Crankbaits

The Spro Rock Crawler 55 Crankbait was designed by B.A.S.S. Elite Series Angler Mike McClelland to have a wide wobbling hunting action. It's ability to bounce off cover like no other crankbaits triggers aggressive strikes.

Just hit the rocks and the RkCrawler 55 does the rest while rocking the school of fish. Most crankbait anglers know that deflection is the deal, and the new RkCrawler 55 takes advantage of a predator's built-in instinct and turns those natural instincts into secure hook-ups that show up at the weigh-in!

Kevin VanDam built his career on shallow water power fishing, and the Strike King KVD 2.5 Squarebill is the crankbait he designed to do it. The square bill deflects off wood, rock, and cover instead of hanging up — triggering reaction strikes from bass that are sitting tight to structure. A unique wandering action keeps the bait moving erratically even on a steady retrieve, and the silent, rattle-free design gives you a stealthy edge in pressured or clear water. At 2.75 inches and 5/8 oz, it's built to cover the 3–6 foot zone faster and more effectively than anything else in the box.

Key Features

• Square bill design — deflects off cover to trigger reaction strikes
• Erratic wandering action — unpredictable movement that bass can't track
• Silent (no internal rattles) — stealthy approach for pressured or clear water
• Designed by Kevin VanDam — BassMaster Classic Champion
• Dives 3–6 feet — ideal for shallow flats, laydowns, docks, and riprap
• Available in 18 proven color patterns

Specifications

When Other Crankbaits Can't Reach the Fish

When you need to reach bass that other crankbaits simply can't touch, you tie on the Strike King Pro Model 10XD. At 6 inches and 1.92 oz, this big-bait deep diver reaches down to 25+ feet on 14 lb fluorocarbon — putting your bait in front of fish that have never seen a crankbait before. Designed by Phil Marks, who used the 10XD to win the FLW Tour Open on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, this is a tournament-proven weapon for targeting giant bass on deep structure.

The Free-Floating Rattle That Pulls Fish From a Distance

The 10XD's free-floating rattle chamber produces multiple sound frequencies that carry at depth — drawing bass in from a distance before they ever see the bait. At 25 feet, visibility is limited and bass rely heavily on their lateral line and hearing to locate prey. The 10XD's rattle system is specifically designed to exploit that — creating a sound signature that triggers the predatory instinct in bass holding on deep ledges, humps, and channel edges.

Why the 6XD Can't Do What the 10XD Does

The 6XD is a proven ledge crankbait that reaches 19+ feet — but there are fisheries and situations where bass are holding in 22–28 feet of water, beyond the 6XD's reach. The 10XD's larger body, longer bill, and heavier weight push it 6+ feet deeper than the 6XD on the same cast. When fish are stacked on the deepest ledges and offshore structure, the 10XD is the only crankbait that can reach them on a standard retrieve.

Big Profile for Big Bass

The 10XD's 6-inch profile isn't just about depth — it's a big-bait presentation that specifically targets larger fish. On deep ledges during summer, the biggest bass in the school often ignore smaller crankbaits and commit to the largest, most aggressive presentation available. The 10XD's size, action, and rattle system combine to trigger those big-fish bites that smaller deep divers can't produce.

The Right Pick If...

• Bass are holding deeper than 20 feet on ledges, humps, or channel edges
• The 6XD can't reach the fish on a standard cast
• You're targeting big bass specifically with a large-profile crankbait
• You're fishing deep, clear-water reservoirs where bass push to maximum depth in summer
• You want a tournament-proven big-bait deep diver with a free-floating rattle system

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Long Cast, Steady Retrieve: Cast as far as possible to maximize dive depth, then maintain a steady retrieve to keep the bait in the strike zone at maximum depth
• Deflect Off Structure: Aim casts at deep rocks, stumps, and ledge edges — the kick on contact triggers reaction strikes from holding fish
• Slow Roll: Slow the retrieve once the bait reaches depth to keep it in the strike zone longer — deadly in post-front or cold-water conditions
• Rip and Pause: Rip the bait off the bottom and let it float up, then resume — the pause and rattle often trigger strikes from following fish

