Strike King Lures & Baits

The Strike King KVD Jerkbait is built around one idea: maximum action on every twitch. Roll, wiggle, and flash combine into a presentation that bass can't ignore — whether you're ripping it on a slack line or letting it suspend on the pause. A built-in weight transfer system loads the bait for long, accurate casts, while 3D eyes and premium black nickel hooks round out a lure that looks and performs like a tournament winner. Available in two sizes to match the depth and conditions you're fishing.

Key Features

• Roll, wiggle & flash action — triggers strikes on the twitch and the pause
• Weight transfer system — loads for maximum castability and distance
• 3D eyes — lifelike, realistic finish that draws fish in close
• Premium black nickel hooks — sharp, strong, and corrosion-resistant
• Two sizes — J200 for finesse presentations, J300 for bigger profiles

Specifications

KVD's Walk-the-Dog Weapon

The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg is Kevin VanDam's signature walk-the-dog topwater — designed to be effortless to walk, far-casting, and absolutely explosive on the strike. A rhythmic twitch of the rod tip brings it to life, sending the nose gliding side to side in a tight, seductive action that bass simply can't ignore. Whether you're working it over grass, around docks, or across open flats, the Sexy Dawg covers water efficiently and triggers violent surface blowups.

Designed to Walk Itself

Most walking baits require precise rod technique to stay in rhythm. The Sexy Dawg was engineered by KVD to walk easily at any skill level — a simple, rhythmic twitch is all it takes to keep it gliding side to side. That accessibility makes it a go-to for anglers who want a walking bait that performs without a learning curve, and a tournament weapon for pros who can push it to its limits.

When Standard Walking Baits Fall Short

Many walking baits are either too hard to walk consistently or don't cast far enough to cover open water efficiently. The Sexy Dawg solves both problems — its far-casting design reaches fish holding at distance, and its effortless walk-the-dog action stays in the strike zone longer. When bass are spread out on open flats or chasing shad on the surface, the Sexy Dawg covers more water and gets more bites.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a walking bait that's easy to walk at any skill level
• You need a topwater that casts far and covers open water efficiently
• You're targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass feeding on the surface
• You want a KVD-designed, tournament-proven walking bait
• You fish over grass, around docks, or across open flats and points

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches with a steady retrieve — the Sexy Dawg walks easily and stays in rhythm with minimal effort
• Pause and Walk: Walk 3–5 times, pause, then walk again — the pause often triggers strikes from following fish
• Slow Walk: Slower cadence for finicky fish or post-front conditions
• Fast Burn: Aggressive, rapid twitches to cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes from aggressive fish

Best Conditions

• Calm to lightly choppy surface — the walking action is most visible in calmer water
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening when bass are most active on top
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are chasing shad on the surface
• Open flats, points, and main lake structure where fish are feeding on top
• Over shallow grass, around docks, and across open water

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass
• Techniques: Walk-the-Dog, Pause-and-Walk, Slow Walk, Fast Burn
• Conditions: Calm to choppy surface, low-light, post-spawn, open water, grass flats

Key Features

• Kevin VanDam (KVD) Signature Series design
• Effortless walk-the-dog action — easy for all skill levels
• Far-casting design — covers water fast and reaches distant fish
• Tight, seductive side-to-side glide triggers explosive surface strikes
• Full-size profile — ideal for big-bait topwater presentations
• 4 proven color patterns

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Use Monofilament or Braid with a Mono Leader: Monofilament floats and keeps the Sexy Dawg riding high in the surface film. If you prefer braid for casting distance, add a 3–4 ft monofilament leader to keep the bait on top.
• Match Color to Conditions: Sexy Shad and Chartreuse Sexy Shad are go-to shad-imitating patterns for clear to lightly stained water. Bone is a classic low-light and overcast-day color. Green Gizzard Shad shines in fisheries with gizzard shad forage.
• Use a Loop Knot: A Rapala loop knot gives the Sexy Dawg maximum freedom of movement and enhances the walking action, especially at slower retrieve speeds.

