Freshwater Bass Hard Baits

Megabass calls this a ripless jerkbait, and that's the most useful thing anyone can tell you about it. It isn't a topwater. It runs just under the surface, dog-walking and darting long and regular — built specifically for fish that follow a surface bait up and then refuse to break the film.

Short version: 80mm, 7/16 oz, slow sinking, two #6 trebles with a tinsel hook on the rear. The larger of the two Karashi.

The Problem It Solves

Everyone has had this day. Fish boil behind a walking bait, push a wake at it, and turn off at the last second. They're up, they're interested, and they will not commit to something on top.

The Karashi 80 works in that exact band — just below the surface, where a fish can eat without committing to the surface itself. Yuki Ito's hydrodynamic body shape gives it enough water resistance to hold a rhythm, so jerks and twitches produce regular long darts left and right rather than the erratic scatter you get from most subsurface baits.

It's a genuinely different category from a walking bait or a lipped jerkbait, and it fishes the water neither one covers well.

How to Work It

Jerk and twitch on slack line. The bait needs slack to turn; a tight line drives it straight and you lose the dart entirely.

Let it fall. It's slow sinking, so the pause is a presentation and not dead time. Stop it, count, and start again — that's the trigger on pressured fish.

Vary the dart length. Harder jerks push it further; softer twitches keep it tight. Work through both before deciding it isn't the day for it.

The Tinsel Hook

The rear treble is a Megabass tinsel hook, not a plain #6. The tinsel adds flash and — by Megabass's own account — improves the straight-line stability of the bait's tracking. It's part of the design, not a dressing.

That matters for maintenance: when the tinsel mats down or the hook bends, the bait tracks differently. Megabass sells the tinsel hook as an official replacement part. Call the shop for availability.

Karashi 80 or Karashi Finesse?

See the Karashi Finesse →

When to Reach for It

• Fish are up but won't commit on top. The single clearest use case.
• Clear water, high pressure. Fish that have refused every jerkbait on the lake haven't seen this action.
• Cold fronts and post-frontal slumps, where the slow sink lets you fish a pause without leaving the strike zone.
• Over grass and structure just under the surface, where a lipped jerkbait would dig in.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

The topwater and subsurface windows on the local lakes move week to week. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you decide how deep to start.

Picking a Color

Recommended Gear

• Rod: light to medium-light with a forgiving tip. #6 trebles pull out of fish on stiff blanks, particularly on a subsurface strike you never see coming.
• Line: braid to a fluorocarbon leader for the darting work. Fluoro is fine straight through here — this bait isn't fighting to stay on the surface.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Fish it when the topwater bite dies. Same fish, same spot, one foot lower. That's the whole reason this bait exists.
• Work the pause. Slow sinking means the stop is a presentation, not a gap between them.
• Jerk into slack. Tight line drives it straight and you lose the dart.
• Check the tinsel hook. Megabass says it stabilises the bait's tracking. When it's matted or bent, you're fishing a different lure.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it as a topwater. It's slow sinking and it runs under the film. Working it like a walking bait wastes what it does.
• Too stiff a rod. The most common reason anglers lose fish on small-treble Japanese baits.
• Retrieving through the pause. The fall is the trigger.
• Buying the wrong size. The 80 and the Finesse are 80mm and 59mm — different tools, see the table above.

Specifications

Specs confirmed against Megabass's published Karashi 80 page. Colors vary by production run — the selector above is the live list.

What's Included

One Megabass Karashi 80 in the color selected, factory rigged with two #6 trebles including the tinsel hook on the rear. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a topwater?
No. It's slow sinking and runs just under the surface. Megabass describes it as a ripless jerkbait — it fishes the band a walking bait can't reach and a lipped jerkbait runs below.

How big is it?
80mm (about 3.1 inches) and 7/16 oz. The number in the name is the length in millimetres.

What hooks does it carry?
Two #6 trebles. The rear one is a Megabass tinsel hook, which adds flash and helps the bait track straight.

Karashi 80 or Karashi Finesse?
80mm versus 59mm. Take the 80 when fish are up but won't break the surface; take the Finesse when they want something small and you're on BFS or light spinning gear.

How do I work it?
Jerks and twitches into slack line produce long, regular darts left and right. Pause and let it fall — the fall is often the trigger.

What does "Karashi" mean?
Japanese mustard. Megabass named it for the kick.

Can I replace the tinsel hook?
Yes — Megabass sells it as an official replacement part. Call the shop for availability.

My color is out of stock — will it be back?
Megabass colorways run in batches and availability moves. Call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

Related Gear

• Megabass Karashi Finesse — the 59mm version.
• All Megabass — the full lineup.
• Freshwater Hard Baits — jerkbaits, cranks, and twitch baits.
• Topwater Fishing Lures — poppers, walking baits, and stickbaits.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. If the surface bite has been teasing you all week, this is the bait we'd point you at. Call the shop or come in and we'll talk it through.

