Looking for a lure that actually works when the fish aren’t biting? After extensive testing, I’ve found these 7 lipless crankbaits that produce results when traditional lures fall short.
Last updated: January 6th, 2025
1. Berkley Warpig
Here’s a bold statement: Berkley’s Warpig has outfished my entire collection of premium lipless crankbaits.
I’ve spent countless hours throwing the Warpig on my local lakes, and I can tell you firsthand – this lipless crankbait has become my go-to for a reason.
Its natural baitfish shape practically does the work for you. During my latest trip to Lake Travis, I caught three solid bass in an hour just burning it through schools of shad.
The blunt, slightly concave nose design isn’t just for looks – it helps the bait stay true even when you’re reeling fast.
Trust me, this matters when you’re trying to trigger reaction strikes in clear water. The internal rattles are loud enough to call fish in without being overwhelming, which I’ve found perfect for both calm and slightly stained water.
Best of all? The price point makes it a fantastic starter lipless crankbait (less than $10).
While it only comes in 1/2 ounce, I’ve found the Berkley’s Warpig to be the most versatile size for anglers anyway – it’s not too heavy to control but has enough weight to cast well.
2. Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Rap
Ever had one of those days where the bass just won’t commit to a full-sized crankbait? That’s exactly why I always keep an Ultra Light Rippin’ Rap in my tackle box.
I’ve spent enough time with this bait to tell you that its deep belly profile isn’t just for show. Rapala designed it to perfectly mimic a shad, and during my testing, I’ve found that the realistic eyes and loud internal rattle make it absolutely deadly in murky water conditions.
You can burn it through the water or rip it through vegetation – the versatility is incredible. I’ve had particular success with the smaller 3/16 ounce size during two specific situations:
- When the water temperatures drop.
- During those brutal midday summer hours when fishing slows down.
The color selection is thoughtfully designed with about 10 different patterns to match any condition you’ll face.
Through trial and error, I’ve developed a simple rule of thumb – go natural and lighter on sunny days, darker patterns when it’s cloudy. This has made a huge difference in my catch rates.
Pro tip: If you’re a beginner angler, this is an amazing option because it’s lighter weight makes it much easier to control and keep at the right depth. You don’t need to be an expert to fish this effectively – just a steady retrieve will often do the trick.
Keep this in your tackle box as your “plan B” – you’ll thank me later.
3. Strike King Red Eye Shad
In my experience with the Strike King Red Eye Shad, there’s one thing that makes it stand out – its ability to mimic a dying baitfish perfectly. When I watched Kevin VanDam win the 2010 Bassmaster Classic with this exact lure, I knew I had to try it.
The key is in its erratic action and those bright red 3D eyes. When I tested this lure in murky water, the internal rattle chamber created exactly the kind of commotion that triggers bass to strike.
The 34 different color patterns all work well, but my personal favorite is the Green Tomato.
At under $8, the Strike King Red Eye Shad is a steal for any tackle box.
4. Cotton Cordell Super Spot
Here’s why I recommend this forgotten lure that outperforms big brands – the Cotton Cordell Super Spot has a lot of bonuses that you won’t find in many other lures.
In my testing, this lipless crankbait’s wide profile proved to be quite useful. Unlike other lipless crankbaits, it rarely gets snagged, letting me fish in weed beds where the big bass hide.
When I cast it on the sunny test day, its reflective design and multiple rattles got immediate attention.
Hall of Famer Cotton Cordell designed this lure specifically for challenging spots.
I’ve found it especially effective when bank fishing thanks to its ability to cut through the air.
You can grab it in 2-1/2″ (0.25 ounce) or 3″ (0.5 ounce) sizes with 4 color options – all under $6.
5. BOOYAH One Knocker
I love my BOOYAH lures and the One Knocker is no exception. It is a great alternative to aggressive crankbaits such as the Strike King Hard Knocker.
I’ve tested this subtle lure extensively and found its lower-pitched rattle to be apt when bass need a more subtle presentation. It’s gentler action imitates an injured baitfish perfectly.
I feel this lure is an excellent choice for an overcast morning when there’s a bit of a chill in the air in early Fall.
The One Knocker comes in over 10 different color patterns. At under $10, I’ll suggest to keep several in your tackle box to adjust your presentation based on the surroundings.
6. Yo-Zuri 3D Slow Sinker Twitchbait
I discovered the Yo-Zuri 3D Slow Sinker is deadly effective because it does something different from other options.