Best Conditions

• Summer — when bass push to maximum depth on ledges and offshore structure
• Main lake points, channel edges, humps, and ledges in 20–28 feet of water
• Clear to lightly stained water where bass use depth as their primary refuge
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are schooled on the deepest available structure
• Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, and similar deep-water reservoirs

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass
• Techniques: Deep Ledge Cranking, Big-Bait Structure Fishing, Bottom Contact, Deflection Cranking
• Conditions: Summer deep structure, ledges 20–28 ft, offshore humps, channel edges

Key Features

• Designed by Phil Marks — used to win the FLW Tour Open on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
• Dives 25+ feet on 14 lb fluorocarbon
• 6 in body length, 1.92 oz weight
• Free-floating rattle chamber produces multiple sound frequencies
• Big-bait profile targets larger fish on deep structure
• Casts and retrieves with surprising ease for its size
• 5 proven color patterns

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Use 14 lb Fluorocarbon for Max Depth: The 10XD is rated for 25+ feet on 14 lb fluorocarbon. Thinner line increases depth; thicker line reduces it. If you need to run shallower (20–22 ft), step up to 17–20 lb fluoro.
• Go Long on the Cast: Dive depth is directly related to cast length — the longer the cast, the more time the bait has to reach maximum depth before it enters the strike zone. Use a long rod (7'6"–8') and high-speed reel to maximize cast distance.
• Match Color to Water Clarity: Tennessee Shad and Green Gizzard Shad are go-to natural patterns for clear water. Chartreuse Sexy Shad and Pearl/Black Splatter with Chartreuse Belly shine in stained water or low-light conditions. Clear is a sleeper pick for ultra-clear, high-pressure fisheries.

FAQ

What's the difference between the 6XD and the 10XD?
The 6XD (3 in, 1 oz) dives to 19+ feet on 10 lb fluorocarbon. The 10XD (6 in, 1.92 oz) dives to 25+ feet on 14 lb fluorocarbon. The 10XD is the choice when bass are holding deeper than the 6XD can reach, or when a larger profile is needed to target big fish specifically.

What rod and reel setup works best for the 10XD?
A heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' fiberglass or composite crankbait rod with a 5:1–6:1 reel and 14 lb fluorocarbon is ideal. The slower reel speed keeps the bait in the strike zone longer and the softer fiberglass tip absorbs the shock of a deep-water strike without pulling hooks.

Do I need an egg snap with the 10XD?
Yes — an egg snap is recommended to maximize the 10XD's action and allow quick color changes on the water. Avoid split rings or direct ties, which restrict the bait's movement at the line tie and reduce the erratic action that makes it effective.

The Strike King Pro Model 3XD is engineered to get down fast and stay there. A curved lip design improves both diving speed and bottom tracking, so you spend more time in the strike zone and less time getting there. Inside, a free-floating rattle chamber produces multiple sound frequencies that attract fish from a distance — especially effective in stained water or when bass are holding tight to deep structure. Chip-resistant finish and 3D life-like eyes complete a crankbait that looks and performs like a tournament weapon.

Key Features

• Curved lip design — faster diving speed and better bottom tracking
• Free-floating rattle chamber — multiple sound frequencies to attract fish
• Chip-resistant finish — durable color that holds up through rocks and structure
• 3D life-like eyes — realistic detail that triggers reaction strikes
• Dives 10–12 feet — reaches bass holding on mid-depth ledges and structure
• Available in 11 proven color patterns

Specifications

The Strike King Pro Model Series 4 is a tournament-proven medium-diving crankbait built to trigger reaction strikes from bass holding in dirty or stained water. At 2½ inches and 3/8 oz, it hits the 6–9 ft strike zone with authority — the oversized bill deflects off cover and the wide, thumping wobble gets noticed when visibility is low.

Key Features

• 2½ inch body, 3/8 oz — ideal medium-diving profile
• Dives 6–9 feet — perfect for suspended bass and mid-column structure
• Wide wobble action — maximum vibration in dirty or stained water
• Oversized bill — deflects cover and triggers reaction strikes
• Available in 12+ proven Strike King color patterns

Specifications

The Strike King Pro Model 5XD was built to go where the Series 5 can't. A newly designed bill drives it 4–5 feet deeper than the standard model, reaching down to 15 feet — right where big bass stack up on ledges and deep structure. Kevin VanDam didn't just test this bait; he used it to come from behind in the final Post Season events at Lake Jordan and the Alabama River to claim the 2010 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. At 2.5 inches and 5/8 oz, it casts well and tracks true, with 23 color options to match any forage or water condition.