FAQ

What size is the KVD Sexy Dawg?
This listing is for the full-size KVD Sexy Dawg. Strike King also makes the Sexy Dawg Jr. for situations where a smaller profile is needed — finicky fish, smaller forage, or spinning gear applications.

What rod and line setup works best?
A medium or medium-heavy 7'–7'4" casting rod with a 6:1–7:1 reel and 17–20 lb monofilament or 30–50 lb braid with a mono leader is ideal. The softer tip of a medium rod loads up on the cast and keeps the walking action smooth.

Is the Sexy Dawg good for beginners?
Yes — it's one of the easiest walking baits to fish. KVD specifically designed it to walk with a simple, rhythmic twitch rather than requiring the precise technique that some walking baits demand. If you're new to topwater fishing, the Sexy Dawg is a great starting point.

The Strike King Mark Davis Jointed Structure Head takes the proven Cobra Head design of the Structure Jig and adds a critical upgrade: a free-swinging Z-bend black nickel hook that keeps your trailer moving even when you slow down. Crawl it across the bottom and you get constant contact, superb feel, and a weedless presentation that stays clean through cover. Chip-resistant powder coat paint means it holds up cast after cast. Sold 2 per pack.

Key Features

• Cobra Head design — same proven profile as the Strike King Structure Jig
• Free-swinging Z-bend black nickel hook — maximum bait movement on slow retrieves
• Constant bottom contact — superb feel and sensitivity on the crawl
• Weedless design — fishes clean through grass, rocks, and cover
• Chip-resistant powder coat paint — durable color that lasts
• Available in 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 oz — sold 2 per pack

Specifications

The Strike King Rage Tail Rage Chunk is a versatile and highly effective soft plastic trailer that is a must-have for anglers looking to enhance their jig presentations. Designed with the iconic Rage Tail technology, this chunky trailer delivers maximum action and irresistible vibrations, making it an ideal choice for attracting bass in a variety of conditions.

Its bulkier body and flappy, kicking appendages create a natural, lifelike action in the water, mimicking the movement of a fleeing prey item. Whether you're flipping, pitching, or using it as a trailer for your jigs, the Rage Chunk provides incredible bulk and stability, allowing for a smooth and consistent presentation that draws fish in from a distance.

Built with Strike King’s exclusive Rage Tail technology, the Rage Chunk ensures that the bait moves with a unique, erratic action that drives fish wild. Made from durable, yet supple soft plastic, this trailer is built to withstand the toughest bites and conditions, ensuring that it stays intact through multiple catches.

Available in a variety of colors that mimic natural forage, the Strike King Rage Tail Rage Chunk is perfect for both clear and murky waters, offering versatility for various fishing techniques and species. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or other predatory fish, this trailer is sure to give you the edge you need to increase your catch rate.

The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig was built for one purpose: going into the nastiest cover on the lake and coming out with a fish. Designed by Bassmaster Elite Series veteran Greg Hackney, it's engineered around a super-strong Gamakatsu Siwash hook made exclusively for Strike King — delivering extra bite and more positive hooksets when you're winching fish out of grass, wood, and matted vegetation. A heavy weedguard keeps it clean through the thickest cover, and a Perfect Skirt adds a lifelike, pulsing action that triggers strikes even when bass are buried deep in the junk.

Key Features

• Designed by Greg Hackney — Bassmaster Elite Series veteran built for heavy cover specialists
• Exclusive Gamakatsu Siwash hook — extra bite for more positive hooksets on big fish
• Heavy weedguard — punches through grass, wood, and matted cover without fouling
• Perfect Skirt — lifelike, pulsing action that triggers reaction strikes
• 1/2 oz — ideal weight for swimming through and over heavy cover
• Available in 8 proven color patterns

Specifications

The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Jr. is the compact version of Kevin VanDam's signature walk-the-dog topwater — built for situations where a smaller profile gets more bites. Designed by KVD himself, it walks effortlessly with a rhythmic rod-tip twitch, gliding side to side with an action that drives bass to the surface. Far-casting and easy to work, it's the topwater you reach for when fish are keyed in on smaller bait or when finesse is the edge you need.

