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

How To Catch Shallow Bass Right Now! (Shad Spawn Fishing)

Its time! The bass are shallow and you can catch them! There is a short window in Spring when shad are spawning and bass are aggressively chasing them, don't miss it! Come along for a crazy morning on the water as Matt takes full advantage of the shad spawn bite!

The shad spawn is an open door for bass fishermen to have a great morning on the water. Forget the post-spawn blues, get up early, and catch a bunch of fish! The key to this pattern is fast moving baits with flash, combined with likely locations for a spawn. At first light the shad will be spawning along shallow banks, grass, even docks, and the bass will be ready to ambush them!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt used in the video. We've also included his exact rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

RELATED VIDEO...

•Adam Hinkle Breaks Down The Shad Spawn: https://youtu.be/3HOLCoUM-RA

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Elite Evo Mini Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

Colors: Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Electric Shad

POPPER...

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

Color: Holo Ghost Shad

WALKING BAIT...

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

Color: Megabass Sexy Shad

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

SPINNERBAIT...

•War Eagle Screamin Eagle (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Color: Mouse

•Gamakatsu Spinnerbait Trailer: https://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

Size: 2/0

POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: DRX 723 C

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 853C MBR

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

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

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

UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2KS92gK

Model: 722

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000 (HG): https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (16 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6'9" Medium: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

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

Popper Fishing Tricks! Catch More Bass With This Overlooked Topwater!

Don't overlook this topwater This Spring! Everyone owns a popper, but very few fishermen understand how to use them in different conditions. Today we're taking a deep dive into the world of topwater poppers! We're covering bait styles, actions, retrieves, and colors. Let's go!

When Matt pulls out a dedicated box of baits, you know it's going to be good! Today he's cracked open his popper box and pours out knowledge on a seemingly simple subject. Did you know you could work a popper so many different ways? Did you know the difference in rattle types and how they impact sound? It's time to take your popper fishing to the next level!

Below you'll find links to all the baits in Matt's box, in the order he discussed them. We've included our favorite colors for each bait, as well as some of the rod and reel combos we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CHUGGING BAITS...

•Storm Rattling Chug Bug: https://bit.ly/3JYOZsV

Colors: Pure Chrome, Shad

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

Colors: Holo Ghost Shad, Shadow Boxer, Natural Shad

POPPERS...

•Damiki D Pop 70: https://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

Colors: Black Holo, Phantom, Spayu

•Splash It: https://bit.ly/2Fp8MQV

Colors: Assassin Shad, Clown, Killer Shad

•Yellow Magic: https://bit.ly/2al0dKP

Colors: Alewife, Smoke Shad

•Lobina Rico: https://bit.ly/2RGNx4x

Colors: Absolute, Risque

•Duo Realis Popper 64: https://bit.ly/4a1hoMQ

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow

•R2S Bubble Walker 80: https://bit.ly/2e0PZOY

Colors: Abalone Shad, Ghost Minnow

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

Colors: Mat Shad, Gill, Secret Gill

•Megabass Pop X: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Colors: GG Deadly Black Shad, Gill, Mat Shad

•Cultiva Gobo Popper: https://bit.ly/3T91jMD

Colors: Black Pearl, Smoke

•Spro E Pop: https://bit.ly/3ziPaQh

Colors: Natural Herring, Chartreuse Silver

•Shimano World Pop 69F: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: N Smelt, T Smelt, Gill

BFS POPPERS...

•Damiki Umpa 40: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Mossy Shad, Ghost Minnow, Real Shad

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown

•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: Galaxy Smoke, MG Sexy Stream

HIGH END POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: DRX 723 C

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICED POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET POPPER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BFS POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B BFS: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Model: 6'8" Light

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

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

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

How To Catch Fish In ANY Conditions! (Crazy Spring Weather Won't Stop Us)

Come along as we explore a brand new lake! Matt is out on the road and has picked a new lake to fish. The conditions are brutal, with high winds and rain approaching, but that won’t stop him from fishing! Watch how he eliminates water, builds two unique patterns, and catches a bunch of fish!

Today was all about fishing the backwaters. Matt searched out backwater canals, ponds, flooded flats, and anywhere else he could find that was protected from the wind! He started the day off with the frog, and caught a bunch of quality fish. Once the conditions began to degrade, he had to resort to subsurface presentations to keep getting bites. Next time you’re on the water and the conditions aren’t ideal, just remember that you can adapt and overcome!

Below you’ll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We’ve included the exact colors, sizes, hook upgrades, as well as the specific rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

FROG…

•Spro Bronzeye 65 Frog: https://bit.ly/2sz9Qje

Color: Killer Gill

SWIM JIG…

•Dirty Jigs Swim Jig (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Color: Crappie

•Xzone 4.75” Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

SENKO…

Bait– Yamamoto 5” Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Gooseberry Laminate

Hook– Gamakatsu Superline EWG: https://bit.ly/3AmFDnK

Size: 3/0

Weight– Xzone Tungsten: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

Size: 1/4 oz

Peg– 6th Sense Peg X Stoppers: https://bit.ly/2bHjowk

POPPER…

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

Color: Secret Gill

FROG COMBO…

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'3" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

SENKO COMBO…

Rod– Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 7’4” Heavy: https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

Model: 744

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

SWIM JIG COMBO…

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7’4” Heavy: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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