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

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

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS - Everything You Need To Know About Fishing A Trap! (Beginner To Advanced)

Lipless Cranks are awesome! These crankbaits (traps) catch great numbers of fish and they catch giant bass too! They can be hopped, ripped, or steady retrieved in open water, around cover, or right on the bottom. With so many variables, where do you even start?! We're here to help...

The lipless is one of our favorite bass fishing techniques. It shines in the Fall, and again in Spring, but can catch fish any time of year. 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're explaining why.

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.

HEAVY BAITS...

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

Colors: SG Threadfin, SS Shad, Super Shad

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Sexy Shad, Chartreuse Threadfin Shad

BURNING BAITS...

•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

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault (1/4 – 3/4 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 Hiuo, Setsuki Ayu

HOOK/SPLIT RING UPGRADES... (Sizes: 4 – 8)

-Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

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

-Owner STX-45: http://bit.ly/2FNnZwR

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

Size: 2 or 3

G LOOMIS LIPLESS COMBO...

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

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 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 (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET LIPLESS COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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

Crankbait Retrieves And Other Spring Bass Fishing Tricks!

Come along with Matt for an evening of Spring Bass Fishing! The Tennessee River is a vast fishery, and with only a few hours to catch fish, Matt employs the "pattern method" to locate active fish. Watch he checks likely locations, quickly adapts, and puts a pile of fish in the boat!

This video highlights the benefits of using reaction baits in Spring. Matt employs baits like a Lipless Crankbait, a Squarebill Crankbait, and an Alabama Rig, to quickly locate fish. Once he's found them, he cycles through baits to keep them biting. This fishing method works everywhere, and is one of the best ways to quickly break down water and locate fish.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the evening. We've also included the exact colors, hook upgrades, and the rod and reel combos Matt used to consistently land the fish that bit. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: SS Shad

Hook Upgrade: Gamakatsu EWG (Size 4): https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Color: Threadfin Shad

Hook Upgrade: Owner ST-35 (Size 6): https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT...

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

Color: Red Glitter Craw

GLIDE BAIT...

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Color: Threadfintastic

MICRO RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•ZMan Trout Eye Finesse Heads (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

•Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: American Shad

•Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Color: Gizzard Shad

LIPLESS COMBO #1...

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

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

LIPLESS COMBO #2...

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

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

SQUAREBILL COMBO...

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

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

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

MICRO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Premier: https://bit.ly/4e8LPCc

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

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/48EP2Hz

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