK AND SPLIT RING UPGRADES...

•Owner Hyperwire Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2 and 3

•Owner ST–35 Treble: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size 2: Tactical Crank, Deep Six, DT 16

Size 4: Deep X 300, DT 10

•Gamakatsu EWG Treble: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Size: 6, 4, 2

HIGH END CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX PRO 906 CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M (XG): https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

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

MID PRICED CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tourn 7'2" Med Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: Finesse Carbon Cranker

Reel– Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

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

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'3" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

Stop Sleeping on Lipless Crankbaits — Fall’s Best Bait Explained!

This is the most versatile bait for Fall bass fishing! Lipless crankbaits catch great numbers of fish and they catch giant bass too! They can be fished multiple ways, both up in the water column and down on the bottom. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and sounds. With so many variables, where do you even start?!

The lipless is one of our favorite bass fishing techniques! While it is effective year round, it shines in the Fall! 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'll help you understand how to utilize both methods to catch more fish.

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.

KEY BAITS...

•Jackall TN 70: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: SG Threadfin, SS Shad, Super Shad

•Bill Lewis Rat–L–Trap (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Bleeding Shiner Chrome, Cali Craw, Ghost Minnow

•Bill Lewis Hammer Trap (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3Uk0Ri1

Colors: Green Gizzard, Silverado, Firecraw

•Nomad Swimtrex Max: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Sexy Shad, Chartreuse Threadfin Shad

•Lucky Craft LV 500: https://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

HOOK/SPLIT RING UPGRADES... (Sizes: 4 – 6)

–Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

–Owner ST–36: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

–Owner ST–56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

–Owner STX–45: http://bit.ly/2FNnZwR

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

Size: 3

G LOOMIS LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

ST. CROIX LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament Carbon Cranker: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick 7' MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/47alYsM

Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Line– Seaguar Red Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

Shallow Crankbait Tricks For Fall Bass Fishing!

Crankbait Fishing? These are the tips no one is talking about! Today we're taking a deep dive into the world of shallow crankbaits! Come along as Tim 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! From flat sides, to round bodies, to different bill shapes, this video covers everything you need to know about shallow crankbaits. Different baits shine in different shallow water situations, and Tim is laying it all out in this quick tutorial!

Below you'll find links to all the baits Tim discussed in the video. We've also included some of our favorite rods for fishing crankbaits effectively. 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...

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

Colors: Green Gizzard, Tennessee Shad

CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Laundry Matte, Old School Shad

•Nomad Atlas 55: https://bit.ly/3UOkjU5

Color: Tennessee Shad, Threadfin Shad

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

Color: Threadfin Flash, Mossy Shad

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

Color: Honey Shad, Matte Shad

•Spro Little John 50 Type R: https://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Color: Copper Shad, Nasty Shad

•Rapala DT 4: https://bit.ly/3EFGd2J

Color: Lemon Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

SPLIT RING UPGRADES...

•Owner Hyperwire Split Rings: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

TREBLE HOOK UPGRADES...

•Owner ST–35 Trebles: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

•Owner ST–36 1X Trebles: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

•Owner ST–56 Trebles: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

•Gamakatsu EWG Treble: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

•BKK Spear EWG 71 Treble: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

TIM'S CRANKBAIT STORAGE BOX...

•Plano Edge 3700 Deep: https://bit.ly/3dbdbby

TIM'S SQUAREBILL COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis 845 CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Model: 7' Medium Heavy

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar InvizX (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

MATT'S SQUAREBILL COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

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

BUDGET SQUAREBILL COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'3" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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