Few lures can rival the power and versatility of fishing squarebill crankbaits when it comes to targeting monster bass.
Known for their ability to deflect off cover, imitate wounded baitfish, and entice aggressive strikes, squarebills are a game-changer for anglers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re fishing shallow, rocky waters or navigating through dense cover, this guide will help you master the art of fishing squarebill crankbaits. From expert techniques to our top lure recommendations, you’re in the right place for bass fishing success.
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Our Top Picks: Best Squarebill Crankbaits For Monster Bass
Want to skip the read? Here are our favorite squarebill crankbaits for targeting monster bass. But if you want to know when to use squarebill crankbaits, or how to fish squarebill crankbaits, stay tuned!
- Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill Crankbait
- 6th Sense Crush 50X Squarebill
- Rapala BX Brat Squarebill
- Bomber Square A Crankbait
- Jackall Bling 55 Squarebill
- Luck-E-Strike RC2 Squarebill
In This Post
What Are The Advantages Of Fishing Squarebill Crankbaits?
Squarebill crankbaits are a powerhouse in bass fishing due to their unique design and versatility. Here’s a closer look at their strengths and considerations:
Advantages of Squarebill Crankbaits
Deflecting Off Cover
The square lip design allows the bait to bounce off obstacles like rocks, branches, and stumps without snagging. This erratic movement mimics a fleeing baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from bass.
Visual Appeal
Squarebills reflect light beautifully and come in vibrant patterns that mimic real prey, making them irresistible to bass in clear or slightly stained waters.
Shallow Water Effectiveness
Squarebills excel in shallow environments, typically running 1-5 feet deep. They’re perfect for fishing along laydowns, docks, or shallow cover.
Deeper Water Versatility
While designed for shallow waters, some models or retrieves allow them to work well in deeper zones, especially near submerged grass or ledges.
Big Bass Potential
Larger squarebills with a bulkier profile can attract and land trophy-sized bass, especially when worked around heavy cover.
Year-Round Versatility
Squarebills perform in various conditions, from warm summer waters to cooler postspawn phases, adapting to seasonal bass feeding behaviors.
By leveraging squarebill crankbaits, you gain a dynamic tool for targeting bass in challenging cover and enticing strikes with natural movement.
- Deflecting Off Cover
- Ideal For Shallow Water
- Versatile Across Seasons
- Visual Appeal To Mimic Prey
- Monster Bass Potential
- Depth Limitations
- Requires Precision
- Need The Correct Line
When To Use Squarebill Crankbaits
Squarebill crankbaits shine in specific situations and environments, making them a go-to for anglers seeking monster bass. In my experience, the following are the best times to use squarebill crankbaits:
- Shallow Water Fishing: Best for depths of 1-5 feet, squarebills excel in areas like creeks, riverbanks, and flats.
- Around Cover: Use them near laydowns, brush piles, and riprap where bass ambush prey.
- Seasonal Patterns: Prime times include spring (during the spawn), summer (early mornings and evenings), and fall (when baitfish are plentiful).
- Low-Light Conditions: Early morning, evening, or overcast days amplify their success.
- Post-Spawn Recovery: Bass holding in shallow areas respond well to their erratic movement.
Be sure to adjust your crankbaits to match water clarity, forage size, and the season for optimal results. For example, you don’t want to throw a bluegill colored crankbait in a pond with no bluegill!
Let’s dive into the tactics on how to fish squarebill crankbaits.
How To Fish Squarebill Crankbaits
- Choose the Right Gear
- Use a medium-heavy rod with moderate action for optimal casting and control.
- Pair it with a reel featuring a 6.4:1 or 7.1:1 gear ratio for a consistent retrieve.
- Spool your reel with 12-17 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament line for abrasion resistance around cover.
- Check out our posts on the best casting or spinning reels for bass fishing!
- Select the Perfect Squarebill
- Match the lure’s size and color to local forage and water clarity. Natural tones work in clear water, while bright colors shine in stained or muddy conditions.
- For more information on crankbaits, check out our ultimate guide to crankbait fishing!
- Locate Bass Habitat
- Target shallow water with structure like rocks, logs, or vegetation where bass are likely to ambush prey.
- Cast with Precision
- Cast past your target area to give the squarebill time to dive and approach the strike zone naturally.
- Vary Your Retrieve
- Use a steady retrieve to maintain the squarebill’s wobble. Incorporate occasional pauses or twitches to create an erratic action that triggers strikes.
- Leverage Deflections
- Bounce the squarebill off rocks, wood, or other cover to create an unpredictable motion. This technique often provokes aggressive bass attacks.
- Adjust to Depth and Season
- Use squarebills in 1-5 feet of water during spring and fall. For deeper applications, opt for squarebills designed for mid-range depths or experiment with line weight to adjust the running depth.