Walks, Pops, Spits — All in One Bait

The Ima Big Stick is the result of years of development by Ima's Japanese engineering team and professional angler Randy Pringle — and it shows. At 7 inches and 1.75 oz, the Big Stick is a magnum topwater that can spit like a popper, walk like the hardest-sashaying walking bait on the market, and do it all without requiring expert technique or specialized gear. It's designed for conventional tackle, starts working the moment you begin your retrieve, and is built to handle anything from trophy bass to stripers, pike, and musky.

Eight Sound Chambers. One Unforgettable Presentation.

The Big Stick features eight individual sound chambers that create a massive ruckus at fast retrieve speeds — and can be dialed back to a subtle pop along the surface when fish are finicky. The rear-weighted design kicks the action into gear immediately on the retrieve and dramatically increases casting distance and accuracy. A unique head design pushes significant volumes of water on every direction change, creating a surface disturbance that draws fish from a distance.

Built for Trophy Fish, Not Just Bass

Most big topwaters are built for one species. The Big Stick is built for all of them. Wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks mean this bait can handle the shock of a 50 lb striper, a 40-inch musky, or a 10 lb largemouth without failing. The durable finish and premium hardware make it a legitimate multi-species weapon for both freshwater and saltwater applications.

Standard vs. Silent — Two Presentations, One Profile

The Big Stick comes in both a standard (rattling) version and a silent version. The standard model's eight sound chambers create aggressive noise and vibration — ideal for stained water, choppy conditions, and aggressive fish. The silent version relies entirely on its surface action and profile — perfect for clear water, pressured fish, and situations where noise spooks rather than attracts.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a big topwater that walks AND pops without switching baits
• You're targeting trophy largemouth, stripers, pike, or musky on the surface
• You need a topwater that casts far and starts working immediately on the retrieve
• You fish both freshwater and saltwater and want one bait that handles both
• You want a premium Japanese-engineered topwater with tournament-proven action

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches produce a wide, aggressive side-to-side walk — the rear-weighted design makes this effortless
• Popping: Short, sharp twitches to spit water and pause — the unique head design creates a loud, aggressive pop
• Fast Burn: High-speed retrieve to activate all eight sound chambers and create maximum surface commotion
• Subtle Pop: Slow, gentle twitches for a quiet, subtle presentation — or use the silent version for pressured fish

Best Conditions

• Open water, main lake points, and offshore structure where big fish are feeding on top
• Early morning and late evening low-light periods
• Post-spawn through fall when trophy fish are chasing large baitfish
• Saltwater flats, jetties, and inshore structure for stripers and other coastal species
• Any situation where a large, aggressive topwater presentation is needed

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Pike, Musky, Various Saltwater Species
• Techniques: Walk-the-Dog, Popping, Fast Burn, Subtle Pop
• Conditions: Open water, low-light, post-spawn, saltwater inshore, trophy fish situations

Key Features

• Designed by Ima Japan engineering team and Randy Pringle
• 7 in body length, 1.75 oz (50g) weight
• Eight individual sound chambers — loud at speed, subtle when needed
• Rear-weighted design for immediate action and long casting distance
• Unique head design pushes significant water volume on every direction change
• Wire-through construction for maximum durability
• Heavier split rings and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks
• Available in standard (rattling) and silent versions
• 16 color patterns for freshwater and saltwater applications

Models & Colors

Standard (Rattling) Versions

Silent Versions

Tackle Express Tips

• Go Heavy on Tackle: The Big Stick is 1.75 oz — use a heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel (7:1+) and 50–65 lb braid. The heavy setup handles the weight, maximizes casting distance, and gives you the power to drive Owner ST-66 hooks home on big fish.
• Standard vs. Silent by Water Clarity: Use the standard rattling version in stained water, choppy conditions, or when fish are aggressive. Switch to the silent version in clear water, calm conditions, or when fish are spooking off noise.
• Match Color to Forage: Sardine, Mackerel, and Ghost Blue Back are go-to saltwater and striper colors. Bone and Red Head are classic low-light and clear-water patterns. Trout and Hatchery Trout shine in trout-forage fisheries and tailwaters.

FAQ

What's the difference between the standard and silent Big Stick?
The standard version has eight internal sound chambers that create noise and vibration at all retrieve speeds. The silent version has no rattle and relies entirely on its surface action and profile — ideal for clear water or pressured fish that spook off noisy baits.

What rod and line setup works best?
A heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel and 50–65 lb braided line is ideal. The 1.75 oz weight needs backbone to cast and the braid gives you the sensitivity to feel the action and the power to set hooks on big fish.

