Summer Crankbait Tricks (Deep To Shallow) That Will Catch Bass In Your Lake!!

Crankbaits are "the deal" in Summer! They catch a lot of fish, they catch giant fish, and they're easy to use! Today we're showing you the best colors to catch big fish, the best body shapes for your lake, and where to fish these Crankbaits! You don't want to miss this!
When Matt starts off with "this is really simple", you know its going to be a good one! Almost 40 minutes of crankbait knowledge later and you'll have a "simplified" approach to Summer crankbait fishing! The knowledge nuggets Matt let's out about retrieves, color selection, hook design, and equipment are priceless, so pay close attention!
Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt discusses in the video. We've included the guy's favorite colors for each, as well as the gear they use to fish them effectively. 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...
•Strike King 6XD: bit.ly/2ery44M
Color: Sexy Shad
BIG DEEP DIVERS...
•Azuma Z Boss 22: bit.ly/3J05uHl
Colors: Grand Shad, Hot Mess, Goldie Lox
•Azuma Z Boss 24: bit.ly/3oKifPk
Colors: Grand Shad, Hot Mess, Goldie Lox
•Strike King 10XD: bit.ly/2gHT4F0
Colors: Powder Blue Back Chart, Sexy Blue Back Herring
•Duel Hardcore BulletCrank: bit.ly/3gH0hGB
Colors: Blue Back Chart, Blueback Herring, Sexy Shad
DEEP DIVING CRANKS...
•Strike King 6XD: bit.ly/2ery44M
Color: Sexy Shad, Powder Blue Chartreuse
•Rapala DT 16: bit.ly/2BL0UYl
Colors: Parrot, Citrus Shad, Big Shad
•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: bit.ly/37dclbX
Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Metallic Shad, Summer Minnow
MID DIVING CRANKBAITS...
•Norman Deep Little N: bit.ly/2acSLUd
Colors: Chart Blue, Sexy Shad, Chartreuse Shad
•Rapala DT 8: bit.ly/2BL0UYl
Colors: Parrot, Citrus Shad, Big Shad
•Megabass Super Z3: bit.ly/3HDg7wc
Colors: Kasumi Ito, Old Z, Ito Ayu
SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...
•Rapala OG Rocco: bit.ly/3PHvNCI
Colors: Bruised Citrus Shad, Citrus Shad, Green Gizzard
•Spro Speed Demon 55: bit.ly/3XGWUC2
Colors: Laundry Matte, Old School Shad, Chart Blue
•Damiki BTC 50: bit.ly/3OVb3Lc
Colors: Mossy Shad, Real Shad, Ghost Minnow
BFS CRANKBAITS...
•Megabass Super Z1: bit.ly/2Y9dkHB
Colors: Mat Craw 2, Wild Craw, Kasumi Ito
•Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: bit.ly/45Pj3Dd
Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad, Sexy Shad
•Damiki BFS 40 Crankbait: bit.ly/432XZaY
Colors: Mossy Shad, Olive Flash Shad
TREBLE/SPLIT RING UPGRADES...
•Gamakatsu EWG: bit.ly/2cZrsbY
Sizes: 4 and 2
•Gamakatsu RED EWG: bit.ly/2dmxXK8
Sizes: 4 and 2
•Owner ST-36: bit.ly/2cWpeyw
Sizes: 1, 1/0
•Owner ST-35: bit.ly/2g8uCMj
Sizes: 2, 1/0
•Owner Hyperwire Split Rings: bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Sizes: 3 and 4
BIG CRANKBAIT COMBO...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR: bit.ly/2FQj6CZ
Reel- Shimano Tranx 200A HG: bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Line- Sunline Crank FC 15 lb: bit.ly/3fohguC
MID CRANKBAIT COMBO...
Rod- St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'4" MHM: bit.ly/3Iow9KV
Model: Power Glass Cranker
Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2: bit.ly/2NlzZhg
Line- Sunline Crank FC 14 lb: bit.ly/3fohguC
BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Glass: bit.ly/2QADLTq
Reel- Shimano SLX XT 150 (HG): bit.ly/2BRTYL8
Line- Sunline Super FC 14 lb: bit.ly/2p7fxju
BFS CRANKBAIT COMBO...
Rod- Cashion Icon Bait Finesse 7' Light: bit.ly/3mLIIes
Reel- Shimano Curado BFS Casting Reel: bit.ly/2QGRVF2
Line- Daiwa J Fluoro Hidden (6 lb): bit.ly/3ILKXH0
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: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3U9y4cl
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#Summerfishing #bassfishing #crankbait

