Deep Diving Bass Plugs Big Bass Plugs Silver With Blue Back
A Complete Buyer's Blueprint On The Best Deep Diving Crankbaits for Bass, Walleye, or Striped Bass On The Market Today
Fishing deep diving crankbaits can be pretty intimidating, especially when the stakes are raised because the bass are deep and you're not having to fish off shore.
Like some of you, I didn't know where to start. I still had a lot of unanswered questions like, what does a deep diving crankbait even look like? What is a good crankbait brand for deep water? What is the best size for a deep diving crankbait? What are the best colors for deep diving crankbait? And finally, how can I make my crankbait dive even deeper?
Like I said, I had a lot of questions! LOL…
In a situation similar to when I first stared fishing with shallow diving crankbaits, I only chose one style and got used to it.
After I started catching a couple of bass here and there I stared to make notes on it.
Then after I became familiar the that lure I would move on and try a new lure and repeated the process.
Pretty soon I was comfortable many different deep diving crankbaits.
My plan was again to start making a list of the shallow running crankbaits that caught me fish and start keeping track on why it was such a good crankbait.
Once my notes were complete, I went back and deleted all the nonsense and kept all the best tips that I know would help the most.
I then challenged my team to do the same. Once complete we put all our information in a graph and list format so anyone can easily compare the different crankbaits.
So I hope this list helps you as much as it helped me!
WARNING: There's a lot of information about this subject you'll probably want to come back to. No one expects you to remember all these tips. We know your time is precious, so we really tried to over-deliver in value for you. Additionally, we frequently update reports like this, so you'll want to stay up to date with any changes or additional tips we include for you.
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Best Overall: Strike King 6XD
Best Budget: Norman Deep Little N
Editors Choice: Rapala D-10
Best Deep Running Crankbaits Roundup
Best Budget
The Comparison Table
Winner: Best Overall
Best Budget
Editors Choice
Best Summer
Best Winter
Tournament Ready Out Of The Box?
Best Seasons To Fish This Lure
Winner: Best Overall
Tournament Ready Out Of The Box?
Best Seasons To Fish This Lure
Best Budget
Tournament Ready Out Of The Box?
Best Seasons To Fish This Lure
Editors Choice
Tournament Ready Out Of The Box?
Best Seasons To Fish This Lure
Best Summer
Tournament Ready Out Of The Box?
Best Seasons To Fish This Lure
Best Winter
Tournament Ready Out Of The Box?
Best Seasons To Fish This Lure
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Why You Should Trust This Report?
We used our experiences with the products and looked over hundreds of customer reviews, watched tons of video reviews, and analyzed what the professionals and experts had to say from popular sources like BassMaster Magazine.
We scrutinized the data from the product catalog pages of nearly a dozen manufacturers, and we even tried to interview some of the company representatives to talk shop and get their take.
Winner: Best Overall Deep Diving Crankbait
Strike King 6XD Crankbait
But, why did the Strike King 6XD crankbait win the best overal award?
The Best Overall Award goes to the Strike King 6XD crankbait.
The Strike King 6XD is probably the most universal crankbait that an angler should own.
Whether you're using the 5XD or 6XD, it seems to be working nearly anywhere you go in the country. This is a bait for finding out if there's a bite.
Cover the water with it and you'll know if they're going after crankbaits, it just doesn't fail. The 6XD is probably the easiest bait to use because you simply throw it out and reel it back in.
In the summertime, opt for the rattling version and reel it just as hard as you can while banging into cover.
Professionals and serious anglers all have said these are the five most important features of a quality shallow running crankbait:
- You need the bait to to hunt at modest speeds while staying on track.
- You want it to quickly float (fast buoyancy).
- You need it to be able to deflect off cover and avoid getting hung up.
- The manufacturer must offer a good variety of color choices to match the local baitfish and forage species.
- You require it to be tournament ready right out of the box. You won't have to worry about changing out the hooks after catching a couple of fish.