Unlike traditional diving crankbaits, this suspended twitchbait stays right beneath the surface. When I retrieve it, the rolling and twitching action essentially makes it spin through the water, creating the injured-baitfish presentation that we covered earlier.
The bait’s realistic 3D design with natural flat sides and a nearly-transparent bottom has worked wonders in my testing. It’s also saltwater-ready for those bonus striper fishing trips.
Overall, I can say that this Yo-Zuri 3D twitchbait, costing under $13, is worth it for anglers who want the unique suspended action.
I’d compare it to a good stickbait like the Yo-Zuri Hydro Pencil.
7. Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap
While the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap is a popular lipless crankbait and a pro tournament staple, I’ve found it has a bit of a learning curve that’s worth mastering.
In my testing, its super-realistic wobbling action proved to be effective even in shallow grass and dense cover.
I had my best success letting it sink slightly before twitching it. You could also use the yo-yo technique to trigger strikes.
Fair warning – you’ll need to rig your own treble hooks and get the weight just right to ensure you stay at the right depth.
Costing under $8, I’ll say it’s worth practicing with until you nail that perfect presentation.
How to Choose Lipless Crankbaits for Bass
Finding the best lipless crankbaits comes down to a game-time decision based on conditions. This is why I preach the importance of having enough options.
If you have a few choices based on color and size then you’ll never starve on the lake.
In the following sections, I want to outline some of the important considerations to keep in mind.
Color
Choosing the best colors is simple because the rules never change.
You choose the color based on your conditions. If the water is clear and the sun is shining, go for something bright and natural like chartreuse, bluegill, or shiner.
If the water is murky and the sky is overcast, go with something more subtle and maybe a louder rattle because the bass can’t see the lure.
In some cases, murky water when the sun is shining is a great time to fish something bright. You can try and gather what little light reflection you have.
In the spring, bass tend to feed on crawfish so go with a red craw color.
In the early fall, bass tend to feed more aggressively in the shallow water. When it’s usually clear, mimic the baitfish and minnow colors.
It’s simple but having the best color lipless crankbait will give you a sharp advantage.
Size
I’ll say it again and again, “match the hatch.” Match the size of the prey you’re encountering in the water. If you see shad and they’re about 2-3 inches in length, throw something similar.
Try to always keep your lures sized to the prey you’re seeing and if you can’t see anything, start bigger than you think you should be and work your way down.
Keep fishing pressure in mind as well. If it’s a busy day on the lake or you’re tossing from the shore and you’re surrounded by other anglers, a big 4-inch crankbait isn’t going to cut it.
You need to size down in this situation.
The best crankbait for bass is whatever the bass are eating at the time!
Action
A lipless crankbait is designed to be aerodynamic. They remove the lip to force them to dive deeper into the water column. This is what you want them to do.
A crankbait with a lip prevents it from diving so it sits right beneath the surface and it’s why I call them “suspended crankbaits.”
Most lipless crankbaits have a rattle and depending on the type of bb inside, you could have a high-pitched screeching sound or a low-pitched gurgling sound. Each has its time and place.
All lipless crankbaits are also designed to imitate an injured fish. This is true in both color and presentation. Using a fluorocarbon leader can even enhance this.
The reason they do this is because it makes bass think they have an easy meal option.
Would they rather chase a worm for 50 yards or chow down on this bleeding shad they have right in front of them?
Keep the action and presentation of your choice in mind before getting it wet. I’ve provided a wide variety of options above but I recommend the Warpig or Rattlin’ Rap if you’ve never fished a lipless crankbait before.
These have the most traditional presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size lipless crankbait?
The best size lipless crankbait mimics whatever the bass are feeding on in the water you’re bass fishing.
When should you throw lipless crankbaits?
You should throw lipless crankbaits in early Spring and late Fall. They perform best in water temperatures ranging from 40-60 degrees.
Are lipless crankbaits good in cold water?
Yes, lipless crankbaits are designed for cold water.
What are lipless crankbaits good for?
Lipless crankbaits are best used when bass aren’t biting or they’re feeling pressure from too many anglers.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this breakdown of the best lipless crankbaits for bass and some of the fishing tips that went along with it.
Remember the golden period of early Spring and Fall when fishing these bad boys.
Lipless cranks are a great option when the bass aren’t biting and they’re a heck of a lot of fun to throw.
The Berkley Warpig is easily my favorite option but I wouldn’t sleep on the Strike King Red Eye Shad either.
Do you have a good lipless crankbait story? Tell me about it in the comments!
