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

Why Metal Baits Crush Bass In The Fall (Spoons, Blades, & Tail Spins)

Heavy Metal Bass Fishing is awesome! Fall and Winter are prime time to fish a variety of metal baits. Blade Baits and tail spins were born out of necessity in the heart of Winter. Jigging spoons and flutter spoons have amazing fish catching abilities any time baitfish are around. If you're not putting these metal baits to work for you, you're leaving fish behind this Fall!

A lot of anglers misunderstand Metal baits. They look at these hunks of metal hanging on the pegs at their local tackle shop and can't believe bass would eat them. It's not until you see the action in the water that they'll begin to make sense. After the first few bites, you're shocked by the realization that fish can't resist these lures! Fall bass fishing with metal baits can be incredible! Now, not all baits are created equal and we definitely have a few favorites.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and hook upgrades for each. We've also included our favorite rod and reel combos for fishing these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

FLUTTER SPOON...

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

Colors: Shattered Glass Silver, Purple Threadfin

Stinger Treble Hook: Owner ST–36: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Size: 2

JIGGING SPOON...

•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

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

Colors: Nickel, Purple Shad

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault (1/4 – 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

HOOK UPGRADES FOR VAULT...

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

Sizes: 2 and 3 (3 on tail and head, 2 on belly)

Hooks For 1/2 oz– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

Hooks For 1/4 oz– Owner ST–36: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Size: 10

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

FLUTTER SPOON COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'6" MH: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

BLADE BAIT COMBO...

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

Model: Carbon Cranker

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

JIGGING SPOON COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zata Tact–Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Line– Seaguar InvizX (20 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

Fishing Metal Baits For Cold Water Bass (Spoons, Blade Baits, Tail Spins)

"Heavy Metal Bass Fishing" is even more fun than it sounds! Winter is prime time to fish a variety of metal baits. Blade Baits and tail spins were born out of necessity in the heart of Winter. Jigging spoons and flutter spoons have amazing fish catching abilities any time baitfish are around. If you're not putting these metal baits to work for you, you're leaving fish behind in the cold water months!

A lot of anglers misunderstand Metal baits. They look at these hunks of metal hanging on the pegs at their local tackle shop and can't believe bass would eat them. It's not until you see the action in the water that they'll begin to make sense. After the first few bites, you're shocked by the realization that fish can't resist these lures! Cold water bass fishing with metal baits can be incredible! Now, not all baits are created equal and we definitely have a few favorites.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and hook upgrades for each. We've also included our favorite rod and reel combos for fishing these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BLADE BAITS...

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

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Ito Hiau

•Damiki Vault (1/4 – 1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Cyber Purple

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

Colors: Silver Plated

HOOK UPGRADES FOR VAULT...

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

Sizes: 2 and 3 (3 on tail and head, 2 on belly)

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

FLUTTER SPOON...

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

Colors: Shattered Glass Silver, Purple Threadfin

JIGGING 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

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

Colors: Nickel, Purple Shad

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

BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

HIGH END SPOON COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zata Tact–Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Line– Seaguar InvizX (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX XT A (HG): https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

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

Fishing Metal Baits For Cold Water Bass! (All The Tricks)

There's more than one way to fish these lures, you might be surprised! If you're not using these lures right now, you're blowing it! Blade baits, Tail Spins, and Spoons are all amazing cold water presentations. Long after bass stop eating other presentations (or move too deep for them to be effective) Metal baits keep getting bit.

The blade bait is by far the most popular lure in this category. Northern anglers in particular are very familiar with its effectiveness. You might be surprised however by the different ways you can fish a tail spinner and spoon. All of these presentations will be effective from now until Spring if you learn how to adapt them to changing water temperatures.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we discussed throughout the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and hook upgrades for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

•Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

VAULT BLADE BAIT UPGRADES...

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

Sizes: 2 and 3 (3 on tail and head, 2 on belly)

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

TAIL SPINNERS...

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Size: 1/2 - 1 oz

Color: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Silver

•Damiki Axe Blade: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Size: 1 oz

Color: Holo Real Shad, Black Holo, Bream

•Freedom Tackle Kilter Blade: https://bit.ly/3pIBMws

Size: 3/4 oz

Color: Black Shad, Sexy Shad

JIGGING SPOONS...

•Blade Runner Duh Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Sizes: 1 3/4 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

BLADE RUNNER UPGRADES...

Hook– Owner ST 56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 2

Swivel– Spro Power Swivel: http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Size: 2

FLUTTER SPOONS...

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

Size: 1 1/8 oz

Colors: Purple Threadfin, Shattered Glass Holo Silver, Gizzard Shad

BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

HIGH END SPOON COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

MID PRICED SPOON COMBO...

Rod– 13 Fishing Muse II 7'6" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/45or55h

Reel– Shimano Curado 200 DC (HG): https://bit.ly/3QMMb6o

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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