Needless to day the Strike King 6XD has all of those features.
For the wintertime, go to the silent version; slow your retrieval and move your way through c cover. It truly is just a do everything, catch everything, easy to fish bait.
To top it off, they're fairly inexpensive compared to some of the crankbaits on this list.
Unlike the Strike King 6XD, the higher costs are from the tackle on the other baits, making them a little more expensive to lose on hang-ups.
With the Strike King 6XD, you can justify breaking them off and tying on another one.
The Strike King 6XD crankbait can do nearly everything and is well worth the investment.
Pros:
- Simple to fish.
- Class leading lure action.
- Unique rattle sound.
- Great color options.
- Upgraded sticky sharp hooks.
- Upgraded stainless steel split rings.
- Bait comes ready to be fished out of the package, no tuning required.
- Proven Winner.
- Will works in both in spring, summer, and winter.
Hang up but not deal-breaker:
- Infrequent reports of lures need to be tuned.
- Paint can chip of knocked against hard structure.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 3"
- Weight - 1-ounce
- Diving Depth - 0-17-feet
- Bill Shape - Rounded
- Class - Floating
- Hook Size - #2, upgraded
- Recommended Line Size - 12-lb fluorocarbon
Best Budget Deep Diving Crankbait
Norman Deep Little N Crankbait
About the Norman Deep Little N Crankbait...
The Norman Deep Little N (or DLN) is one of the baits I used as a kid and still continue to consistently catch fish on. Although it's a deep diving crankbait, it's a bit smaller, leaving it running in depths of about 8 to 12 feet.
Not only is it a proven fish slayer, but it's also really inexpensive making it an easy addition to your tackle box.
If your lake has spotted bass, the parrot color is an absolute must-have.
Pros:
- Great for beginners and veterans.
- Easily fished with a spinning or a casting rod setup.
- Large color selection.
- Quality paint job
- Great price.
Hang up but not deal breaker:
- Some require tuning out of the package
- Cheap hooks and split rings.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 2.5"
- Weight - 3/8-ounce
- Diving Depth - 0-12-feet
- Bill Shape - Rounded
- Class - Floating
- Hook Size - #4, standard
- Recommended Line Size - 10-lb fluorocarbon
Editors Choice Award
Rapala DT-10 Deep Diving Crankbait
But, why is the Rapala DT-10 Deep Diving crankbait a great choice?
Listen, if you're just getting started fishing shallow diving cranks, then you need the Rapala DT-10 deep diving crankbait in your box.
The DT (Dives-To) Series tells you right on the bill what the bait will dive to. No need to take a sharpie and try and memorize how deep baits run it says right there on the lure.
This lure will travel down surprisingly fast, and it can make plenty of commotion when used with a medium speed retrieval.
It's rattle system produces deep thud that resonates underwater and its quick movement the bass can feel it's invaded their ambush area.
This bait was a complete secret for being a tournament-winning lure, but once word got out it's popularity exploded!
The lure has relatively good hooks and split rings.
Rapala doesn't skimp on building materials at all, so DT-10 is extremely durable.
Although I think the color variety could be improved for baitfish species found in the southern states.
The 1.5 is a small lure, however, the wide body on it provides additional mass so you can cast out really far.
I have used it over deep humps and points large tops of brush, as well as parallel to shellbeds and grasslines.
This crankbait can do nearly everything and is well worth the investment.
Pros:
- Simple to fish.
- Fairly inexpensive.
- Proven winner, especially if you live in the northern or eastern section of the States, and if you fish in rivers.
- Will work in both in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Hang up but not deal-breaker:
- Frequently needs to be tuned.
- Complaints of frequent paint chipping and hook rash.
- Hooks are sharp out of the box but can dull quickly.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 2 1/2"
- Weight - 3/8-ounce
- Diving Depth - 0-10-feet
- Bill Shape - Rounded
- Class - Floating
- Hook Size - #4, standard
- Recommended Line Size - 10-lb fluorocarbon
Best Summer Deep Diving Crankbait
Strike King 10XD crankbait
About the Strike King 10XD crankbait...
