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

You Can Still Catch BIG Bass Right Now! Here's What We Do!

It's HOT but the BIG Bass are biting! Come along for an awesome day of fishing! Matt has his sights set on a power fishing bite and with a deck full of flipping sticks and frog rods, it won't take long. Within minutes of launching, the first BIG bass comes over the rail. That's when you know it's going to be a great day!

A lot of anglers give up on power fishing when it gets hot, but the guys double down under these conditions. Watch how Matt runs two parallel patterns to catch fish. First, he focuses on double shade for a big bite. After that, he moves to outside grass edges and puts together a great bag of fish with a frog and a creature bait.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors and rigging components, along with the rod and reel combos that made the difference with these fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE FROGS...

•Jackall Kaera: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Color: Glitter Hasu

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

Colors: Killer Gill, Green Pumpkin

THE FLIPPING BAIT...

Bait– Crush City Cleanup Craw: https://bit.ly/3TyfMmo

Color: Tilapia Magic

Hook– Owner Haymaker: https://bit.ly/3Muie8j

Size: 3/0

Weight– Xzone Tungsten: https://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Size: 3/4 oz

Weight Stop– VMC Sinker Stop: https://bit.ly/38XLQd4

FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7’5” Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo Inshore LP: https://bit.ly/3YDNsSu

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

KAERA COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'1" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

BRONZEYE FROG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Try These Topwater Tricks And Mods For Summer Bass!

It's topwater time! These little tricks will get you bites when nothing is working! We all love throwing topwater but have you ever noticed that some anglers just seem to have a knack for catching bigger fish than the rest? Tim is one of those anglers! Today he's breaking down some of the subtle tricks he uses to out fish everyone around him with a topwater.

From bait modifications, to subtle differences in action, the details can be everything. Tim uses specific baits in different conditions and is very intentional about his color selection as well. Don't think topwater color or a feathered treble matters? It does!

Below you'll find links to some of Tim's favorite topwater baits. We've also included the components he uses to modify them, along with great topwater combos from high end to budget friendly. 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...

•Heddon Super Spook: https://bit.ly/2diThgH

Color: Bone Silver

WALKING BAITS...

•Rapala Jowler 127: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Colors: Broken Bone, Chrome, Okie Bone

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

Colors: Gill, Ito Tennessee Shad, Megabass Sexy Shad

•Evergreen Shower Blows 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Full Metal

STRAIGHT RETRIEVE BAIT...

•River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110 and 130: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Loon, Munky Butt

FROG...

•Jackall Gavacho: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill, Gold Gill

POPPERS...

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

Colors: Chart SV, N Smelt, Gill

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

Colors: Gill, Mat Shad, Pumpkinseed

WAKEBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical 210 Wake: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Golden Shiner, Chrome Gill

COMPONENTS...

Split Ring– Owner Hyperwire: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2 – 3

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

Size: 5 – 6

Small Feather Treble– Owner Tournament Trailer: https://bit.ly/2dJH8V6

Sizes: 2 – 6

Large Feather Treble– Savage Gear Feather Treble: https://bit.ly/3FAdrEB

Sizes: 1 – 2/0

MONO LEADER...

•Sufix Advance Mono: https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

Sizes: 12 – 20 lb

TIM'S WALKING BAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

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

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

TIM'S FROG COMBO...

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

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

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

TIM'S WHOPPER PLOPPER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix 7'3" Legend Tournament Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Daiwa Zillion SV TW G: https://bit.ly/3xobPDM

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

BUDGET WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

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

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

Underspin Tips For Early Summer Bass + A Secret Topwater Bait!

Come along for a fun day on the water! It wasn't supposed to rain, but that's okay! It doesn't take long for Matt to dial in an awesome pattern, targeting bass with a combination of topwater and underspins. He breaks down where the fish are positioning, why they're there, and shows exactly how to catch them.

The underspin should never be overlooked! Today, Matt highlights its effectiveness around schooling fish. The fish are keyed in on shad, and the topwater and underspin used in tandem, are the perfect combination to catch these fish. Watch as Matt dials in bait size, swimbait action, and location, to maximize his time on the water.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included his exact colors, sizes, and other pertinent information. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TOPWATER...

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

Recommended Colors: Megabass Sexy Shad, HT Ito Tennessee Shad

MINI 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

•Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: TW Ghost Shad

FULL SIZE UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin Series: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Size: 3/8 oz, 3/0 Hook

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

Color: Sexy Shad

TOPWATER 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

MINI UNDERSPIN SPINNING 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

UNDERSPIN CASTING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'4" Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

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

TODAY'S RAIN GEAR...

•Aftco Transformer Packable Jacket: https://bit.ly/3t4y4lP

FAVORITE RAIN GEAR...

•Aftco Fortress Rain Jacket: https://bit.ly/42LrGQ8

•Aftco Fortress Rain Bibs: https://bit.ly/4aPp45O

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