Summer
Best Smallmouth Bass Crankbaits
Crankbaits cover water faster than any other smallmouth bait. A 1.5 to 2-inch square-bill in a crayfish pattern, a Rapala Shad Rap, or a Bandit 100 series will find aggressive fish that pass on subtler baits. Cast across rocky banks, current seams, and reef edges — burn the retrieve through the structure. These are the crankbaits that locate smallmouth and trigger reaction strikes.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.
Our Top Pick
Rebel Jointed Minnow crankbait lure with broke-back action for steelhead, trout, bass and walleye fishing on spinning gear.
Top Picks at a Glance
Buyer's Guide
Square-bills for current
A 1.5 to 2-inch square-bill in crayfish, shad, or chrome runs 3–6 feet. The square lip deflects off rocks without snagging — exactly what you want around Great Lakes river structure.
Color: crayfish first
Crayfish patterns (red-orange, brown-orange) are the top color in clear water with rocks. Shad and chrome work in stained water and over baitfish schools.
Cast and burn
Don't baby a crankbait. Cast across the structure, then burn it back with occasional pauses. Smallmouth chase down moving baits — give them a target.
More Top Summer
Dr.Fish
Dr.Fish 50 Pack Fishing Clips Quick Change Speed Clips Crank...
Dr.Fish
Dr.Fish 30 Pack Single Replacement Hooks for Hard Lures Inli...
THKFISH 5 Pack Bottom Bouncer for Walleye Rigs, 1OZ-3OZ Trol...
THKFISH 5 Pack Bottom Bouncer for Walleye Rigs, 1OZ-3OZ Trol...
Luck E Strike 2 Inch Square Bill Rattling Crankbait, Made in...
Fishing Lures - 73PCS Fishing Tackle Kit with Tackle Box, Ba...
Minnow Fishing Lures crankbaits Set, 1/5oz Hard baits with V...
Berkley
Berkley Flicker Minnow Fishing Lure, Slick Mouse, 1/3 oz, 3...
PLUSINNO Fishing Lures, 137Pcs Tackle Box with Tackle Includ...
Fishing Lures Freshwater Bait Tackle kit.crankbaits, Soft Lu...
THKFISH 5 Pack Bottom Bouncer for Walleye Rigs, 1OZ-3OZ Trol...
THKFISH 5 Pack Bottom Bouncer for Walleye Rigs, 1OZ-3OZ Trol...
THKFISH 5 Pack Bottom Bouncer for Walleye Rigs, 1OZ-3OZ Trol...
PLUSINNO Large 4-Layer Tackle Box with Tackle Included, 547P...
PLUSINNO Fishing Lures, 137Pcs Tackle Box with Tackle Includ...
175 Pcs Fishing Soft Lures TPE Threaded Bait Equipment Tackl...
PLUSINNO Large 3 Layers Fishing Tackle Box with Tackle Inclu...
Dr.Fish
Dr.Fish 30 Pack Single Replacement Hooks for Hard Lures Inli...
Dr.Fish
Dr.Fish 30 Pack Single Replacement Hooks for Hard Lures Inli...
Fishing Lures Kit Set, Baits Tackle Including Crankbaits, To...
