Best Crankbaits: 6 Picks From Shallow to Deep
A crankbait’s bill sets how deep it dives, and running depth is the main thing to match when you choose...
By James
Updated November 10, 2026
A crankbait’s bill sets how deep it dives, and running depth is the main thing to match when you choose one. A squarebill bangs through shallow wood and rock. A medium diver covers 6 to 10 feet. A deep diver reaches offshore ledges. A lipless crankbait has no bill at all and covers water fast at any depth.
This guide compares six crankbaits from Strike King, Rapala, Bomber, and Bill Lewis, chosen to cover the depths most bass and walleye anglers fish. We compared each maker’s published size, weight, running depth, hooks, and construction. For the rod to throw them, see our crankbait rods guide; for more lures, see the lures and baits section.
Our Top Picks
| Best for | Product | FH Score About FH ScoreThe FH Score is our editorial rating from 0 to 10, based on published specs, materials, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings and is never influenced by commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best squarebill |
Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill (3/8 oz)
|
8.1/10 | Check Price |
| Best for clear and cold water |
Rapala Shad Rap (Size 07)
|
7.9/10 | Check Price |
| Best mid-depth |
Rapala DT6 Dives-To (3/8 oz)
|
7.6/10 | Check Price |
| Best deep diver |
Strike King Pro Model 6XD (1 oz)
|
7.6/10 | Check Price |
| Best value |
Bomber Model A 3-Pack
|
7.3/10 | Check Price |
| Best lipless |
Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap (1/2 oz)
|
8.0/10 | Check Price |
The Picks in Detail
Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill (3/8 oz)
Why it made the list: The KVD 1.5 is a shallow squarebill built to deflect off rocks, stumps, and docks, which often triggers strikes. It dives 3 to 5 feet, weighs 3/8 oz, and carries size 3 trebles. The square bill helps it bounce off cover instead of snagging.
Key specs: squarebill; 3/8 oz; dives 3 to 5 ft; size 3 treble hooks; chip-resistant finish; 3D eyes. The listing mixes the silent and Hard Knock (rattling) versions; check which you are ordering.
Skip it if: fish are deeper than 6 feet. Choose the Rapala DT6 or Strike King 6XD.
Pros
- Deflects off shallow cover
- Strong hooks for bass
- Many colors
Cons
- Shallow only
- Listing is unclear about rattle vs. silent version
Rapala Shad Rap (Size 07)
Why it made the list: The balsa Shad Rap has a tight wobble that often works when water is cold or clear and fish ignore wide-wobbling baits. The size 07 is 2-3/4 inches, 5/16 oz, and runs 5 to 11 feet, per Rapala. It catches bass, walleye, and pike.
Key specs: 2-3/4 in; 5/16 oz; runs 5 to 11 ft; balsa body; tight wobble.
Skip it if: you fish heavy wood and rock. A squarebill deflects better.
Pros
- Subtle action for cold, clear water
- Works for many species
- Natural balsa feel
Cons
- Light for its size, so it casts shorter in wind
- Smaller hooks than bass-specific cranks
Rapala DT6 Dives-To (3/8 oz)
Why it made the list: Rapala’s DT (Dives-To) series is named for its running depth, so you know where it will run. This version is 2 inches, 3/8 oz, and runs about 6 feet with two No. 5 hooks. It is a good choice for points, flats, and riprap.
Key specs: 2 in; 3/8 oz; running depth 6 ft; two No. 5 hooks.
Skip it if: fish are on deep ledges. Use the 6XD.
Pros
- Clearly rated depth
- Compact profile
- Good for mid-depth structure
Cons
- Small for big-bass lakes
- Covers one depth band
Strike King Pro Model 6XD (1 oz)
Why it made the list: For summer bass on offshore ledges, the 6XD reaches 19 feet or more, per Strike King. Its curved bill helps it get down fast, and it has rattle chambers and size 1 trebles.
Key specs: 1 oz; curved bill; dives 19 ft or more; size 1 treble hooks; free-floating rattle chambers.
Skip it if: you fish small, shallow lakes. A shallow or mid-depth crank fits better.