[@BasslivesmatterLLC]

The tackle DD CAUGHT ME MY BIGGEST BAG TO DATE DURING THE FALL FEED 35LB IN LIKE 2 HRS. THATS MY FAV DEEP CRANK

[@HanSoloxcs]

Riiiight.

[@youtubzkoz]

What color?

[@universityoffishigan]

@@HanSoloxcs35lb bag not one fish lmaooo

[@ryanbroughton5174]

I'm almost 52 and have fished Rapala baits since I was a youngster. For 7-8 bucks a piece the DT square bills are my favorites. I fish from the bank and the DT 4 and DT 6 are go to baits for me along with the KVD Strike King 1.0- 2.5 square bills. Thanks for the great video as always fellas.

[@gabescoffield]

Matt always has to go down that rabbit hole 😂 my man is so passionate about bass fishing

[@pacman_17]

Finally the crankbait seminar. I was hoping you'd talk more about the bill shape and body shape and why your best lures work.

[@douglasspickler4925]

Crankbaits are my favorite, with the exception of topwater. I have to say your video is a wealth of information, and I appreciate you sharing. I have learned from years of competing in tournaments with the Piedmont crankers: Fritts, Coble, Beck, and Wright. Your video and the way you deliver it provide an angler with everything they need. Great job.

[@Killoer]

Its always a hit or miss with crankbaits; but when I first discovered squarebills/lipless it was a god send. Ripping through weeds, banging off structure, slow roll bigguns - Definitely a great versatille search bait.

[@FishingThePNW]

Great stuff! In that mid category, the bandit 300 has caught so many fish for me!

[@Nep311]

Good river bait

[@ziggylarkdust]

Big M is where its at. Gets down super deep and doesn't rip your arm off.

[@LickitySplit0390]

Thanks for the great video Matt. So I’ve made a decision and I’m going down the hole.. I just started crankbait fishing more this year. Im gonna stick with it until I master this technique. I just gotta say thank you and Tim for putting out such great videos in detail. Believe me it helps out new and experienced fisherman. Again thank you guys for doing what you do. It greatly appreciated

[@gospideygo8781]

Been watching these guys for years now. Totally agree. I’ve learned a lot and caught a lot of fish because of them. BTW - I use the DD crank year around and love it. Not the only crank I use, but I always start with it.

[@caseysaunders2137]

I'm right with you. Have had a couple mid cranks in the box for years but never took the time to apply myself. This summer using more new baits / cranks and others than ever. Now if mother nature will just lay off the 103 deg heat (N. Texas) I'm ready to get to work.

[@JoshKyleFishing]

"Mid depth cranking" - I call that deep cranking around here. Lol it just got started for me. This got me even more jacked. Thank you, good tips here!

[@rconner4053]

Just ordered my BFS Curado & Cashion combo (via your TW links) so I especially liked the BFS crank info.

[@jimmcculloch5825]

I admire your knowledge, but I love your enthusiasm. Because of the place I fish I cannot use treble hooks, but I watched this anyway.

[@PikaSquish]

Bought myself a couple of Megabass Super Z2 cranks and I keep catching big bass! Small body crankbaits is my secret weapon for local lakes

[@THELAFFCHANNEL]

Binged watched/ listened to a few of your videos today I got a lot of rabbit holes to explore thanks for the tips and advice✌️

[@liquidx25]

Another solid video bro! Can't go wrong throwing that drop shot, especially when bites are tough to come by.

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

I have been running the ST-35s on all cranks the last couple of years and I rarely loose a fish. They seem to come through cover alot better than most hooks. I’m looking forward to going down the rabbit hole Matt! Love those videos!