Can the Ima Big Stick be used in saltwater?
Absolutely. The wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 hooks are built to handle saltwater species including striped bass, bluefish, and other inshore predators. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each saltwater use.

The Baitsanity Explorer Glide Gen 2 features a hard plastic body with an ultra-soft, replaceable tail section. It also has soft rubber fins on its sides and has a life-like gliding action that is sure to get bit. This glide bait has an incredible action that draws fish.  

We've fished it and done very well at our Southern California Lakes. It swims great at slow speeds which is what usually get's strikes for us.  If you need a faster retrieve it still shines and won't roll.  

For the action, durability, and price, you can't beat this glide style bait. Comes with one replacement tail.  The generation 2 has an improved tail that won't fall out and is more durable.

Length 9.5"

Weight 5oz

Lucky Craft Pointer SP 65 Jerkbait

Small profile. Big action. The Lucky Craft Pointer SP 65 is the compact workhorse of the legendary Pointer lineup — a 2.5" suspending jerkbait engineered with a specially designed brass weight system that creates an exceptionally low center of gravity. The result is a bait that doesn't just pause — it wobbles and vibrates in place, emitting a subtle bass-calling vibration that draws strikes from fish that have ignored everything else.

Work it with a steady retrieve and it dives to 4–5 feet. Stop it, and it suspends perfectly in the strike zone. A short twitch of the rod tip generates a fluid, darting walk-the-dog action underwater that mimics a fleeing baitfish with uncanny realism. Whether you're matching small shad, minnows, or other compact forage, the Pointer 65 is the right tool for the job — and it comes with hooks ready to fish.

Features

• Brass weight system creates ultra-low center of gravity for wobble-and-vibrate on pause
• Suspending design stays locked in the strike zone at 4–5 feet
• Short rod twitch generates underwater walk-the-dog action
• Compact 2.5" profile — ideal for matching small baitfish and finesse situations
• Comes with hooks included

Specs

• Length: 2.5" (6.5 cm)
• Weight: 3/16 oz (5 g)
• Depth: 4–5 ft
• Type: Suspending

Pointer Series Comparison

• Pointer 65 SP: 2.5", 3/16 oz, 4–5 ft, Suspending
• Pointer 65DD SP: 2.5", 3/16 oz, 5–7 ft, Suspending
• Pointer 78 SP: 3", 3/8 oz, 4–5 ft, Suspending
• Pointer 78DD SP: 3", 3/8 oz, 5–7 ft, Suspending

Best For

• Techniques: Twitch-and-pause, suspending jerkbait, finesse presentations
• Conditions: Clear water, cold fronts, post-spawn, pressured fisheries
• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass

Perfect For

When fish are keying on small baitfish and need a compact, realistic presentation, the Lucky Craft Pointer SP 65 delivers. Small bait, legendary Pointer action.

SPRO RkCrawler 55 Crankbait is made for anglers who want a wide-wobbling crankbait to work through rocky cover. Designed by Mike McClelland, it has a hunting action and is intended to bounce off cover, giving you a way to change direction and trigger a reaction as the lure deflects. Cast beyond the rocks, keep contact, and let the bait do its work.

Let the Rocks Change the Retrieve

A straight retrieve does not always get attention. The RkCrawler's wide wobble and cover-deflecting action give bass a moving target that changes course around structure. It is a better fit when you want that lively action near rocks than a tighter-wobbling crankbait such as the SPRO Little John 50 or the Little John MD 50. Choose the other bait by the depth you need to reach; a running-depth specification for this RkCrawler listing is not provided.

Best For

• Freshwater bass fishing around rocky cover.
• Cranking into suitable structure to create deflections.
• Anglers who want a wider wobble and hunting action.

Key Features

• Mike McClelland-designed crankbait.
• Wide-wobbling, hunting action.
• Designed to bounce off rocky cover.
• 26 listed color options.

Models & Specs

Colors and SKUs: CLEAR (SRC55CLR); CELL MATE (SRC55CMT); MOLTING CRAW (SRC55MCW); MELON CRAW (SRC55MLW); AYU SHAD (SRC55ASD); BRNT ORNG CRW (SRC55BOW); CLEAR GILL (SRC55CGL); DELTA CRAW (SRC55DCW); GOBBY (SRC55GBY); GREEN CRAW (SRC55GCW); GHOST ORANGE CRAW (SRC55GOC); MISSOURI CRAW (SRC55MSW); NASTY SHAD (SRC55NSD); OZARK CRAW (SRC55OCW); OLIVE CRAW (SRC55OLC); PB&J (SRC55PBJ); RED BUG (SRC55RBG); ELECTRIC RED CRAW (SRC55ERW); REAL PERCH (SRC55RPC); RED RIVER CRAW (SRC55RRW); SPRING CRAW (SRC55SCW); SPARKLE SHAD (SRC55SPK); PHANTOM WATERMELON (SRC55PWM); PHANTOM BROWN (SRC55PBR); RED CRAW (SRC55RCW); Phantom green (SRC55PGR).

