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

Jerkbait Fishing For Bass: Full Seminar! (Beginner To Advanced)

Stop making these jerkbait mistakes! Catch more bass this Fall with these key jerkbait tips! Jerkbait fishing is one of the best techniques you can learn for bass fishing. Its ability to trigger a feed response in a bass puts it in a category by itself. Today, Matt is covering the basics of jerkbait fishing for beginners, then taking a deep dive into bait concepts, actions, colors, and more! You don't want to miss this!

Matt starts out discussing the biggest jerkbait mistakes that anglers make, then covers key conditions that you’ll face on the water, and how he adapts the baits to catch fish in those conditions. From bait size, to lure color, we've never shared jerk bait information like this before!

Below we've listed our favorite baits by category and style. We've included our favorite colors for each (subtle and bold) and also included our favorite rod and reel combos for the presentation. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE TWO…

•Megabass Vision 110 (Matte Shad): https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr (Kasumi Ito): https://bit.ly/2LnK389

MID FALL JERKBAITS (FULL SIZE)…

•Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Natural: ST Chiayu, Ghost Ayu

Bold: Chart Silver, Clown

•Duo Realis 100 SP: https://bit.ly/45LDkf7

Natural: Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

Bold: AM Dawn, AM Edge

•Rapala Mavrik 110: https://bit.ly/3EEo6Kt

Natural: Ghost Minnow, Matte Shad

Bold: Hot Blue Frost, Ozark Delight

MID FALL JERKBAITS (SMALLER)…

•Jackall Rerange 95: https://bit.ly/3JCi7f6

Natural: Ghost Wakasagi, Blue Pearl Shad

Bold: Secret Shad 2, Matte Pearl White

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

Natural: Pink Smelt, ST Chiayu, S Hasu

Bold: ST Purple, Clown, OZ Shad

MEGABASS VISION 110 JERKBAITS…

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

•Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

MEGABASS VISION 110 JR JERKBAITS…

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Megabass Natural Colors: Pro Blue, Matte Shad, Tennessee Shad, Kasumi Ito

Megabass Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Wakin React, Kohoku Reaction, French Pearl

BAIT FINESSE BAITS...

•Megabass X80 Jr BFS: https://bit.ly/3KFaLoz

Color: ITO Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone

•Duo Realis Rozante 63 SP: https://bit.ly/3EFMLOY

Color: All Bait, Komoche Wakasagi

•Duo Realis Rozante 57MR: https://bit.ly/3YurtNa

Color: Ghost Minnow, Ghost Wakasagi

OVERSIZE JERKBAITS...

•Megabass ONETEN Max LBO: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y

Natural: Mat Shad, PM Ghost Ayu

Bold: Elegy Bone, Sexy French Pearl

•Duo Realis 120 SP: https://bit.ly/3VuR4ot

Natural: Ghost Wakasagi, Ghost Minnow

Bold: AM Edge, Citrus Shiner

MEGABASS VISION 110 HOOK UPGRADES...

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

110 Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

110 Junior Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp

SHIMANO JERKBAIT HOOK UPGRADES...

World Minnow– Hayabusa TBL930 NRB (Size 5): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Zumverno 95 SP – Hayabusa TBL930 NRB (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

DUO REALIS HOOK UPGRADES…

100 SP– Duo Realis Nano Treble (Size 6): https://bit.ly/4637glA

120 SP– Duo Realis Nano Treble (Size 5): https://bit.ly/4637glA

BUDGET COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

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

EXPRIDE COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

G LOOMIS COMBO…

Rod– G Loomis GLX 822 JBR: https://bit.ly/4mKAf4S

Reel– Shimano DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Seaguar Tatsu (10 lb): https://bit.ly/4lN1MBm

MATT’S MEGABASS COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Oneten Stick Evolution

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Seaguar Tatsu (10 lb): https://bit.ly/4lN1MBm

BFS COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

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

Tim's Tricks For Fishing In The Wind! (While Fishing A New Lake)

Fall fishing is awesome, even when the conditions are tough! Come along for a windy day on a brand new lake. Tim is out exploring a new lake, and it doesn't take him long to find a great pattern, despite the wild weather. From dropshot to shaky head, to jerkbait... he dials in a pattern quickly and catches a ton of fish!