Key Features

• KVD-designed walk-the-dog action — effortless side-to-side glide on a rhythmic twitch
• Compact Jr. profile — ideal when bass are targeting smaller forage
• Far-casting design — covers water fast and reaches fish holding at distance
• Premium topwater construction — part of the KVD Sexy Dawg family
• Available in 3 proven color patterns

Specifications

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

Two legends, one bait. The Strike King KVD Drop Shot Half Shell was co-designed by Kevin VanDam and Mark Zona to solve a specific problem: getting finicky bass to commit on a drop shot. The 3.5-inch large-bodied profile gives fish something to key in on, while the flat bottom keeps it perfectly horizontal — right in the strike zone. Twitch it and watch the erratic darting action do the rest. Open Pour Technology (OPT) and a distinctive laminate finish mean the color stays sharp and the plastic stays tough, pack after pack.

Key Features

• Co-designed by Kevin VanDam & Mark Zona — tournament-proven drop shot profile
• Large 3.5" body — bulky profile that gets noticed in the water column
• Flat bottom design — stays perfectly horizontal on the drop shot rig
• Erratic darting action — triggers reaction strikes from pressured fish
• Replicates a reaper worm — one of the most effective soft plastic shapes
• Open Pour Technology (OPT) — distinctive laminate finish for lasting color and durability
• 9 baits per pack

Specifications

The Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head is built for one job: getting your soft plastic to stand up and look alive on the bottom. The football-shaped head rocks naturally across rocks, gravel, and hard structure, keeping your trailer in a lifelike, upright position that triggers reaction strikes from bottom-hugging bass. A sharp, strong hook drives home solid hook sets, and the premium powder-coat finish holds up through multiple fish and tough conditions. Pair it with your favorite craw or creature trailer and drag it through the strike zone. 3 per pack.

Key Features

• Football head design — stands up on the bottom for a natural, upright trailer presentation
• Rocks naturally across structure — ideal for rocky, gravel, and hard-bottomed areas
• Sharp, strong hook — drives home solid hook sets on deep-water bites
• Premium paint finish — chip-resistant and built to last through multiple catches
• Available in 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8 oz — covers finesse to standard deep-water presentations
• Green Pumpkin — one of the most versatile and proven bottom colors
• 3 per pack

Specifications

When bass are keyed in on shad, the Strike King KVD Caffeine Shad Jr. gives you an edge they haven't seen before. That signature bulbous tail kicks and flutters with a one-of-a-kind action — whether you're twitching it weightless on the surface or dropping it deep on a Carolina rig. The coffee-infused formula masks human scent, keeps fish holding on longer, and the high-salt blend stays surprisingly soft cast after cast.

Key Features

• Unique bulbous tail — produces topwater and subsurface action unlike any other soft jerkbait
• Coffee scent — masks human odors and oils for longer hold times and more hook-ups
• High-salt, ultra-soft formula — stays pliable even with heavy salt loading
• Versatile rig options — weightless, Carolina rig, or jighead
• 8 baits per pack — more time fishing, less time re-rigging
• Available in 6 proven color patterns

Specifications

The Topwater That Calls Up Giants

Most topwater baits get noticed. The Strike King KVD Mega Dawg gets eaten. At 6 inches and 2 oz, this is the biggest bait in the KVD Sexy Dawg family — a long-range surface walker built to pull trophy largemouth off the bank, out of the grass, and up from deep cover. Wide, rhythmic walk-the-dog action. Effortless cadence. KVD-approved. When you want the biggest fish in the lake, you throw the biggest bait.

