These often used, rarely talked about lipless crankbaits is a lure the Pros trust… and now… you can learn and use immediately… no matter how new or clumsy you are!
Over the last 10 years, we’ve tested over dozens of the best lipless crankbaits. This review features 7 of the market’s top baits. These lures go head-to-head and were put through real-world tests in all types of weather and water conditions. I’ve identified what I feel are the pros and cons of each model, what applications they are best suited for, uncover the fishing experience and select the best overall.
In addition to fishing with each under bright and sunny days, heavy rain storms, and even snow I talk about their performance. I even talk about their price point and where it stacks up with the rest.
I offer you unbiased and helpful recommendations to help you get the best possible lure for your needs and budget.
While fishing with a lipless crankbait may be the answer to your needs, sometimes you’ll need to switch to other lures. With this in mind, my team and I published a quick-read review of 5 Best Bass Baits Every Angler Must Own, or you can opt to read the complete report, Bass Fishing Lures: A Complete Guide. Over the past several years my team and I also tested and reviewed a variety of products, including best bass fishing rod, best bass fishing line, best tackle bag and even best fish finder for bank fishermen!
Key Takeaways...
A lipless crankbait is one of the cold weather 5 bass lures that any serious bass angler must have ready to fish at a moment’s notice.
But… just because it looks like a lipless crankbait doesn’t mean it’s great for fishing— a good lipless has to have a tight wobble, has to have loud, crisp rattles, the hooks have to be sticky sharp, and finally the lure components have to be top quality to avoid rusting in order to give you years of use.
I’ve come to the conclusion, you would be wasting your time if the lure you’re fishing it doesn’t have these features. Best of all, lipless crankbaits are really easy to learn and fish.
Stop! Did you notice something? I didn’t say good lipless crankbaits have to be expensive. There are some really quality lures that don’t cost you an arm and a leg!
So listen… if you don’t have much time to read the details we totally understand. Simply use the links below to quickly find the best lipless crankbait for your fishing needs. You can be assured we only choose the best products for you…
Best Overall Lipless Crankbait – Lucky Craft Lucky Vibration (LV-500)
Best Budget Lipless Crankbait – Strike King Redeye Shad Lipless Crankbait
Editor’s Choice – Bill Lewis Original Rat-L-Trap
But be warned! Go through this blueprint slowly and carefully so you don’t miss any suggestions that could cost you.
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1. Lucky Craft Lucky Vibration (LV-500) Lipless Crankbait
WINNER! Best All-Around Lipless Crankbait!
But, why is the Lucky Craft LV-500 the best?
The Lucky Craft Lucky Vibration Lipless Crankbait is recognized as one of the best, if not the best, lipless crankbaits available. It is made in various models and sizes.
Personally, this is my go-to lipless crankbait. I really like the LV-500 because it’s a large lipless crankbait and is the largest in this series of lipless crankbaits made by Lucky Craft.
Construction
The Lucky Craft Lucky Vibration Lipless Crankbait is available in 10 colors, 2 lengths, and 2 weights. It makes a lot of rattling noise to attract large bass thanks to the glass and brass interior rattles.
The glass beads and brass beads make a loud sound clicking together. It is designed to look natural since it moves like a real fish with a controlled fast wiggle.
Fishing Experience
Lucky Craft makes premium hard lures and tournaments have been won with these Japanese lures that were brought to the US in the 1990s.
The LV-500 seems to run vertically even if you’re burning it using your fastest reel.
Even on your longest cast you can feel the vibration as you’re reeling it in.
I appreciate the various colors and sizes made for a variety of environmental conditions.
The LV-500 fall quickly to the lake bottom after you cast them, and I can work them along the bottom similar to a jig with a hopping action that attracts bass.
The Price
These lures are in the upper-cost category of lipless crankbaits, but many anglers have owned and used them for years. They are sturdy lures that last and last. The cost for this lure is $15.99-$16.99.
Here are some REAL reviews from actual customers:
“These lures in Ghost Minnow and American Shad are very effective in my lake.” – Captain Crappie: 2,000 via Bass Pro Shops
“The best lipless crankbait I have used. I definitely recommend this lure.” – Juan R: July, 2021, via Amazon.com
“Caught multiple bass using these on a recent trip. I have to say they’re very durably made and I think worth the extra that you pay.” – Benjamin Jon Phillips: March, 2020, via Amazon.com
This Lucky Craft LV-500 flat out catches you fish!
Tech Specs:
- Length - 2 ½ or 3 inches
- Weight - ½ or ¾ ounce
- Depth - 3-9 feet
- Hook size - Premium VMC hooks #4 or #6
- Recommended line size - 8-12 -pound fluorocarbon
2. Strike King Redeye Shad Lipless Crankbait
Best Budget Winner
The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Crankbait is a deadly lipless crankbait that has a lot of movement and looks like a shad. It’s great for fishing where bass are chasing shad because they won’t know the difference between your bait and a prey fish.
