10 Best Bass Crankbaits 2026 in the United States

The Strike King Red Eye Shad is a popular lipless crankbait known for its versatility and solid performance targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Weighing 3/8 ounce, it offers a good balance of size and casting distance for multiple fishing conditions. Its natural shad color is a proven choice for attracting bass, especially during critical feeding times. One of its strong points is the free-floating internal rattles that create sound and vibration to draw fish from a distance, which works well whether you’re ripping it fast or letting it fall naturally. The lure’s action is described as excellent, giving a realistic swimming motion that can trigger strikes in different seasons. Premium size 4 treble hooks are sharp and designed to hold onto hooked fish securely.

Lipless crankbaits like this generally run mid-depth, making it versatile around grass edges and rocky shorelines. The metal construction makes it durable but may add extra weight compared to some plastic lures. It’s suited for anglers who want an all-around crankbait that can be used year-round in various freshwater bass environments. While this lure does not come with a warranty, its strong reputation supports confidence in its quality. The Red Eye Shad is a dependable, well-designed lipless crankbait that balances sound, action, and realistic appearance, making it an excellent choice for those targeting bass in typical freshwater settings.

The BANDIT LURES Series 300 Crankbait is designed to attract bass and other gamefish like walleye and pike. With the ability to dive 8 to 12 feet deep, it’s suitable for reaching those mid-depth waters where bass often lurk. Its 2-inch size and 1/4 oz weight make it manageable for various fishing conditions and techniques, whether casting or trolling.

The Chartreuse Rootbeer color is vibrant and can be effective in different water clarities to catch the attention of fish. The butyrate body and lead weights create a distinctive dull thud sound that can entice bass, adding to its appeal. The molded-in lip ensures the lure runs true straight out of the package without needing adjustments. One of the key strengths is its variability in color patterns, offering flexibility depending on the fishing environment.

However, the lure might be a bit small for those targeting very large fish. Some users might find the diving depth limited if they are after fish in deeper waters. Moreover, while the rattles add to the lure's attractiveness, in highly pressured fishing spots, the noise might deter rather than attract fish. It is a solid choice for those who enjoy bass fishing, offering reliable performance and quality construction.

The Rapala Shad Rap 05 is a well-regarded bass crankbait that stands out thanks to its hand-tuned, tank-tested design and classic wounded minnow action. Made from balsa wood, it offers a natural baitfish profile that appeals to bass, making it effective for both casting and trolling. Its size 5 and silver color make it a versatile choice for a variety of water conditions, especially clear to slightly stained water where the shiny finish can attract attention.

The lure performs well across a wide range of retrieval speeds, from very slow to fast, giving anglers flexibility depending on the bass activity. If you're targeting bass and want a reliable, natural-looking crankbait with proven action, the Rapala Shad Rap 05 is a solid pick. It’s especially good for those who appreciate a lure with a realistic swim and durable wood construction.