The 10XD is definitely one of the largest crankbaits available. They were released a few years ago and have since revolutionized the entire deep crankbait industry.
The Strike King 10XD works great if you're throwing crankbaits down to about 25 feet. Once it gets to the bottom it will deflect off cover and will have a crazy erratic action that bass at that depth haven't seen before. This bait has a reaction type action in depths that weren't really seen before. Because it was so new to the market it seemed to produce a lot of fish early on, and still does today.
Due to the nature of this bait, you'll need to work with a heavier rod, line, and reel. It gets a little hard to throw and can be wearing on your elbows and shoulders. However, if you want to get a big crankbait down to those 25-foot depths, the 10XD is your best option. It really doesn't matter if you're after smallmouth, largemouth, or striped bass, they all take an interest in it.
Pros:
-
Massive bait that dives insanely deep and produces huge bass.
-
Wide wobble.
-
Can be fished through the thickened wood and deflects like crazy.
-
Durable paint job. Upgraded hooks – stays sharp
Hang up but not deal breaker:
-
Arm and wrist fatigue is common when fishing this size of bait.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 6"
- Weight - 1 7/8-ounce
- Diving Depth - 0-25-feet
- Bill Shape - Rounded
- Class - Floating
- Hook Size - #1, standard
- Recommended Line Size - 14-lb fluorocarbon
– Featured Article Of The Month –
Best Winter Deep Diving Crankbait
Megabass Deep-Six crankbait
About the Megabass Deep-SIX crankbait ...
Most anglers say that The Megabass Deep-SIX is a "ballers crankbait" or a "high-end crankbait". I should have said before (excuse my poor manners), but Megabass as a whole produces perfectly-tuned nearly flawless baits and the Deep-SIX is no exception.
Tuned right out of the box, the Megabass Deep-SIX has amazing quality with upgraded hooks and split rings. It's perfect as is, just toss it on a line and start reeling them in!
An added benefit is that it has hardened thin walled plastic, allowing the sound from the rattles to travel a bit further. To top it off, the Megabass Deep-SIX has a very steep diving plane. Once it hits the bottom, it will bounce to the side in an awesome hunting action. Overall, the Deep-SIX has a very tight wobble, perfect for cold weather deep crankbait fishing.
So keep this bait in mind when the shad start dying off in the wintertime.
This is what I call a finesse crankbait. You can get away using this with lighter line, a slightly lighter rod, and lighter hooks. This one gets down a little bit deeper and has a smaller profile than the 300.
Helpful Tip: If your lake has green tint to it use a crankbait that also has a green hue to it!
The Deep-Six comes in some amazing colors. You'll notice the typical colors but see it has some great colors you normally will not see, like Ghost Craw and some metallic patterns that will blow your mind.
Not only will this catch a lot of big largemouth, but smallmouth will hammer this bait.
If you're fishing deep and there are both largemouth and smallmouth in your lake you'll need to pick up a few of these baits.
If it's winter and your lake is clear, then this is one of the best wintertime finesse crankbaits of all time.
Pros:
- Perfect for deep cold water crankbait fishing.
- Tight wobble.
- Loud rattle.
- Excellent for stained water clarity.
- Extremely high quality.
- Comes armed with upgraded hooks and split rings.
- Great color options.
Hang up but not deal breaker:
-
Pricy.
-
Situation specific.
-
Reports of inconsistent diving depths to an average of 15-17 feet using 12-pound fluorocarbon.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 3 1/8"
- Weight - 7/8-ounce
- Diving Depth - 0-19-feet
- Bill Shape - Rounded
- Class - Floating
- Hook Size - #2 (front) #4 (rear), standard
- Recommended Line Size - 12-lb fluorocarbon
Best New Deep Diving Crankbait
River2Sea – Tactile Bassin' DD crankbait
About the River2Sea – Tactile Bassin' DD crankbait...