[@Tbowie13]

A couple cranks I don't hear you talk about is the Deep-X 100 and D-X 200 from Megabass. You've talked about the 300's and Deep-6's alot but not the smaller ones. In summer when the big bass are gorging on small bait the Deep-X 100 and 200 can be deadly. The 100 goes to 8 ft. and the 200 10-12 ft and they weigh 3/8 and 1/2 oz and have the LBO weight shifting system, so they cast like a rocket. These can be the deal for deep grass beds and rocky bottoms and don't have to deflect to trigger strikes as they can be twitched very effectively. One last thing on rods, you mentioned the flatside special which is a great crank rod, but the Jerkbait special in Levante or Orochi can throw squarebills really well. I also use it for the Depp-X 100 and 200's. And a Megabass Launcher for the big deep cranks.

[@mountainstomarshes8966]

Thanks guys, helped me out deciding some deeper diving cranks. Squarebills are my go-to, Bomber Square A in Firetiger in particular, but I don't know much about fishing hard baits deep...going to give it a shot up in Montana this summer!

[@jeremyb.6689]

Thank you! Really looking forward to your super in depth segment on this. Hope you go the furthest down the rabbit hole yet!!!

[@josephgwinn86]

Shallow crankbaits have been great for me

[@kevinloper6551]

Great video Matt, cranking is not my strong suit at all being I don't have electronics on my boat but you as always got me thinking on ways I can make cranking one of my confidence baits to use, As always thanks.

[@seanyB223]

Dang bro, me an you might just be the only ones without electronics on our boat! The main reason I don't have them is due to price, maybe one of these days I'll be able to afford side imaging/ down imaging

[@raychoi9495]

Shallow water cranking does not need electronics.

[@kevinloper6551]

@@seanyB223 hahaha I'm with ya, but I bet your like me and can still get out there and catch um, Hope you have a great summer fishing.

[@seanyB223]

@@kevinloper6551 oh you know it bro!! Still can catch them everytime I get out!! Lol an thanks brotha, you do the same! 🤙🤙💯

[@Gumby905]

Dont sleep on the dredger. My favourite deep diver in my area. Wish theyd come out with more colors though.

[@justonemorecast]

I bought a few dt-20's and 6xd's, and tried throwing on a rod with a short handle. It absolutely killed my wrist. I found a Lew's 6xd rod on sale. I can tuck the handle against my side and not get wore out. Thanks for the video Matt, my 3 year old grandson loves to watch these with me. We usually end up at the tackle store later.

[@marshmellow303]

Fishing super shallow back pockets, or large shallow Eddie's the rapala L bill shad rap is the crankbait of choice. Runs about 6in with heavy line, it'll run in inches with 12 mono. Great Twitching rolling action.

[@hunter5858]

Matt you are a great teacher 😊

[@noctisosiris7032]

Wow, this video was way better than I expected. Very informative! Subscribed for sure.

[@richardkeller6940]

Watched all your videos from the very beginning of your channel. Never bail out lol!

[@wilmerpruitt6324]

SERIOUSLY! Looking forward to that in depth video on "Squarebills!" This year in the prespawn,, spawn and post spawn, early summer I got caught up in the Magdraft, Glide baits,Topwaters. Forgot about how productive squarebillin' could be! Gonna try this afternoon....

[@anangrycustomer2913]

Crankbaits are my favorite as well. Loved them since I was introduced to them as a kid. You missed talking about Lipless crankbaits though

[@austinholden2826]

I just bought me 3 tactical DD crankbaits, and they are great crankbaits

[@phengmoua4266]

My best summer ☀️ bait...

[@garydalrymple855]

Love mid cranks my go to is the wiggle wart or bandits

[@LonewolfJesseJames506]

Man I love cranking. Specifically square bills and lipless cranks. I'm a bank fisherman as I don't have the funds to afford a boat (I wish) so my square bills see a lot of action from spring to fall. I love throwing the Jabber Jaw too every now and then.

[@jettvelasco5930]

thanks. I wish you can make more videos about the california delta. Its super high right now from snow melt and its so much harder to fish.