Key Features

• Dives to 15 feet — 4–5 ft deeper than the standard Series 5
• Newly designed bill — faster depth acquisition and better bottom tracking
• KVD-tested and tournament-proven — used to win the 2010 Bassmaster AOY title
• 2.5" compact profile — matches shad forage on deep ledges and structure
• Available in 23 proven color patterns

Specifications

The Ledge Crankbait KVD Built to Win

The Strike King Pro Model 6XD was developed over a full year alongside 5-time BASS Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam — and it shows. At 3 inches and 1 oz, it casts like a bullet and drives down to 19+ feet with a steep dive angle that gets it into the strike zone fast. Once it hits the bottom, the erratic wandering action is what triggers the bite. KVD used a prototype to finish 2nd at the 2009 BASS Elite Series event at Kentucky Lake before the bait was even released. That's how confident he was in it.

The Erratic Action That Triggers Ledge Bass

Most deep-diving crankbaits have a predictable, consistent wobble. The 6XD's action is different — it wanders erratically off the bottom in a way that mimics a disoriented baitfish struggling to maintain depth. That unpredictable action is exactly what triggers reaction strikes from bass stacked on deep ledges, humps, and channel edges during the summer months. When fish have seen every standard crankbait retrieve, the 6XD's erratic bottom action stands out.

Why Shallow Crankbaits Can't Reach Summer Bass

During summer, largemouth and smallmouth bass move to deep structure — ledges, channel edges, and offshore humps in 15–25 feet of water. Standard crankbaits can't reach them. The 6XD's steep dive angle and 19+ foot depth range puts it right in the strike zone on a standard cast, without the need for long-lining or specialized techniques. On 10 lb fluorocarbon, it reaches its full depth potential and the low-stretch fluoro gives you maximum feel for bottom contact and deflections.

The Right Pick If...

• Bass are on deep ledges, humps, or channel edges in 15–25 feet of water
• You're fishing summer structure in the style of Kentucky Lake, Pickwick, or similar ledge fisheries
• Shallow crankbaits can't reach the fish
• You want a tournament-proven deep diver developed with a 5x BASS Angler of the Year
• You need a crankbait that deflects off bottom and rocks with an erratic, strike-triggering action

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Steady Retrieve to Bottom: Cast long, reel down to the bottom, and maintain contact — the 6XD's erratic action does the rest
• Deflect Off Structure: Aim casts at rocks, stumps, and ledge edges — the kick on contact triggers reaction strikes from holding fish
• Slow Roll: Slow the retrieve once the bait reaches depth to keep it in the strike zone longer — deadly in post-front conditions
• Rip and Pause: Rip the bait off the bottom and let it float up, then resume — the pause often triggers strikes from following fish

Best Conditions

• Summer — when bass move to deep ledges and offshore structure
• Main lake points, channel edges, humps, and ledges in 15–25 feet of water
• Clear to lightly stained water where the bait's action and color carry at depth
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are schooled on deep structure
• Kentucky Lake, Pickwick, Guntersville, and similar ledge-fishing reservoirs

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass
• Techniques: Deep Ledge Cranking, Structure Fishing, Bottom Contact, Deflection Cranking
• Conditions: Summer deep structure, ledges, channel edges, offshore humps

Key Features

• Developed with Kevin VanDam (5x BASS Angler of the Year) over one full year
• Dives 19+ feet on 10 lb fluorocarbon
• Steep dive angle reaches depth fast on a standard cast
• Erratic wandering bottom action triggers reaction strikes
• 3 in body, 1 oz weight — casts like a bullet for long-distance presentations
• Use an egg snap for maximum action and quick color changes on the water
• 22 proven color patterns for any water condition

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Use 10 lb Fluorocarbon: Line diameter directly affects dive depth. 10 lb fluorocarbon gives the 6XD its full 19+ foot depth range. Heavier line reduces depth — if you need to go shallower, step up to 12–14 lb fluoro.
• Use an Egg Snap: Strike King recommends an egg snap (not a split ring or direct tie) to maximize the 6XD's erratic action. It also lets you swap colors quickly without retying on the water.
• Match Color to Depth and Clarity: In clear water, natural patterns like Gizzard Shad, Tennessee Shad, and Natural Shad are go-to choices. In stained water or low-light conditions, reach for Chrome Blue, Powder Blue Back Chartreuse, or Citrus Shad. Craw patterns like Chili Craw and DB Craw shine when bass are feeding on crawfish on rocky ledges.