How to Fish It

Cast beyond a rocky stretch and retrieve so the bait reaches and deflects off suitable cover. Try a brief pause after contact, then resume cranking. Adjust retrieve speed to suit the spot and check your line for wear after repeated rock contact. For a line option designed with abrasion resistance in mind, see SPRO Gouken Fluorocarbon.

Tackle Express Tips

• Make casts from different angles to change how the bait meets the rocks.
• Watch for a strike just after a deflection or pause.
• Inspect your line and hooks regularly around abrasive cover.

FAQ

What action does the RkCrawler 55 have? The existing listing describes a wide wobble with hunting action.

What cover is it designed around? The product copy emphasizes bouncing off rocks and other suitable cover.

What depth does it run? A running-depth figure is not given in the current product details; choose your line and retrieve for the water you fish.

Pick a color and put its wide wobble to work along the next rocky bank.

The Jackall Pompadour topwater wake bait features two unique metal wings that, upon casting, tuck away tight to the body for those long casts. Once the lure hits the water and you begin the retrieve, the metal wings open up creating a very unique wobble and a huge wake.

On the rear of the bait there is a pivoting propeller that slides back and forth creating a deep gurgling sound and leaving a tantalizing trail of bubbles. This, combined with the metal wings and the bulky body of the bait means that this lure displaces A LOT of water and will call fish up from even the deepest depths.

The Jackall Pompadour is sure to be a killer during those summertime night tournaments.

3in

3/4oz

The Megabass Super Z-3 Crankbait is renowned for it's awesome castability and compact performance and is available in this deeper diving version.  Built to easily dominate deep water from wild ponds, rivers, and big lakes, the Megabass Super Z-3 Crankbait can reach depths of 13 feet on 8lb fluorocarbon.

Powered by Megabass' patented LBO II moving balancer system or superior casting distance in its size and weight class.  It delivers on it's promise without succumbing to the poor casting characteristics of traditional crank baits.  

Tie on the Megabass Super Z-3 Crankbait and you'll see the difference in castability, performance, and durability.  

Most topwater baits make you choose: pop or walk. The Gunfish 117 has a cupped, concave face that throws water like a popper and a slim tapered body that walks tight side-to-side. Same cast, both actions, decided by what your rod tip does.

Short version: 4-1/2" pencil popper, 3/5 oz, floating, three treble hooks. Built for distance and for pulling fish up out of heavy cover.

Why the 117 Casts Further

Lucky Craft gave this size a thicker taper through the rear than the smaller Gunfish models. More mass behind the center means the bait carries better on the cast and tracks straighter in the air — which matters when fish are boiling forty feet past where you can reach.

That's the whole argument for the 117 over a 95 or a 115: it isn't just a bigger profile, it's a longer cast at the same effort.

Where It Earns Its Keep

• Schooling fish. When they come up out of range, the extra distance is the difference between a cast and a wish.
• Pulling fish from deep cover — brushpiles, cane piles, and standing timber. The concave face throws enough water to call fish up off structure.
• Blueback herring water. Lucky Craft calls this out specifically, and the long slim profile is why — it matches a herring better than a fatter walking bait.
• Open water search. Distance plus a bait that both pops and walks lets you cover a bank fast and change the message without changing lures.

How to Work It

To walk it: short, rhythmic twitches into slack line. The bait needs slack to turn — a tight line drives it straight and kills the side-to-side.

To pop it: harder, sharper snaps. The cupped mouth grabs water and throws it. Use this when fish are deep in cover or the surface has chop on it and you need to be louder.

Mix them. Two walks, a pop, a pause. The pause is not dead time — it floats, so it holds position in the strike zone, and a lot of fish eat it sitting still.

Three Trebles — What That Changes

The 117 carries three trebles: #5, #5, and #4. That's a hooking advantage on a bait fish tend to slash at rather than eat cleanly, and it's the reason short strikes convert more often on this size than on two-hook topwaters.

It also means more hardware to keep track of. Check that hooks aren't fouled on the body before you cast, and use a rod with a forgiving tip — three sets of trebles in a fish will find a way out if you horse it.

Standard and Limited Run Colors

Lucky Craft splits the Gunfish 117 lineup into standard colors and limited-run colors. Three of the four we carry are limited run — Aurora Black, Ghost Minnow, and MS American Shad. When they're gone, they're not automatically coming back.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

The topwater window on the local lakes moves week to week, and a long-casting bait earns its money on the days stripers are boiling out of reach. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you commit a morning to the surface.