[@1ts3asy]

I wish they had a love button to press! ❤

[@MatthewMajor-l2g]

I can’t make this up was listening to this video while fishing just now chartreuse blue back 10xd 3rd cast caught a 7lber your telling the truth!!

[@tacticalbassin]

That's awesome!!! Way to go!!

[@CT393]

What do you think of the Valkyrie World Expedition 7'8 Heavy for big cranks? Bought it for trebled swimbaits but figured it'd be worth trying some 10XDs or Megabass Big M 7.0s on it.

[@af4od02]

Shimano MacBeth 39 advice! To those who are interested, the MacBeth 39 is an excellent BFS crankbait. I have caught several Largemouth this spring and summer on this bait. But, this tiny bait plastic body will almost melt and split in half in the extreme heat and sunlight in the mid day summer. Try your best to keep your baits in shade and cool storage. I had several split in half in my tackle box that was exposed to sunlight. I would imagine this bait would melt in a tackle box in a car trunk or back seat of an automobile. I lost several and hope to alert others so they won’t loose theirs. Tight lines.

[@justinlemos1240]

💥 another great video!

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

I love megabass's IxI shad type r for rivers. They smash it.

[@threwanade]

I’m in New England where the only place to buy taxkle(except online, I use tackle wharehouse too) is bass pro or Walmart. Everyone AMD their mother has strike king, I do better with bombers for all around depths AMD do good with the 10xd for really deep trolling

[@scottblock6832]

Great video Matt

[@KRDP]

absolutely looking forward to the square bill crank bait deep dive vid september through november , one night me and my bro caught 22 bass in 1 night on crank baits

[@raymondpadilla65]

what brand of braid and size for throwing deep diver crankbait when you're throwing braid to leader? awesome video🎣

[@clydemcleod350]

I went yesterday and threw a 6xd for the first time and after seven cast of getting nothing but grass I was just about to give up and on my next cast I caught a 9lb largemouth a new pb guess I’ll give it another try my next time out

[@lpbass8369]

Good stuff Matt thanks.Z cranks are hot in the northeast .Deep x 200 has crushed them for the last five years also.

[@Tbowie13]

Lol... I just made a comment about Deep-x 100 and 200's. That 100 has been deadly for me when they're gorging on tiny baitfish.

[@raytubach8988]

Matt do you have any use for a MB EMTF Levante for cranking? I use this with FC for my treble baits @ 3/4oz. Works great for long bombing mids and lipless. Also, due to your recommendation, I latched onto an older Zodias 7’6” glass and it’s amazing for deep cranks! Thank you for everything you do…

[@dantodell]

Gotta show my lucky craft cb20's some love 🤙

[@jasonalloyd]

One thing you didnt mention is a crankbait that floats. I have a few that float and it works great when you feel you hit grass just stop for a couple seconds til you float above it and continue.

[@andybales7318]

Crankbait sickness 😷 I'm not feeling well...better go place a crankbait order

[@austinholden2826]

I might have to get a BFS setup so I don't have to use a spinning reel

[@Dogbone384]

I can’t watch these guys anymore … it ends up costing me a mortgage payment on baits every time! BTW … When are we getting BURN, BURN, BURN,,, PAUSE shirts & hats?

[@chuckstuckey9450]

Matt do you ever use snaps for crankbaits? Thanks for the videos

[@phil2537]

Thanks for another great video. I have a question on the 6XD, or any of the baits really. Can you talk some manufacturers into putting out some colors more in line with the stripers or hybrids that we have in the tennessee/kentucky area rivers and lakes? The 6XD "Barfish" is really close on look but if it was more silver it would match our baby stripers. Maybe offer your DD in the color and get them to add a shallower running bait as well. Thanks again.

[@xDx0xUxGx]

I broke the tip off of the rear treble of a Super Z Z3 today. Which hook should I get to replace it?

[@SonicVisionX]

6th Sense make some great cranks.

[@Cammacaze3596]

You forgot the link for the mega bass rod.

[@davidluedtke3620]

Could you possibly add reel speed or line retrieve please ?