River2Sea Tactical Bassin' DD crankbait is a very unique bait.
In my opinion, it's similar in design to the Megabass Deep-Six, but a slightly pronounced wobble. This makes it even more versatile, because now I can be used in the summer and winter for my deep water crankbait fishing.
It's arrow-like design quickly dives deep and stays in the strike zone.
The Tactical Bassin' DD has an incredibly steep dive angle, diving very hard when you reel. When the bait hits an obstacle, it just bounces off and keeps moving.
When I learned how to use it to bump into a rock and use its tendency to cut left or right, you can create a real hunting action.
This is a bait that will hit a bump, then run two feet, four feet, even 10 feet to the side!
The River2Sea Tactical Bassin' DD is a bait you can move all over the place, which is not a bait that fish have seen before. It's a little bit harder to use in the beginning, but once you have a feel for it, The Goon becomes an all-time favorite.
Throwing this lure in colder waters is especially fun because of its tight action and quick dives.
Pros:
-
Very wide hunting action.
-
Incredible paint job quality.
-
Decent color selection..
- Great for fishing around rocks and grass.
- Fantastic hooks.
Hang up but not deal breaker
-
Lack bright color patterns for heavily stained or dirty water conditions.
- Pricey.
- Hard to find in stock.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 3"
- Weight - 3/4-ounce
- Diving Depth - 0-18-feet
- Bill Shape - Rounded
- Class - Floating
- Hook Size - #2, short-shank hook
- Recommended Line Size - 12-lb fluorocarbon
Honorable Mentions...
Here's a list of the ones who didn't make the Winner's Circle they still should be strongly considered because they're still damn good products. Take a look below…
Megabass Deep-X 300
Megabass Deep-X300 is great for winter and early spring bass fishing!
Although it lands at the "end" of our list, this is arguably one of my absolute favorite crankbaits. The Megabass Deep-X 300 always produces giant fish.
It's a very refined bait that I like to place into the category of "finesse cranking". This involves going into a lighter line, lighter tackle, and lighter hooks. Allowing me to be aggressive with it if I want, but I don't have to be.
Normally when the water is cold I'll crank the X300 down and slowly work the bottom.
Whereas, I can literally chuck it out and when it hit bottom I can grind and bump the hell out of it to produce an amazing reaction strike.
It doesn't matter if you're going for big smallmouth or big largemouth, the Megabass Deep-X 300 is a sure winner.
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SPRO RkCrawler MD 55
Using The SPRO RkCrawler For Shallow Crankbait Fishing
A few years back SPRO unveiled the RkCrawler. I am gonna tell you this first, if you plan to fish in the rocky areas at riprap shallow-middle depths, then this little lure is sure to be a total game changer!
I got a chance to try it in a few clear water reservoirs. It ended up being an example of one of my top performing crankbaits ever since then.
Although SPRO never officially announced it, I think this lure was made to go head to head with the Wiggle Wart. And I can remember anglers were screaming for an alternative.
Then once I saw this lure I truly believed it would be a huge contender all around the country.
The SPRO RkCrawler was created to precisely target depths between four and eight feet.
I was completely wowed at how great this bait will deflect off rough cover. Just like its name suggests, the lure is fantastic when you want to crank across a pea gravel bank or over big chunks of rock.
Quickly, this baby has become one of my chief weapons this season and onward when I plan to target those middle depth rocky areas.
I've noticed that it will be able to dodge a snag while you target a laydown or a submerge stump field.
The RkCrawler is able to dodge a snag and work around submerged cover such as a laydown or a stump. Its ability to deflect is better when compared to best squarebill crankbaits.
A top feature regarding this lure is the Spro doesn't forget about crawdad colors and shades.
It seems that many crankbait manufacturers will produce a ton of baitfish color patterns and then add in two or three crawfish colors.
SPRO gave anglers across the country a wide assortment of crawfish shades.
When taken from the box, the RkCrawler needs no tweaking at all.