FAQ

How deep does the Strike King 6XD actually dive?
On 10 lb fluorocarbon with a long cast, the 6XD reaches 19+ feet. Line diameter, cast length, and retrieve speed all affect depth. Thinner line = more depth; thicker line = less depth. For maximum depth, use 10 lb fluoro and make the longest cast possible before starting your retrieve.

What rod and reel setup works best for ledge cranking?
A medium-heavy 7'6"–8' fiberglass or composite crankbait rod with a 5:1–6:1 reel and 10 lb fluorocarbon is ideal. The slower reel speed keeps the bait in the strike zone longer and the softer fiberglass tip absorbs the shock of a deep-water strike and keeps fish pinned.

Why use an egg snap instead of tying direct?
An egg snap gives the 6XD maximum freedom of movement at the line tie, which enhances the erratic bottom action that makes this bait so effective. It also allows you to swap colors quickly on the water without retying — a significant advantage when you're dialing in the right color on a ledge.

When Bass Go Deep, This Is What You Tie On

Most crankbaits tap out at 12–15 feet. The Strike King Pro Model 8XD keeps going. At 5.5 inches and 1.3 oz with a dive depth of up to 20 feet, this is the crankbait built for the moments that matter most — when big bass have pushed off the bank and stacked on deep ledges, humps, and structure. Tight wobble, aggressive lip, premium finish. This is the bait that goes where others can't.

Built for the Deep Game

The 8XD is Strike King's answer to deep-water bass fishing. The oversized lip drives it down fast and keeps it in the strike zone longer, while the large, well-balanced body generates subtle vibrations that pull fish in from a distance. Whether you're dragging it across a 20-foot ledge or burning it through a deep flat, the 8XD tracks true and stays dialed in cast after cast.

Why Shallow Cranks Fail Here

When bass move to deep structure in summer and fall, standard crankbaits simply can't reach them. You're fishing above the fish — and they know it. The 8XD's aggressive lip geometry gets it down to 20 feet on a long cast, putting the bait right in the face of fish that haven't seen pressure all day.

What Sets the 8XD Apart

• Dives deeper than most crankbaits in its class — reaches 20 feet on a long cast with 10–12 lb fluorocarbon
• Tight, realistic wobble that mimics fleeing baitfish with precision — not an exaggerated thump
• Aggressive lip design gets it down fast and holds depth through the retrieve
• Large, well-balanced body generates subtle vibrations that attract fish from distance
• Premium finish and components built to withstand aggressive strikes and repeated use
• Available in 10 proven color patterns for clear and stained water conditions

The Right Pick If...

• You're fishing clear lakes or deep reservoirs where bass stack on structure past 15 feet
• You want a crankbait that tracks true and stays in the zone on long casts
• You're targeting ledge bass, humps, or deep flats in summer and fall
• You need a bait that generates reaction strikes from fish that have seen everything
• You fish 10–17 lb fluorocarbon and want maximum depth on a standard retrieve

Best Fishing Techniques

• Ledge cranking — long casts with 10–12 lb fluoro, slow steady retrieve to keep it grinding the bottom
• Hump fishing — cast past the structure, let it dive, and work it over the top and down the back side
• Deep flat sweeping — cover water quickly on expansive deep flats during post-spawn and summer
• Reaction cranking — burn it through suspended fish to trigger reaction strikes

Best Conditions

• Clear to lightly stained water — 2+ feet of visibility
• Summer and fall when bass push to deep structure
• Post-spawn transition as fish move off the bank
• Reservoirs, clear lakes, and highland impoundments with defined ledges and humps