The Red Eyed Shad can cover a lot of water and it hooks into bass at various depths.
Construction
The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Crankbait was designed by Strike King’s pros who produced a crankbait that is very effective. It has a shad profile that will fool bass into thinking it’s just one of the shad they’re chasing. Its 3D red eyes are lifelike, and it has a free-floating loud rattle as it falls.
The Red Eyed Shad Crankbait is completed with 2 sharp VMC Vanadium Cone Cut Hooks.
Fishing Experience
Many anglers have had great fishing experiences with the Red Eyed Shad. It catches bass who can’t seem to resist the profile and red realistic-looking 3D eyes. It’s great for covering a lot of water and is versatile since it can be used in many different environments.
The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Crankbait is easy for making long straight casts even in the wind. The angler can walk it on the lake bottom like a jig to mimic a shad’s move.
The Price
Prices for the Red Eyed Shad Crankbait are very reasonable considering its durability in heavy grass and other situations. Its price averages around $10 or mid-range in price. Prices are based on the weight and length of the lure.
Here are some REAL reviews from actual customers:
“I love the natural bream color of this rattle trap because it’s so realistic and has caught me a few nice large-mouth bass already.” – Scott Garthwaite: March, 2022 via Amazon.com
“I love them. They catch the hogs!” – C. Walker: July, 2021 via Amazon.com
“I have caught more bass with this lure than with any other this summer. I ended up buying one more for my son and for me.” – Mimi-V: September, 2021 via Amazon.com
This lure flat out catches you fish!
Tech Specs:
- Length - 2¼, 2⅝, 3 - inches
- Weight - ¼, ½, ¾ -ounce
- Depth - 3-9 feet
- Hook size - Premium VMC hooks #6, #4, #2 depending on size
- Recommended line size - 8-12 -pound fluorocarbon
3. Bill Lewis Original Rat-L-Trap
Editor's Choice Winner
The Bill Lewis Original Rat-l-Trap has not changed much over the years, but it still works as well as it did years ago. Most anglers agree that it is one of the best lipless crankbaits on the market.
Construction
The Bill Lewis Original Rat-L-Trap has been sold to many anglers in the past 25 years. It is made in every color and pattern possible and has a profile with shine and flash. It has realistic vibrations that mimic injured prey and bass can’t pass them up.
Each Rat-L-Trap has a hard Durashell finish for long-lasting use.
Fishing Experience
These lures rattle as you reel them in for a possible hook-up as you retrieve the lure. Customers who have used this lure rate it highly because they are continually improved.
The Price
The Rat-L-Trap price ranges from $4.00 to $11.00 and falls in the low range of crankbait prices to the mid-range.
Here are some REAL reviews from actual customers:
“Great lure, especially when fishing grass! Excellent colors and depth coverage for fishing bass!” – CCAguns: 2020 via Bass Pro Shops
Tech Specs:
- Length - 3 inches
- Weight - ½ -ounce
- Depth - 3-9 feet
- Hook size - Premium Mustad Triple Grip #4 hooks
- Recommended line size - 8-12 -pound fluorocarbon
4. Rapala Freshwater Rattlin’ Rapala
Honorable Mention
Rapala is known for its high-quality fish baits and lures. The Rapala Freshwater Rattlin’ Rapala is a premium lipless crankbait that is sold at a very reasonable price.
Construction
Bass can’t resist the Rattlin’ Rapala with its loud rattling sound. It has a special sound chamber to make noise that attracts bass. This shallow crankbait has 3 treble hooks that are very sharp. Its tall thin body shape shakes as it’s dropped.
Fishing Experience
It is possible to make long casts with the Rapala Freshwater Rattlin’ Rapala. Retrieves with this lure bring a loud BB sound while it vibrates.
The Price
The price for this lure falls into the mid-price range for crankbaits at around $8.99 per lure. Rapala is a company known for their higher-priced lures, so this is a real bargain.
Here are some REAL Reviews from actual customers:
“I love this lure! I got it in the Baby Bass color and it has worked better for me than any other lure. I have caught over 200 fish on it, including my largest – a 7# largemouth. The noise drives the bass nuts!” – Basslayer22: 2014 via Bass Pro Shops
“It’s Rapala. What else is there to say? Great product!” – LB: April, 2022 Via Amazon.com
“These work great on largemouth bass and many others! The best made in my opinion!” – Kevin Wags Cane: March, 2022 via Amazon.com
Tech Specs:
- Length - 1½, 2, 2¾, 3⅛ -inches
- Weight - 3/16, ⅜, ½, ¾ -ounces
- Depth - 2-10 feet
- Hook size - VMC Black Nickel Hooks #7, #6, #4, #4 depending on size
- Recommended line size - 8-12 -pound fluorocarbon
5. Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbaits
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbaits are designed to vibrate the same as baitfish. It goes through heavy vegetation without getting caught on the weeds.
There are many colors choices available, including 3 Chrome colors.