Recommended Gear

• Rod: medium to medium-heavy, moderate action, 7' or longer. Length helps the cast; a forgiving tip keeps three sets of trebles in the fish.
• Line: braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Braid moves the bait; the leader gives you abrasion resistance around cover.
• Avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through — it sinks and pulls the nose down, working against the float and the walk.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Twitch into slack, not into tension. The single thing that separates people who can make a pencil popper walk from people who can't.
• Wait to feel weight before you set. Setting on the splash pulls it out of the fish's mouth. This costs more topwater fish than anything else.
• Use the pause after a miss. It floats. Let it sit — fish come back for a bait that's stopped far more often than for one that ran.
• Check the trebles for fouling. Three hooks on a slim body will tangle on themselves, and a fouled bait won't walk at all.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it on a tight line. The bait needs slack to turn.
• Only popping it, or only walking it. You bought both actions. Mix them until something answers.
• Too stiff a rod. Costs you fish on every strike.
• Setting on sight. Wait for the weight.

Specifications

Specs confirmed against Lucky Craft's published Gunfish 117 chart. Colors offered vary by production run — the selector above is the live list.

What's Included

One Lucky Craft Gunfish 117 in the color selected, factory rigged with three trebles. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the Gunfish 117?
4-1/2 inches (117mm) and 3/5 oz (19 grams). The number in the name is the length in millimetres.

How many hooks does it have?
Three trebles — two #5 and one #4.

Does it pop or walk?
Both. Sharp snaps make the cupped face throw water; rhythmic twitches into slack line make it walk tight side-to-side.

Does it float?
Yes. It holds position on the pause, which is where a lot of the bites come from.

117 or 115NF — what's the difference?
Different models, not just different sizes. The 117 is a pencil popper with three trebles and a thicker rear taper for casting distance. The NF models are the no-feather versions of their respective sizes.

Why does it cast so well?
The rear taper is thicker than on the smaller Gunfish sizes, so more mass sits behind the center and the bait carries and tracks straighter in the air.

What rod and line?
Medium to medium-heavy with a moderate action, 7' or longer. Braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader; avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through.

Are these colors coming back?
Aurora Black, Ghost Minnow, and MS American Shad are limited-run colors on Lucky Craft's list. Chartreuse Shad is standard. Call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

Related Gear

• Lucky Craft Gunfish 115NF — no-feather 115.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 95NF — no-feather 95.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 95 H3 — three-hook 95.
• Topwater Fishing Lures — poppers, walking baits, and stickbaits.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. Not sure which Gunfish you want, or whether today's a popping day or a walking day? Call the shop or come in — that's a short conversation and it saves you buying the wrong one first.

The Ima Suspending Vibration lipless crankbait features a larger body than the popular Rock N Vibe and will suspend 3-4 feet below the surface.   Most lipless crankbaits sink making these unique.  It features a tight, pulsating action that entices bass into striking.

Equipped with top quality components, the Ima Suspending Vibration has very sharp treble hooks and stout stainless steel split rings that will provide years of reliable use. It is also available in a range of highly realistic colors that will fool even the most seasoned bass. Offering anglers a multipurpose lure that’s part lipless crankbait and part jerkbait, the Ima Suspending Vibration is in a league of its own and different from any other lipless crankbait on the market.

Enhance your tail spinner fishing with the Damiki Axe Blade Tail Spinners. Its unique design features a double hook just below the spinner blade, increasing your chances of landing short bites. Available in multiple colors, this bait is perfect for targeting suspended fish. Count it down, retrieve slowly, and let the Axe Blade do the work.

Damiki Axe Blade Tail Spinners:

Lucky Craft Pointer SP 78 Suspending Jerkbait

Cold front rolling in. Water temperature dropping. Bass pushed tight to structure and refusing to chase. This is exactly when you tie on the Lucky Craft Pointer SP 78 — and let it do the work. Widely regarded as the gold standard of suspending jerkbaits, the Pointer 78 SP has earned its reputation on tournament stages and weekend fishing trips alike, delivering the kind of lifelike minnow action that triggers reaction strikes from even the most pressured fish.

At 3" and 3/8 oz, it's the perfect size — casts effortlessly, works beautifully with subtle rod-tip twitches, and hangs motionless in the strike zone during pauses like no other bait on the market. Pair it with 8–10 lb fluorocarbon, a fast-action rod, and a 6.3:1 reel, and get ready to hold on.