Best For

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass on deep structure
• Ledge and hump fishing in 15–20 foot range
• Tournament anglers targeting deep summer and fall patterns
• Anglers fishing clear-water reservoirs and highland lakes

Key Features

• Length: 5.5 inches
• Weight: 1.3 oz
• Dive depth: up to 20 feet
• Type: deep-diving crankbait
• Tight, realistic wobble action
• Aggressive oversized lip for fast depth acquisition
• Large, well-balanced body with subtle vibration
• Premium finish and hardware
• Available in 10 color patterns including Gizzard Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, Nude, Delta Red, Chartreuse Shad, Barfish, Tennessee Shad, Natural Shad, The Shizzle, and Tennessee Shad 2.0

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Run 10–12 lb fluorocarbon on a 7'6" medium-heavy rod to maximize dive depth — fluoro sinks and adds 2–3 extra feet compared to mono.
• On ledge bites, slow your retrieve until you feel the bait ticking bottom. That contact is what triggers the strike.
• Match color to water clarity: Gizzard Shad and Green Gizzard Shad shine in clear water; Nude and Delta Red are go-to choices in stained or low-light conditions.

FAQ

How deep does the 8XD actually dive?
Up to 20 feet on a long cast with 10–12 lb fluorocarbon. Line diameter and cast length both affect depth — thinner fluoro and longer casts get you deeper.

What rod and line setup works best?
A 7'–7'6" medium-heavy rod with a moderate-fast tip and 10–14 lb fluorocarbon is the standard setup. The longer rod helps load the bait on the cast and keeps it down during the retrieve.

Is this bait good for smallmouth?
Yes. The 8XD is excellent for smallmouth on deep clear-water lakes and reservoirs, especially in summer when fish push to 15–20 foot structure.

More Strike King XD Series Crankbaits

Not sure the 8XD is the right depth for your water? Explore the full XD lineup:

• Strike King Pro Model 3XD — shallower diver, ideal for 8–10 ft structure
• Strike King Pro Model 5XD — mid-depth workhorse for 12–15 ft
• Strike King Pro Model 6XD — bridges the gap between the 5XD and 8XD
• Strike King Pro Model 10XD — goes even deeper for 25+ ft ledge fishing

Pair It With

Anglers who fish the 8XD also reach for these Strike King baits when conditions call for a different presentation:

• Strike King KVD 2.5 Squarebill — when fish move shallow or into cover
• Strike King KVD Jerkbait — for suspended fish and clear-water reaction bites
• Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg — topwater option for early morning and low-light windows
• Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Jr. — finesse topwater for pressured fish and smaller bites

The Strike King Pro Model Series 3 is a proven deep-diving crankbait built to put bass in the boat. At just 2 inches and 1/4 oz, it punches well above its weight — casting effortlessly to the 8-foot depth range where big fish hold tight. Use it as a search bait to cover water fast and dial in active feeding zones.

Like all Strike King Pro Model Crankbaits, the Series 3 features attention-grabbing 3D eyes and free-floating rattles that trigger reaction strikes even on tough days. Its compact profile makes it ideal for pressured fisheries where finesse meets power.

Key Features

• Compact 2" body — highly castable despite its deep-diving design
• Targets the 8-foot depth range — ideal for ledges, points, and submerged structure
• 3D eyes for a lifelike, predator-triggering appearance
• Free-floating internal rattles for maximum sound and vibration
• Floating action — rises on the pause to trigger hesitant fish
• Available in proven Strike King color patterns

Specifications

When bass push deep, the Strike King Pro Model Series 5 goes with them. At 2.6 inches and 1/2 oz, this compact deep diver punches well above its weight — casting a mile and diving straight into the 10–13 foot strike zone where big fish stack up. Free-floating rattles call fish in from a distance, 3D eyes add a lifelike finish, and the small profile makes it a deadly search bait when you need to cover water fast. One of Strike King's most trusted crankbaits, season after season.

Key Features

• Compact 2.6" body — highly castable despite deep-diving design
• Dives 10–13 feet — targets suspended bass and deep structure
• Free-floating rattles — maximum sound and vibration to attract fish
• Attention-drawing 3D eyes — lifelike finish that triggers reaction strikes
• Floating action — rises on the pause to trigger hesitant fish
• Available in 20 proven color patterns

Specifications