[@duanetheimer7215]

This is my opinion. You catch more and bigger fish than the pros. You have fun and they don't.

[@paulksicinski6181]

Why do I need deep running crankbaits? Why can I not just use shallow divers hooked up to a bottom bouncer or a drop shot weight?

[@seanshanahan8844]

Thanks Matt, do you and Tim ever use snaps?

[@danielnowak7628]

Can you do a night crank bait video ?

[@1221Ralph]

Hey Matt. SOCAL HERE. Something odd is happening here. The spawn ended about 2 months ago. Or so I thought. There is another wave of spawners just starting at our local lakes. It's mind boggling.

[@timhigdonoutdoors5276]

I have hundreds and hundreds of crank baits. Now I’m starting to do the same thing with Jerk baits. lol

[@davebonham798]

Thanks for the video! What reel ratio do you recommend for the Shimano SLX XT 150?

[@mechtrailrider7459]

Can use this in salt water???

[@sheaffergrubbs6056]

How you like the skeeter

[@kyleseiffert8665]

Hey guys can you link.the squarebill rod?

[@Fuego_MS]

Y’all direct tie on? Swivel? Power clip?

[@ChristophercurtisChris]

I want to know could you use right bright colors or you can break raekwon that colors

[@jtotherog]

First!! Let’s go!!!🎉🎉

[@midwestfischerman]

🥇🏆💪🏻

[@jessebrock7574]

What about if your fishing from the bank in a reservoir in Panama City Florida

[@davidblake5199]

I’ve had shells attached to my fishing line.. have one road bed with shells Have you seen this? Cool crazy

[@stupiditypissesmeoff330]

Shell bed?? Yeah they’re money dude

[@toddmiller2239]

What speed of reel do most of you recommend?

[@ChristophercurtisChris]

Do you have to use bait fish colors

[@ruilongzhang9411]

Really love cranks but just can't use it. I am fishing from the shore😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@BlueDominus2017]

The 13 fate 7'2" is SUCH a good crank rod. Budget

[@Yakkinoutdoors]

I literally just got this rod and have been crushing them on it.

[@PickwickPirate]

Glad to hear it , I was just looking at grabbing one!

[@brianrobinson9979]

What was the reel you had on The Flatside Special?

[@michaelk19thcfan10]

Basic question would the depth of the crankbait be the level just above or below the lake bottom? For example, if the lake depth is 11 feet would one use a 10’ or 12’ depth bait?

[@tacticalbassin]

Definitely 12', bottom contact is ideal when it's an option.

[@brettg4386]

You guys ever give phenix rods a try?

[@dontnonowuno9953]

The guides are garbage on those rods(I own four of em unfortunately)

[@justbfrank1]

Hey Matt, some of us bass fish and also fish fish. Lol. Like catching bream and crappie as well. I would like to know if you ever catch panfish? What baits do you use that you find catches everything? I know bfs would achieve this but I have seen B.A.S.S. fisherman in tournaments catching accidental crappie. Need this info. Thanks

[@stupiditypissesmeoff330]

Uhh, and worm and a cork??? Great question.

[@zacharywietzema1344]

What’s the best way to fish in lakes that have grass all the way on top of the water

[@dontnonowuno9953]

Frog with 65 lb braid and a heavy gauge rod .

[@samuelsellers3829]

Is the Shimano intinza 7’6 glass good for deep cranking

[@tacticalbassin]

It sure is, that's a great "all around" rod.

[@randallrandolph4977]

I just find it corny that you say. Spinning real is not on your boat deck because it’s a mess 😂😂

[@tonyb-50]

What happened to the fishing videos?

[@NikoBased]

I don't understand how these guys aren't using the banjo minnow. The banjo minnow will catch 20lb bass every cast.

[@stupiditypissesmeoff330]

You win 😂😂😂

[@funkymojo111]

You think we are afraid of in-depth crankbait video?!! Bring it on! I have a scale, a dry erase board and no girlfriend! I got all the time to become a master angler.

[@tonyb-50]

Avg guy is not gonna buy a BFS combo for $500

[@BlueDominus2017]

First

[@midwestfischerman]

🥇🏆💪🏻