Construction
This anti-snag lipless crankbait will not get stuck in heavy grass. It features a smaller shape like a shad for an on-target cast and it rattles to attract bass. This crankbait floats in the higher water column.
It has realistic eyes and wiggling movement in the water to look alive to bass. There are 11 colors and it’s sold in 2-1/2-inch and 1/4-ounce in size.
Fishing Experience
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait is easy to use in shallow grassy areas. It is designed to glide through the grass and weeds without getting snagged or caught. This lure makes accurate casts every time.
The Price
This lure is in the low-price range for lipless crankbaits. It sells for under $5, yet offers superior performance.
Here are some REAL reviews from actual customers:
“Long time favorite that still produces! Runs true and runs deep or shallow depending on retrieve. For a small bait, it casts very well!” – Andrew J.: July, 2022 via Amazon.com
“Catches all kinds of fish. I’ve caught a largemouth bass, white bass. Definitely a great value!” – Joshua Leisemann: July, 2022 via Amazon.com
“I have this lure in every color and love every lure. Great bait and very inexpensive!” – Connor: 2016 via Bass Pro Shops
Tech Specs:
- Length - 2½ , 3 inches
- Weight - ¼, ½ -ounce
- Depth - 4-8 feet
- Hook size - #4 hooks
- Recommended line size - 8-12 -pound fluorocarbon
6. Bass Pro Shops XPS Rattle Shad
The Bass Pro Shops XPS Rattle Shad is a plastic lipless crankbait. It is good to fish Bass, Muskie, Pike, Stripe, and other fish.
It has a unique profile, scales, and layering to imitate prey fish. Bass Pro believed that by improving the body of the bait, plus including the classic features of a lipless crankbait that it will hook into more fish.
Construction
The Bass Pro Shops XPS Rattle Shad attracts fish from all directions. The shad body has different rattle chambers with small beads. This lure wiggles back and forth, and paint chipping is reduced because hook points do not rub against the lure as you retrieve.
This hard lure has a weighted, sculptured body with a sharp treble hook hanging from its belly.
Fishing Experience
The Bass Pro Shops XPS Rattle Shad can be cast far with accuracy.
The Price
You won’t give up quality when you choose the XPS Rattle Shad even though it is in the bottom category of less expensive lipless crankbaits. It will cost you around $5.00, so you may want to buy several of them.
Here are some REAL reviews from actual customers:
“This is my go-to bait in any situation. Its action is amazing and you can hear the rattle from a mile away.” – Kwik: 2013 via Bass Pro
“Bass Pro Shops outdid themselves this time. Great rattle trap for the price and excellent color selection. A must try! – GMetz17: 2013 via Bass Pro Shops
Tech Specs:
- Length - 2, 2¾ -inches
- Weight - 5/16, ½ -ounce
- Depth - 4-9 feet
- Hook size - #4 (front) and #6 (rear)
- Recommended line size - 8-12 -pound fluorocarbon
7. Berkley Warpig Lipless Crankbait
The Berkley Warpig Crankbait will not get caught on grass or weeds, and this is true much more in the Warpig than in other lipless crankbaits. Its profile and line tie make it move as it is being retrieved. It has a different sound than other lipless crankbaits.
Construction
The Berkley Warpig Crankbait was designed by pro anglers to stimulate hunting instincts in bass. It notifies prey fish that it is nearby with vibrating movements and loud sounds.
This bait combines manmade materials to produce outstanding movement in the water. It is available in 8 different colors, 2 lengths, and 3 weights.
Fishing Experience
This lure has a blunt nose that will not hit structures when you retrieve it, so you can feel confident of putting your hog in your boat. Other anglers rave about the bright and realistic colors of this lure.
The Price
The Berkley Warpig is at the low end of mid-range crankbaits. It sells for approximately $8.99 per lure and is a lot of lure for this amount of money.
Here are some REAL reviews from actual customers:
“Awesome lures! I bought these lures a month ago and I have been catching bass like crazy! Peacock bass really love the Warpig in gold and black!” – warpig52: 2020 via Pro Bass Shops.com
“One of the best lipless crankbaits I have ever used. It was especially good in the fall when I caught a two-pounder and they just kept coming! Later that day, I caught a 4-pounder and a 6-pounder.” – Mallardess: 2016 Via Amazon.com
“Awesome hook! Can’t wait to use it!” – Jordan Eldridge: Canada, 2021 via Amazon.com
This lure flat out catches you fish!
Tech Specs:
- Length - 2, 2⅜, 3 -inches
- Weight - ¼, ½ -ounce
- Depth - 5-6 feet
- Hook size - #5 hooks
- Recommended line size - 8-12 -pound fluorocarbon
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George Servinson
My name is George and I'm been fishing my entire life and love all things outdoors. My passion is helping anyone catch more fish. The newest things I've been doing lately is learning how to break down and clean all my reels, teaching my boy how to kayak fish, and bushcraft wilderness survival.