Pros
- Reaches deep structure
- Heavy enough to cast far
- Strong hooks
Cons
- Pulls hard; needs a strong rod and reel
- Only for deep water
Bomber Model A 3-Pack
Why it made the list: The Model A is a long-running crankbait design, and this 3-pack gives you three running depths, 2, 6, and 8 feet, in three colors. That covers shallow to mid-depth cranking in rivers, ponds, and lakes for one price.
Key specs: three lures; cranking depths of 2, 6, and 8 ft; three color patterns.
Skip it if: you need a specific color or depth. Buy single lures.
Pros
- Three depths in one pack
- Good starter set
- Low cost per lure
Cons
- Weights and hook sizes not stated
- Limited color choice
Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap (1/2 oz)
Why it made the list: The Rat-L-Trap is a lipless crankbait that sinks, so you can fish it shallow with a fast retrieve or let it fall and work it near the bottom. Internal rattles make a loud, low-pitched knock. It works in fresh and salt water.
Key specs: lipless; about 3 in; 1/2 oz; internal rattles; shad profile; fresh and salt water.
Skip it if: you fish heavy wood. A squarebill deflects better.
Pros
- Fishes any depth
- Casts far
- Covers water quickly
Cons
- Snags easily if you let it sit on the bottom
- Loud rattle can spook fish in clear water
Crankbaits Compared
| Crankbait | Type | Weight | Running depth | Hooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strike King KVD 1.5 | Squarebill | 3/8 oz | 3 to 5 ft | Size 3 trebles |
| Rapala Shad Rap 07 | Balsa, tight wobble | 5/16 oz | 5 to 11 ft | Not stated |
| Rapala DT6 | Medium diver | 3/8 oz | 6 ft | No. 5 |
| Strike King 6XD | Deep diver | 1 oz | 19 ft or more | Size 1 trebles |
| Bomber Model A 3-pack | Round bill | Not stated | 2, 6, and 8 ft | Not stated |
| Rat-L-Trap | Lipless | 1/2 oz | Any (sinks) | Not stated |
How We Picked
We did not fish these lures for this guide. We researched each one and compared the specifications published by the makers. Our criteria:
- Clear running depth, so you can match the lure to the water.
- A spread of types: squarebill, tight-wobble, medium, deep, and lipless.
- Hooks and construction.
- Value per lure.
The FH Score in each product box is our editorial rating, built from five weighted criteria: performance for the job, build quality, versatility, warranty and value. Lures carry no warranty, so every lure gets the same neutral warranty score. It is not based on Amazon ratings. See how it works on our How We Review page.
How to Choose Crankbaits
Running depth
Pick a crankbait that dives a little deeper than the water you fish, so it touches the bottom or cover. Contact with rocks and wood often triggers strikes.
Bill shape
Square bills deflect off cover. Round and coffin bills dive deeper. Lipless baits have no bill and sink.
Action
Tight wobble suits cold or clear water. Wide wobble suits warm, stained water.
Line and rod
Line diameter changes depth. Thinner line lets a crankbait dive deeper. Many anglers use fluorocarbon and a moderate-action rod so treble hooks stay in.
Color
Shad and silver colors for clear water and baitfish; craw colors in spring and around rock; chartreuse and bright colors in stained water.
Related Guides
See more in our Crankbaits section.
FAQ
What is the best crankbait for beginners?
A shallow squarebill or a lipless crankbait. Both are easy to cast and fish with a steady retrieve.
How deep do crankbaits dive?
From about 1 foot for wakebaits to 20 feet or more for deep divers. The package lists the running depth.
What line should I use for crankbaits?
Fluorocarbon around 10 to 15 lb is common for bass. Lighter line helps a crankbait dive deeper.
Final Thoughts
For a small crankbait box, carry the Strike King KVD 1.5 for shallow cover, the Rapala Shad Rap for cold or clear water, the Rapala DT6 for mid-depth, the Strike King 6XD for deep ledges, and the Rat-L-Trap to cover water fast. The Bomber Model A 3-pack is a low-cost way to start.
About the author
James writes reviews and buying guides for Fishing Hacking, covering rods, reels, line, lures, and the gear anglers rely on. His work focuses on clear criteria, balanced pros and cons, and practical advice to help readers choose equipment that fits how and where they fish.