The Gamakatsu Round Bend Treble hooks and top notch split rings are standard (I buy tons of these as I truly love using them).
In summary, this high-quality niche specific crankbait I totally plan to buy lots more of these babies.
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SPRO John Crews Little John DD Crankbait
The SPRO John Crews Little John DD Crankbait designed by B.A.S.S. Elite Series Angler, John Crews is a deep diver that casts much father and is easier to fish than nearly any other deep diver on the market.
With a unique tungsten weight transfer system and an aerodynamic streamline design, this bait is simple to cast and retrieve. Finally, to the rubber coating around it, helps to make a deeper knocking sound in the water.
It also comes with sharp Gamakatsu treble hooks in an array of fish-catching colors!
It will easily track to 22 feet using 12-pound fluorocarbon line. To get the most out of this bait, use a long, heavy action crankbait rod that's at least 7'-10".
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SPRO John Crews Little John MD Crankbait
Yes, it's another SPRO product, but this bait absolutely kills it during early spring and pre-spawn season, or in the cold late fall.
The John Crews Little John MD Crankbait has flat sides, meaning less wiggle, while it's deeper bill allows it to go shallow without too much speed. Another interesting feature is it has a pretty slow rise.
The John Crews Little John MD Crankbait runs at about 7-9 feet, a bit deeper than the original Little John. With the same body as the original Little John, the significant difference lies in the longer, more downward facing plastic bill. This helps the bait to dive quicker while reducing hang ups by helping the bait flip up and over obstacles.
The Little John MD has the tungsten weight transfer system designed by Spro which keeps it swimming true through open water and aids in casting. Also equipped with sharp Gamakatsu hooks and made in many proven colors (the cellmate color slays in most visibilities), the Little John MD is another great quality bait you should add to your tackle box.
I really like that it has great castability.
The color selection is really good like all othat SPRO crankbaits.
Overall it's a great bait for cold water. Comes with upgraded hooks.
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6th Sense Cloud 9 C20
A relative newcomer, the 6th Sense Cloud 9 Series Crankbaits combines versatility with the look of a custom painted crankbait.
The Cloud 9 Series offers a huge front bill that helps them dive to your desired depth and has a unique large wobble action when compared to most other crankbaits.
Fitted with very sharp black nickel hooks, super loud rattles, and decorated with 3D eyes and gill plates, awesome paint jobs, and scaled finishes, the Cloud 9 Series are super realistic and very high quality.
The great thing about the 6th Sense Cloud 9 Series Crankbaits is they come in a variety of colors to match whatever "hatch" you're targeting.
These are quickly becoming one of my go-to summer crankbaits, especially in clear water.
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Norman DD22
Although it's not brought up as often as it used to be, the Norman DD22 still produces like none-other. Not too long ago every tournament winning angler was catching winning bags on a DD22.
When Norman made the DD22 into suspending model, it great for finicky bass. The floating model floats back quickly after pausing it.
It has a relatively wide wobble which makes it great for summertime and early fall deep crankbait fishing.
The Norman DD22 come in a huge range of colors, so there will be ton of options to satisfy your preference and it'll work in just about any lake.
When compared to other deep diving crankbaits, the DD22 is less expensive and very easy to fish. It typically runs at about 16 feet, but if you need to fish a little shallower they also offer the DD14.
The DD22 has a large aggressive roll and these baits excel in the summer and early fall. And what's really great the Norman brand have other crankbait styles that offer many different actions; wider wobbles, tighter wobbles. It's something for everyone.
In summary, the Norman DD22 is a proven winner, it's easy to fish.
Better yet, it's easy on the wallet, and the Norman brand offers many different styles.
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DIY - Create & Paint Your Own Crankbait
If you don't want to buy a premium shallow running crankbait, but rather think it's the best idea to paint and build your own, then check out this YouTube video below.
How to Build Or Replace Jig Skirts
Accessories You'll Need
Rod –The popularity of bass fishing is growing and people are becoming much more conscious of different rods that can help them.