We all dream about beautiful Fall days, but what about when rough weather rolls across the lake on your day off? When the going gets tough, the angler that adapts quickly will see success. Tim was faced with especially difficult conditions because he has no history to lean on with this lake. Despite the challenges, he dialed in a great jerkbait bite and caught a bunch of bass!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Tim used throughout the day. We've included the exact baits colors, as well as the rod and reel combos he used to fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE WORMS..

•MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: Alabama Bream

•Big Bite NekoRama Worm: https://bit.ly/48LN6Qr

Color: Matte Green Pumpkin

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

•VMC Redline Wide Gap Hook: https://bit.ly/3m3dn6G

Size: 3/0

TOPWATER...

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

Color: Full Metal

JERKBAITS...

•Shimano World Diver: https://bit.ly/3o1BwrR

Color: Ghost Ayu

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

Color: S Hasu

SOFT PLASTIC STORAGE BAG...

•Buzbe Quik Qube Breeze: https://bit.ly/43ILiTG

Size: Medium Deep

POWER SHOT COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

SHAKY HEAD COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 803C JWR: https://bit.ly/4eTKfF2

Model: 6'8" Medium Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Sunline SX–1 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–LTX: https://bit.ly/40ltb6s

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

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

Early Fall Jerkbait Tricks For Bass! **Underwater Footage**

Jerkbait time has arrived! The early Fall transition is here, and bass are focusing on baitfish again! Jerkbaits are a great way to trigger these bass into biting. If you've ever wanted to experience a wide open jerk bait bite like you've heard other anglers talk about, these are the tricks you need to know!

When it comes to jerkbaits, subtle differences are key. Each bait is unique, and understanding their differences will set you up for success on the water. With a few key baits, in key colors, you can become an avid jerkbait fisherman overnight!

Below you'll find links to the baits and equipment Matt discussed in the video. We've included our best "Natural" colors, as well as our best "Bold" colors for each bait. 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...

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

Color: Mat Shad

MEGABASS JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110 Shallow Runner: https://bit.ly/3VkJBrU

Natural: Kasumi Ito, HT-ITO Tennessee Shad

Bold: Ito Kinari, Elegy Bone 2

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

Natural: Mat Shad, Killer Kawaguchi,

Bold: Elegy Bone, Western Clown, Mat Skeleton Shad

•Megabass Vision 110+1: https://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Natural: Mat Shad, GP Pro Blue

Bold: Elegy Bone, French Pearl, GP Skeleton Shad

•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Natural: Mat Shad, Kasumi Ito

Bold: Mat Pro Blue Chart, MG Western Clown

•Megabass X Nanahan +2: https://bit.ly/48fHMSj

Natural: LZ Satoshin Chiayu, Kasumi Ito

Bold: Elegy Bone, French Pearl

AGGRESSIVE JERKBAITS...

•Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Natural: Ghost Ayu, Pink Smelt, S Hasu

Bold: Clown, Chart Silver, Chart Head

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

Natural: Pink Smelt, ST Chiayu, S Hasu

Bold: ST Purple, Clown, OZ Shad

•Jackall Rerange 95: https://bit.ly/3JCi7f6

Natural: Ghost Wakasagi, Blue Pearl Shad

Bold: Secret Shad 2, Matte Pearl White

BFS JERKBAITS...

•Megabass X80 Jr BFS: https://bit.ly/3KFaLoz

Natural: GP Invisible Wakasagi, ITO Tennessee Shad

Bold: Elegy Bone, Hachiro Reaction

•Duo Realis Rozante 63 SP: https://bit.ly/3EFMLOY

Natural: Ghost Minnow, All Bait

Bold: Neo Pearl

MEGABASS VISION 110 HOOK UPGRADES...

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

110 Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

110 Junior Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp

JERKBAIT STORAGE BOX...

•Plano EDGE Professional 3700 Thin: https://bit.ly/2VX5eAL

SHIMANO JERKBAIT HOOK UPGRADES...

World Minnow– Hayabusa TBL930 NRB (Size 5): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Zumverno 95 SP – Hayabusa TBL930 Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

EXPRIDE JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

MEGABASS P5 COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Oneten Stick

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

MEGABASS EVOLUZION COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Oneten Stick Evolution

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Seaguar Tatsu (10 lb): https://bit.ly/4lN1MBm

BFS JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

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