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye
• Techniques: Suspending jerkbait, twitch-and-pause, slow-roll, cold-water finesse
• Conditions: Clear water, cold fronts, post-spawn, early spring, late fall, winter
• Water: Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, rocky structure, main lake points

Features

• Most popular size in the Pointer lineup — proven fish-catcher across the country
• Perfectly balanced for subtle rod-tip twitches and extended pauses
• Suspending action keeps the bait in the strike zone longer
• Extremely durable finish with a wide range of proven color patterns
• Internal weight transfer system for long, accurate casts
• Premium Daiichi treble hooks for superior hook-up ratios
• Pro Tip: Store in a cool, shaded tackle box — avoid direct sun to protect the finish

Specs

The Deps Buzzjet Wakebait is one of the most versatile and effective lures on the market today! The Deps Buzzjet can do it all. Walk it, rip it, crank it or wake it, the fish don't care cause all they want to do is SMASH IT! The unique lip design enables this bait to push copious amounts of water, giving the Buzzjet a one of a kind wake. The prop leaves a tantalizing trail of bubbles which, when combined with the Deps Buzzjet's unique lip, will call fish up from serious distances!

The Deps Buzzjet has an angry action that calls fish. The topwater bait has been revolutionized with the design of the Buzzjet. The erratic action and sound can attract fish from deeper depths and it can still be fished effectively in rough water thanks to the huge drawing power of the bait. This is not just a noisy lure, it was designed for those who want to catch a giant bass on topwater.

Here at Tackle Express, we have caught hundreds of bass over the years on this bait.  From small ponds to larger bodies of water, it just works.  It's one of those lures that has a certain something about it that causes fish to strike.  For another great bait, see the Deps Spiral Minnow, it's equally as good but has a different action.  Sometimes one works better than the other so our suggestion is to get one of each.

• LENGTH: 96mm (3.77 in)
• WEIGHT: 30.0g. (1.05 oz)

High Temperature Caution

Take caution to where you store your baits as they can become deformed or cracked due to the expansion of the air during high temperatures. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in hot places like the inside of vehicles or tackle boxes stored during the warmer months as we are not responsible for damages caused due to storing lures in high temperatures.

Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP is a 100mm suspending jerkbait rated for a running depth of 4–5 feet. Its side-to-side action and pause make it a practical choice for working a baitfish presentation above shallow cover or around fish feeding higher in the water column.

Features and uses

• Suspending design: Lets you work pauses into the retrieve.
• Low center of balance: Supports the Pointer's wobble and rolling action as the retrieve stops.
• 100mm profile: A step up in length from the Pointer 78 when you want a larger baitfish presentation.

Specifications

• Model: Pointer 100 SP
• Length: 100mm (approximately 4 inches)
• Manufacturer-listed weight: 5/8 oz (16.5g)
• Type: Suspending jerkbait
• Rated depth: 4–5 feet

Choosing a color

Use the selector to choose Aurora Black, Ghost Minnow, Large Mouth Bass, Clear Lake Hitch, or Chartreuse Shad. Start with a pattern that resembles local forage, then compare a more contrasting option when the bait is difficult to see. Color is one variable to test alongside retrieve speed and pause length.

3 Tackle Express Tips

1. Check the pause beside you. Watch the lure with your actual line and connection hardware before casting. Adjust your presentation to how it behaves in that water.
2. Vary the cadence deliberately. Begin with two short twitches and a pause. Change the pause length first so you can tell which adjustment produces a response.
3. Plan around the rated depth. Work it above cover with enough clearance for the hooks. If your target requires a deeper presentation, compare a model designed for that depth.

Frequently asked questions

What does SP mean?

SP identifies this as the suspending model.

How deep does the Pointer 100 SP run?

Lucky Craft lists 4–5 feet. Treat that as a rating rather than an exact depth on every cast; your tackle and retrieve affect the presentation.

Is this the Pointer 100XD?

No. This listing is for the standard Pointer 100 SP. Check the exact model when comparing deeper-running versions.

How should I retrieve it?

Try short rod twitches separated by pauses. Let fish response guide the cadence instead of committing to one speed for the entire outing.

Compare profiles and depth ratings in our jerkbait collection.

The Owner Cultiva Mira Shad is a 2" forage-size suspending crankbait that consistently outfishes larger presentations when fish are locked on small baitfish. With Cultiva's exclusive Living Eyes, chattering rattles, and a transparent holographic finish that throws flash from every angle, it looks alive in the water — and it fishes just as lively. Deadly on trout, bass, and walleye from the moment you tie it on.

Two Inches of Trouble

Don't let the size fool you. At 1/7 oz and 2", the Mira Shad matches the fry and small shad profile that trout and pressured bass key on when nothing else is working. It suspends neutrally at 4–5 ft on the pause, which means it sits right in the feeding lane and won't move until you tell it to. Two #10 Owner Stinger-36 Super Needle Point trebles are factory-rigged and sharp enough to stick on the lightest touch.

When Big Baits Get Ignored

On heavily pressured water — stocked trout lakes, clear reservoirs, tournament-fished bass fisheries — fish get educated fast. They've seen 3" and 4" jerkbaits all season. The Mira Shad's forage-sized profile slips under their guard. Combined with the chattering rattle and holographic flash, it triggers reaction strikes even from fish that have shut down on standard presentations.

