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

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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

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BUYER'S GUIDE: CRANKBAIT FISHING (SHALLOW TO DEEP + RODS)

Today's Buyer's Guide is all about crankbaits! Crankbaits are a huge lure category but today we're breaking it down into a handful of baits. From cold water speed cranking baits, to lipless baits, to shallow square bills, we’re showing you our favorite crankbaits at all the major depth ranges!

You can stand in front of the crankbait wall at your local tackle shop and your head will spin as you try to figure out what to use. Or, you can simply watch this video and let us show you exactly how we’ve narrowed it down over the years. We’re eliminating all the guess work and showing you our favorite baits from each major category.

Below you'll find links to the exacts baits and gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, as well as the exact rods we throw them on. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

Buyer's Guide: $100 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/2eCEb3G3VE0

Buyer's Guide: $200 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/AcrTDhtaSQg

Buyer's Guide: $500 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/WAgpVnuE800

Buyer's Guide: $$ High End Combos $$– https://youtu.be/obxNp48IALo

Buyer's Guide: Alabama Rigs– https://youtu.be/wPm3izTumxk

Buyer's Guide: Strolling– https://youtu.be/EVnMJWMtZhE

Buyer's Guide: Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/Ua7pEd04ikw

Buyer's Guide: Casting Reels– https://youtu.be/auHdSCwYaI0

Buyer's Guide: Hard Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/LmlH3MGLnvY

Buyer's Guide: Soft Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/D0CCgJxMLZ0

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Shimano Macbeth Shallow: https://bit.ly/48m3ch1

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

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

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Megabass Super Z Z–1: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Mat Craw 2, Kasumi Ito

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

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive, Fire Craw

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Bill Lewis ATV 2.5: https://bit.ly/3UDHRdp

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

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

Colors: Bruised Citrus Shad, Red Crawdad

•Rapala OG Big Rocco: https://bit.ly/3Z10UBj

Colors: Bruised Citrus Shad, Red Crawdad

MID DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Spro Rock Crawler 55: https://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Red Crawfish, Phantom Green

•Rapala DT 10: https://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors: Citrus Shad, Live River Shad

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: True Shad, DD Minnow, Northern Special

•Nomad D–Trak 80: https://bit.ly/3MRvMxz

Colors: Natural Threadfin, Brown Craw

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

Colors: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Tora Zari

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis Rat–L–Trap: https://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Cali Craw, Ghost Minnow, Sexy Chrome

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

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Chartreuse Threadfin Shad

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

Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

Reel– Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

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

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

FAVORITE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

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

FAVORITE SQUAREBILL COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...

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

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These Crankbaits Keep Catching Fish From Summer To Fall!

This is crankbait time! Here's what you need to know! Tim is breaking down the best baits for Summer Bass Fishing, as well as the baits that will carry over into Fall. Bass love to ambush their prey, and these baits trigger that feed response, no matter how deep your fish are. From extra deep, to dirt shallow, these are the baits we count on when its HOT outside!

If you're not fishing crankbaits during Summer and early Fall, you're missing some of the easiest fish catches of the year. Bass are targeting baitfish from deep to shallow. Covering water with a crankbait is an easy way to catch them. Focus your attention on baitfish colors and bold reaction colors for the best success.

Below you'll find links to the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each lure, as well as some great rod and reel combos for fishing these lures 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...

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

Colors: Powder Blue Chart, Sexy Shad

EXTRA DEEP DIVERS...

•Strike King 10XD: https://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Colors: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Powder Blue Chartreuse

•Azuma Z Boss 22: https://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Hot Mess

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAIT...

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

Colors: Powder Blue Chart, Sexy Shad

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr