10 Best Bass Crankbaits 2025 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 Berkley Flicker Shad Fishing Lure is a well-designed crankbait ideal for trolling anglers targeting bass and other game fish. Its standout feature is the realistic design that closely mimics a real shad, making it highly attractive to predatory fish. This lure has a diving depth of 11 to 13 feet, which is suitable for reaching fish at middling depths. Its size and weight, at 2 3/4 inches and 5/16 oz respectively, make it easy to cast accurately even over long distances.

The HD Fathead Minnow color is particularly effective in mimicking natural prey, which can help entice more strikes. Additionally, the Fusion19 hooks are incredibly sharp, allowing for easy penetration and secure hook sets, which is a significant advantage when dealing with tough, fighting fish. However, one potential drawback is the absence of rattles, which some anglers prefer for added attraction.

This crankbait is highly rated by users, with a 4.7 out of 5 stars from 636 reviews, indicating general satisfaction with its performance. It's designed for anglers of all skill levels and comes with a manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind. While it ranks well in the fishing topwater lures category, it might not be the top choice for those specifically looking for a lure with internal rattles or for extremely shallow fishing. Nevertheless, its realistic action and strong hooks make it a reliable choice for most bass fishing scenarios.

The Berkley Crankbait Hard Fishing Lures in MF Bluegill design are well-suited for bass fishing. One of its key strengths is the enticing action it provides, mimicking a fleeing baitfish which naturally attracts bass and other game fish. The lure’s weight transfer system enables long, accurate casts, which is beneficial for covering more water. The realistic shad profile, along with its vivid color, also adds to its effectiveness in enticing predatory fish.

With a diving depth of 11 to 13 feet, it reaches the deeper areas where larger bass often reside. Additionally, the Flicker Shad is equipped with sharp Fusion19 hooks that ensure reliable hooksets and good holding power during tough fights. The size of the lure, 2 3/4 inches and weighing 5/16 oz, makes it versatile for various fishing environments and skill levels.

However, the lack of specific mention of rattles could be a downside for anglers who prefer added noise to attract fish. Another potential drawback is that it is a single-piece product, which may not provide as much value for money compared to multi-pack options. Ideal for both novice and experienced anglers, this crankbait offers a good balance of performance and reliability.