What Sets It Apart

• Cultiva Living Eyes — High-contrast, realistic eyes add a focal point that draws strikes from reactive fish
• Transparent Holographic Finish — Reflects light from multiple angles; mimics the iridescent flank of a small shad or fry
• Chattering Rattles — Internal sound chamber calls fish in from distance, especially effective in stained water
• Neutral Suspension — Holds at 4–5 ft on the pause; doesn't rise or sink out of the strike zone
• Owner Stinger-36 Trebles — Two #10 Super Needle Point hooks; razor-sharp right out of the package
• Forage-Size Profile — 2" matches fry, small shad, and juvenile baitfish that pressured fish prefer

The Right Pick If…

• Fish are ignoring larger jerkbaits or crankbaits
• You're fishing stocked trout lakes or clear reservoirs with heavy pressure
• You need to match a small shad, fry, or juvenile baitfish hatch
• You want one bait that works both on a cast-and-retrieve and behind a slow troll
• Walleye or bass are suspending at 4–5 ft and need a finesse presentation

Best Fishing Techniques

• Jerk-pause — Two quick twitches, pause 3–5 seconds; the suspend does the work on neutral fish
• Slow troll — 1–2 mph behind a kayak or electric motor; dives to 4–5 ft and tracks true
• Cast and steady retrieve — Works as a shallow crankbait when fish are actively feeding
• Deadstick pause — In cold water, extend the pause to 10+ seconds; motionless suspension triggers lockjaw trout and bass

Best Conditions

• Clear water where flash and detail trigger strikes at range
• Cold water (fall through spring) when fish need a smaller, slower target
• Stocked trout fisheries where fish are conditioned to small forage
• Early morning and evening when fish move shallow to the 4–5 ft range

Best For

• Rainbow & Brown Trout (lakes, reservoirs, tailwaters)
• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass (finesse presentations)
• Walleye (slow troll and jerk-pause)
• Crappie and Panfish (finesse jigging retrieve)
• Any situation requiring a forage-size suspending presentation

Models & Specs

Specs are loaded dynamically from product metafields. Mira Shad: 2" length, 1/7 oz, suspending, dives 4–5 ft, two #10 Stinger-36 trebles. Available colors: Flame, Pink Passion, Shiner, Baby Bass, Gold Shiner, Brown Trout, Black Pearl.

Tackle Express Tips

• Use light line. 4–6 lb fluorocarbon is the sweet spot — it lets the bait suspend true, dive to full depth, and stays nearly invisible. Heavy line kills the action and floats the bait out of the zone.
• Try it for trout behind a kayak. A slow 1–1.5 mph troll with the Mira Shad in Brown Trout or Shiner colors over weed edges is devastatingly effective on planted trout in clear lakes.
• Slow the pause down when it's cold. Below 50°F, count to 10 after each twitch. Trout and bass in cold water need the bait to sit still longer before they commit — most anglers don't wait long enough.

FAQ

Q: Is this the same as the Rip'n Minnow 65?
A: No — the Mira Shad is smaller (2" vs. 2.5") and lighter (1/7 oz vs. 1/4 oz), and it's a more finesse-oriented profile. Both suspend, but the Mira Shad is built specifically to match fry and small shad, making it a better choice when fish are keyed on very small forage.

Q: Can I use this for walleye?
A: Absolutely. The Mira Shad is an excellent slow-troll walleye lure. Run it at 1–2 mph behind a slow-rolling boat or kayak at 4–5 ft over weed flats and sand transitions. Brown Trout and Gold Shiner colors work particularly well.

Q: What line should I use?
A: 4–6 lb fluorocarbon. It lets the bait reach its full depth rating, maintains neutral suspension, and is practically invisible in the clear water where this bait performs best. Avoid heavy mono — it floats the nose up and kills the suspending action.

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.

The World's Best-Selling Lipless Crankbait

For over two decades, the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap has been the top-selling hardbait in the world — and it's earned that title one fish at a time. The Rat-L-Trap's tight, high-frequency wiggle and exclusive Liv-N-Sound baitfish distress rattle trigger reaction strikes from both active and inactive fish. Whether you're burning it over shallow grass, yo-yoing it on a ledge, or slow-rolling it through cold water, the Rat-L-Trap finds a way to get bit.

The Liv-N-Sound Rattle That Changes Everything

The Rat-L-Trap's exclusive Liv-N-Sound system produces a baitfish distress call that bass, pike, walleye, and other predators are hardwired to respond to. It's not just a rattle — it's a specific sound frequency that mimics a wounded baitfish struggling at the surface. Combined with the bait's flashy, chrome-finished body and tight wiggling action, the Liv-N-Sound system creates a multi-sensory trigger that draws fish in from a distance and converts followers into strikers.