Fisherman want best technique specific rod for the money.
Luckily, I wrote several reports article that provides you with detailed information in order for you to make buy the rod for the money, and more importantly which rods to avoid at all costs.
- Best Rod for Bass Fishing [Buyers Blueprint]
Reel – Having the correct reel to match with your rod is just as important. A good reel should be light and have a buttery smooth drag. There are several great reels on the market, but I recommend the Daiwa Tatula SV/TW baitbasting reel . It's a great reel packed with great features. So much so it could easily be priced in the mid $200 range.
Fishing Line – Having a good line is just as important as having a good rod. I recommend fishing with a good fluorocarbon line. Furthermore, it's super sensitive because it has little to no stretch, and underwater it's invisible to the bass! If pride or money is on the line I would use Sunline Sniper FC.
Tackle Bag – You can't carry all your gear in your pockets, so you need a reliable tackle bag to transport it. I wrote a complete review guide, Best Tackle Bag for Fishing, check it out by clicking here. But if you don't have the time to read the full guide then let me tell you I recommend the Lunker Bag by KastKing.
Fishing Pliers – Nothing will ruin a day quicker than getting a hook embedded in your hand, or worse your eye. That's why I always recommend having good set-up pliers that won't rust and won't slip out of your hand. I recommend that KastKing Cutthroat 7" Fishing Pliers.
Landing Net – As you are reeling in that monster fish, you don't want to injure yourself or knock the fish off the hook by trying to grab it. That's why I recommend a dependable telescopic landing net.
Fishing Weight Scale – Whether if you're going to keep your catch or just take a photo of it and brag to your friends it's important to have an accurate scale. I recommend a scale that has a large LED display like this one fishing scale here.
Wide Brim Fishing Hat – Nowadays, you have to protect yourself against the sun's harmful rays. Wearing a wide brim hat not only gives you UV protection, but it also keeps you cool. I recommend the Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney hat. It fits any size head and it feels really comfortable.
Fishing Sun Shirt – Don't you stop at only getting head protection, you also need to protect your chest, back, arms, and torso. According to the researchers finding skin cancers on the shoulders and forearms rank within the top-5 locations to get skin cancer*. Avoid any unnecessary UV exposure and stay cool by wearing a UV protective PFG Fishing Shirt by Columbia.
Fishing Gloves – Fishing gloves allow your hands to stay covered from the sun's harmful rays and stay dry by using a special material. These gloves by Fishaholic offer UPF50+
FAQ
Where is the best place to find pre-spawn bass?
What is the best way to set the hook with a crankbait?
A smooth sweeping hookset .You don't need to set the hook hard (like you would with a jigs) because the hooks are such a thin gauge. Be reeling down and a firm smooth sweep to the side will often set the hook.
Most most crankbaits this hook setting technique works just fine, however, if you're fishing with a larger crankbait with larger hook you will need to set the hook harder.
What type of line is best for fishing crankbaits for bass?
Most crankbaits should be fished with fluorocarbon, especially with soft tipped crankbait rods.
Reguardless if you don't have access to fluorocarbon line you can fish a crankbait with braided line or monofilament,
It's important to know crankbaits will perform differently depending on the different type of line.
Fortunately, I wrote a thorough article that goes in to much more detail of what are the best lines for bass fishing and more importantly what lines you must stay away from!
Read more: 21 Tips To Choose The Best Bass Fishing Line
What happens if the body of the crankbait cracks or breaks?
If you really like your crankbait and you don't want to throw it away do this…
- Set it out in the sun until it's completely dry.
- Sand down the broken area with fine grit sand paper.
- Apply super glue over the crack.
- Then mix some slow-cure Devcon 2-Ton 2-part clear epoxy and apply over the crack extending over the superglue approximately 1/4-inch.
- Allow to cure for at least 24-hours.
Other Bass Fishing Related Articles...
Source: https://fishingblueprint.com/best-deep-diving-crankbaits/