Best Crankbaits for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to offer well-rounded recommendations for every angler's needs
Published: May 29th, 2024

🎣Crankbaits are a must-have in any angler's tackle box due to their versatility and effectiveness across different fishing environments.

Whether you're chasing bass during the spring or fishing in the chilly depths of winter, the right crankbait can significantly up your game. We’ve sifted through heaps of expert reviews and feedback to put together this list of the best crankbaits for 2024. Our goal? To help you find the perfect bait for your fishing style and conditions.

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Overall Best: Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill

Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait Black Back Chartreuse

The Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill stands out as our top pick due to its exceptional versatility and high performance across various fishing conditions. Developed with insights from bass fishing icon Kevin VanDam, this crankbait features a silent, tight-wobbling action that is particularly effective in shallow waters. It's renowned for triggering bites from aggressive fish, making it an essential addition to any angler’s tackle box. The KVD 1.5 Squarebill's durability, combined with its wide array of color options, ensures that it suits a variety of fishing environments and preferences.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$6.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Strike King KVD 1.5 Crankbait? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How does the Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait perform in weedy areas?
So, if you're looking to fish in weedy areas, the Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait is a solid choice. It's designed specifically for shallow waters, diving only up to about 3 feet, which is just right for getting through the weed-heavy spots you often find in rivers, ponds, and flats. The square bill isn't just for looks—it actually helps the lure deflect off underwater obstacles, which is super handy for avoiding snags on plants. This ability to maneuver around vegetation without getting stuck is a big plus. Plus, this crankbait's erratic movement tends to mimic prey, making it pretty tempting for fish, especially bass, to go after. What's cool about the KVD 1.5 is that it's silent, so it slips through the water without making a racket. This can be quite beneficial when fish are on edge or the water is really clear. Sometimes a quiet approach works wonders, especially in spots where fish may have been scared off by louder lures. When it comes to visibility, the Black Back Chartreuse color really shines, even in murky waters. Its vibrant color helps it stand out against all the greenery, increasing your chances of catching a fish. From what we've found, many anglers have been pleased with how this crankbait performs in shallow, weedy areas. It's often mentioned in reviews as a favorite for going after shallow water fish like bass. If you're heading out to fish in weedy spots, this crankbait might be a great option to try out, given how well it handles weedy waters and entices those fish to bite.
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What colors are most effective for the Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait?
When picking colors for the Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait, a few seem to really stand out. From what we've found, the Black Back Chartreuse color does an excellent job, especially in muddy waters. It dives to about 1 to 3 feet, as the manufacturer notes, and its bright contrast helps it catch the eye of bass hanging out in that shallow range. The cool thing about the KVD 1.5 is its square bill design. It lets the lure weave through obstacles without getting snagged and gives it a pretty unpredictable swimming motion. This erratic action often fires up bass hiding in cover. According to the manufacturer, this bouncing around is a big reason the lure works so well. Talking to folks who’ve tried it, they often mention the KVD 1.5's realistic movement as a big plus. It's apparently made with pretty durable materials and a chip-resistant finish, keeping it in great shape over time. That's a huge bonus, considering its reliable performance, especially during spring and fall. Just a couple of things to keep in mind: we've heard some talk about the lure not being as smooth in very shallow waters or when you're retrieving it slowly. A few anglers have even mentioned tweaking it a bit for better results there. Also, there was some chatter about a weight discrepancy—the actual weight is closer to 0.4 oz compared to the advertised 0.6 oz in some places. Overall, though, the Strike King KVD 1.5 is pretty well-loved for adapting to different fishing spots and mimicking prey effectively. While some anglers wish for more color choices, what's available now, like the Black Back Chartreuse, usually covers most fishing scenarios. So whether you're fishing in clear or murky waters, it's a solid pick to have in your tackle box.
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How deep does the Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait dive?
The Strike King KVD 1.5 Shallow Square Bill Crankbait is designed for shallow water fishing and typically dives to about 1 to 3 feet deep, which is perfect for targeting fish hanging out in the shallows. According to the manufacturer's product description, its square bill gives it an erratic action, making it easier to get through cover and attract more fish, especially bass. What sets this particular crankbait apart is that it doesn't have any internal rattles. This means it's nearly silent, which can sometimes help prevent scaring off fish and instead entice those cautious bass you're after. Our research suggests that many folks who use it appreciate how it moves in the water and its ability to draw in bass effectively. That said, not everyone has the same experience. Some anglers have mentioned it doesn't always perform well with a slow topwater retrieve, and other brands might do a bit better in those situations. So, it's worthwhile to try different retrieval speeds and techniques to see what works best for you. Every piece of gear can behave differently depending on how you use it. Overall, the Strike King KVD 1.5 is a solid choice for shallow water fishing, especially when you're after bass, because of its natural movement and stealthy approach. While most reviews are positive, remember it's often about matching the right lure with the right technique and conditions for your specific fishing style.
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Runner-up: Rapala Shad Rap

Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure (Silver, Size- 2)

The Rapala Shad Rap earns its spot as our runner-up with a proven track record, especially in cold-water situations. Crafted from balsa wood, it features a tight wobble that entices even the most sluggish bass to bite. This lure is incredibly versatile, effective in numerous scenarios despite its lighter design that might slightly limit casting distance. Its reliability in cooler waters makes it a go-to choice for anglers aiming for big catches.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$7.46 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Bomber Fat Free Shad

Bomber Fat Free Fingerling Fishing Lure (Dance's Pearl White, 2 3/8-Inch, 6.09-cm)

Anglers looking for value without compromising on performance will appreciate the Bomber Fat Free Shad, our top budget pick. This crankbait is particularly effective within the 10-15 foot depth range, offering excellent performance during summer fishing. Its affordability, coupled with consistent results, makes it an ideal choice for novice anglers or anyone seeking to build a versatile tackle box without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$3.99 at Amazon

Best for Winter Fishing: Bomber Flat A

For winter fishing, the Bomber Flat A emerges as our best pick. Designed to tackle cold-water conditions, this crankbait features a subtle action and near-neutral buoyancy, making it perfect for a slow, deliberate presentation. Its ability to suspend and be fished slowly makes it an optimal choice for enticing bites from bass that are less active during the winter months.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$3.99 at Amazon

Best Deep Diver: Strike King 6XD

Strike King HC6XD-535 ProModel Serie

When it comes to deep diving crankbaits, the Strike King 6XD is unparalleled. It excels in reaching depths of up to 20 feet, thanks to its extra-large lip that facilitates quick dives and extended time in the strike zone. This crankbait’s realistic design and wobbling action make it exceptionally effective for targeting summer bass in deeper waters, earning it the favor of many professional anglers.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$6.49 at Amazon
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