Why Soft Plastics Can't Do What the Rat-L-Trap Does

Soft plastics are finesse baits — they work when fish are pressured and need a subtle presentation. The Rat-L-Trap is a reaction bait — it covers water fast, creates noise and flash, and triggers aggressive strikes from fish that haven't committed to feeding. When bass are scattered on flats, suspended over grass, or schooling on shad, the Rat-L-Trap's ability to cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes makes it the most efficient search bait in the box.

Three Sizes for Every Situation

The Rat-L-Trap comes in three sizes to match any forage size or fishing situation. The 1/2 oz is the classic all-around size — ideal for spinning or baitcasting gear, shallow to mid-depth presentations, and most freshwater applications. The 3/4 oz bridges the gap for deeper presentations and larger forage. The 1 oz is the big-water, big-fish version — built for open water, deep structure, and situations where a larger profile and longer casting distance are needed.

The Right Pick If...

• You need a reaction bait that covers water fast and triggers aggressive strikes
• Bass are scattered on flats, suspended over grass, or schooling on shad
• You want a versatile bait that works from the surface to 20+ feet
• You're fishing cold water in winter and need a slow-roll or yo-yo presentation
• You want the world's best-selling lipless crankbait with a proven 20+ year track record

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Burning: Fast, steady retrieve just below the surface — the classic Rat-L-Trap presentation for covering water and triggering reaction strikes
• Yo-Yo: Cast out, let it sink to the bottom, then rip it up and let it fall back — deadly in cold water and on suspended fish
• Ripping Grass: Retrieve through shallow grass until it fouls, then rip it free — the sudden burst of action triggers explosive strikes
• Slow Roll: Slow, steady retrieve near the bottom — effective in cold water when fish are lethargic
• Countdown: Let it sink to a specific depth before retrieving — ideal for targeting suspended fish at a precise depth

Best Conditions

• Shallow grass flats — milfoil, hydrilla, coontail, and eelgrass
• Open water and main lake points when bass are schooling on shad
• Cold water (winter and early spring) — the yo-yo technique is one of the most effective cold-water presentations in bass fishing
• Stained to moderately clear water where the rattle and flash carry
• Any situation where covering water quickly is the priority

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Pike, Walleye
• Techniques: Burning, Yo-Yo, Ripping Grass, Slow Roll, Countdown
• Conditions: Grass flats, open water, cold water, schooling fish, reaction bite situations

Key Features

• World's best-selling lipless crankbait — proven over 20+ years
• Exclusive Liv-N-Sound baitfish distress rattle system
• Tight, high-frequency wiggling action
• Premium oval split rings for maximum hook swing
• Durable Durashell finish — resists chipping and fading
• 2 premium Mustad treble hooks
• Available in 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz, and 1 oz sizes
• 36 color patterns for any water condition or forage type

Models & Colors

1/2 oz Models

3/4 oz Models

1 oz Models

Tackle Express Tips

• Size to the Situation: Use the 1/2 oz on spinning gear or when targeting fish in shallow water (2–8 ft). Step up to the 1 oz when you need more casting distance, deeper presentations, or a larger profile to match bigger forage like gizzard shad.
• Ripping Grass is a Game-Changer: The Rat-L-Trap's tight wiggle lets it cut through shallow grass without constantly fouling. When it does snag, a sharp rip to free it often triggers an immediate strike — the sudden burst of action mimics a baitfish escaping a predator.
• Match Color to Water Clarity: In clear water, go with natural patterns like Chrome Blue Back, Lectric Silver, or Threadfin Shad. In stained water, reach for high-visibility colors like Chartreuse Flash, Red Crawfish, or Cherry Bomb. Craw patterns like Natural Crawfish and BNB Craw shine in rocky, crawfish-heavy fisheries.

FAQ

What size Rat-L-Trap should I use?
The 1/2 oz is the most versatile size and works on spinning or baitcasting gear in most freshwater situations. The 1 oz is better for open water, deeper presentations, larger forage, and situations where casting distance is critical. The 3/4 oz bridges the gap for mid-depth presentations.

What rod and line setup works best?
For the 1/2 oz, a medium 7' spinning or baitcasting rod with 10–15 lb fluorocarbon or 20–30 lb braid is ideal. For the 1 oz, step up to a medium-heavy 7'–7'6" baitcasting rod with 15–20 lb fluorocarbon or 30–50 lb braid for maximum casting distance and hookset power.

How do I fish the Rat-L-Trap in cold water?
The yo-yo technique is the most effective cold-water presentation. Cast out, let the bait sink to the bottom, then rip it up 2–3 feet and let it fall back on a semi-slack line. The fall is when most cold-water strikes occur — watch your line for any twitch or jump as the bait sinks.

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