- Set the Hook Swiftly
- When you feel a strike, avoid jerking the rod. Instead, pull back smoothly to ensure the treble hooks penetrate effectively.
- Maintain Pressure During the Fight
- Keep consistent tension to prevent the bass from throwing the lure, especially when dealing with large fish.
With these steps, you’ll master fishing squarebill crankbaits and land monster bass!
Top Squarebill Crankbaits for Monster Bass
1. Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill Crankbait
A classic squarebill trusted by anglers everywhere, this bait offers a wide wobble and lifelike colors to attract bass.
- Depth: 3-6 feet
- Weight: 3/8 oz
- Best for: Deflecting off cover in shallow water
- Colors: Chartreuse Black Back, Sexy Shad
2. 6th Sense Crush 50X Squarebill
Known for its premium construction and attention to detail, this lure combines erratic movement with realistic finishes.
- Depth: 2-5 feet
- Weight: 3/8 oz
- Best for: Clear water and finicky fish
- Colors: Ghost Pro Shad, Bluegill Fire
3. Rapala BX Brat Squarebill
This balsa-core crankbait features a tough copolymer shell for durability and consistent performance.
- Depth: 3-6 feet
- Weight: 3/8 oz
- Best for: Subtle action in pressured waters
- Colors: Rootbeer Crawdad, Silver
4. Bomber Square A Crankbait
Affordable and effective, this squarebill is perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
- Depth: 2-5 feet
- Weight: 3/8 oz
- Best for: Budget-friendly versatility
- Colors: Fire Tiger, Foxy Shad
5. Jackall Bling 55 Squarebill
Designed for finesse fishing, the Bling 55 delivers a tighter wobble that works well in cooler water.
- Depth: 4-5 feet
- Weight: 1/2 oz
- Best for: Cold weather and pressured bass
- Colors: Chartreuse Shad, HL Gold Black
6. Luck-E-Strike RC2 Squarebill
Designed by legendary angler Rick Clunn, this squarebill offers a fast wobble and exceptional deflection.
- Depth: 3-5 feet
- Weight: 1/2 oz
- Best for: Fast retrieves in heavy cover
- Colors: Copper Perch, Green Tomato
Final Thoughts | Fishing Squarebill Crankbaits
Squarebill crankbaits are one of the most versatile tools in a bass angler’s arsenal, ideal for targeting fish in shallow water, navigating cover, and triggering aggressive strikes.
Whether you’re fishing wood, rocks, or grass, these lures can produce results year-round when used correctly.
If you’re ready to expand your tackle box, try our best squarebill crankbait picks and start experimenting with these proven techniques. Want to try other crankbait styles? Check out our article on the best crankbaits for bass for even more options!
FAQ
When should you use squarebill crankbaits?
Squarebill crankbaits are perfect for fishing in shallow water, especially when bass are near cover like rocks, timber, and submerged vegetation. They’re most effective in spring, post-spawn, and during the fall when bass are actively feeding near the surface.
What is the best bait for monster bass?
The best baits for targeting monster bass include large swimbaits, deep-diving crankbaits, and oversized jigs. Squarebill crankbaits in the right size can also attract big bass, especially when fishing around cover.
What is the advantage of a squarebill crankbaits?
Squarebill crankbaits have a unique square lip that helps them deflect off obstacles, creating an erratic, unpredictable action that often triggers bass to strike. They’re also great for shallow-water fishing and can be effective in both clear and murky water.
Where to throw a squarebill crankbait?
Target shallow, rocky areas, submerged vegetation, and around fallen trees or stumps. Squarebill crankbaits excel in these environments, where their deflecting action can trigger bites from bass hiding in the cover.
What is the best rod action for squarebill crankbaits?
A medium or medium-heavy action rod is ideal for throwing squarebill crankbaits. This action allows for better control and sensitivity while also giving you enough power to pull fish from cover.
How deep do squarebill crankbaits go?
Most squarebill crankbaits dive to depths between 2 to 5 feet, making them ideal for shallow-water fishing. However, deeper models are available for slightly more depth, but they are generally not suited for very deep water.
What is the best setup for a squarebill crankbait?
A medium or medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod paired with a 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 gear ratio reel will give you optimal control for casting and retrieving a squarebill crankbait. Use 10-12 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line for the best performance.
How fast should you reel a crankbait?
Crankbaits should generally be reeled at a steady, moderate speed to create consistent movement. Adjust the retrieve speed based on water conditions and bass behavior—sometimes a faster reel can provoke reaction strikes.
What is the best gear ratio for squarebill crankbaits?
A gear ratio between 6.3:1 and 7.1:1 is recommended for squarebill crankbaits. This range allows you to reel at a moderate pace while still providing enough speed for quick pauses and twitches to entice bass.