Built for Big-Fish Topwater Fishing

The Mega Dawg is Strike King's answer to the question every serious bass angler asks: what do I throw when I want a giant? The oversized profile displaces more water, creates more surface disturbance, and triggers the kind of aggressive, territorial strikes that smaller topwaters simply can't produce. Cast it long, work it slow, and hold on.

When Standard Topwaters Come Up Short

Smaller walking baits get ignored by big fish that have seen everything. The Mega Dawg's 6-inch profile triggers a different response — it looks like a real meal, not a snack. When bass are keyed on large shad, herring, or bluegill, this is the bait that matches the hatch on the surface and draws blowups from fish that won't touch a smaller presentation.

What Makes the Mega Dawg Different

• 6-inch, 2 oz profile — maximum castability and big-fish appeal in one package
• Wide walk-the-dog action — easy to work with a rhythmic rod-tip cadence, even for beginners
• Long-range attraction — calls up bass from deep cover, open flats, and grass edges
• KVD-approved design — built to the exact spec of Kevin VanDam
• Premium topwater construction — the apex bait in the KVD Sexy Dawg family
• Available in 5 proven color patterns for clear and stained water

The Right Pick If...

• You want to target trophy largemouth with a big surface presentation
• Bass are keyed on large baitfish and ignoring smaller topwaters
• You're fishing open water, grass flats, or points where long casts matter
• You want a walking bait that's easy to work with a consistent cadence
• You fish early morning, late evening, or overcast conditions when topwater shines

Best Fishing Techniques

• Walk-the-dog — slack-line rod-tip twitches with a steady rhythm; let the bait do the work
• Pause-and-walk — pause 1–2 seconds after a direction change to trigger hesitant fish
• Long-range casting — use the weight to cover open water and reach fish holding far from the boat
• Grass edge walking — work it parallel to weed lines and pad edges where big bass ambush prey

Best Conditions

• Early morning and late evening — prime topwater windows when bass are most aggressive
• Overcast or low-light days — fish stay shallow and active longer
• Calm to light chop — surface action is most visible and effective
• Warm water (65°F+) — bass are active and willing to chase surface baits
• Clear to lightly stained water — fish can track the bait from a distance

Best For

• Trophy largemouth bass on open water, flats, and grass edges
• Anglers targeting big fish with a big-profile surface presentation
• Reservoir and lake fishing where long casts and large baitfish are the norm
• Tournament anglers looking for a kicker fish on the topwater bite

Key Features

• Length: 6 inches
• Weight: 2 oz
• Type: topwater walking bait
• Action: walk-the-dog
• KVD-approved design
• Wide, rhythmic side-to-side action
• Premium finish and hardware
• Available in 5 colors: Bone, Natural Shad, Chrome Sexy Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, Oyster

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Use 50–65 lb braided line for maximum casting distance and instant hooksets — braid floats and keeps the bait working on the surface.
• Slow down more than you think you need to. Big bass often follow the Mega Dawg for several feet before committing — a pause right before the boat is where a lot of giants get caught.
• Bone and Oyster are your go-to colors in clear water or bright sun; Chrome Sexy Shad and Green Gizzard Shad shine in stained water or overcast conditions.

FAQ

What line should I use with the Mega Dawg?
50–65 lb braid is the standard setup. Braid floats, which keeps the bait walking properly on the surface, and the no-stretch gives you a solid hookset on long casts.

How is the Mega Dawg different from the KVD Sexy Dawg?
The Mega Dawg is larger — 6 inches vs. 4.5 inches — and heavier, which means longer casts and a bigger profile that targets trophy-class fish. The action is similar but wider and more pronounced.

When is the best time to throw the Mega Dawg?
Early morning and late evening are prime, but any overcast day with calm to light chop is a great topwater window. Warm water (65°F+) keeps bass active and willing to chase surface baits.

Heavy cover is where big bass live, and the Strike King KVD Rodent was built to go in after them. Part of Strike King's Perfect Plastics lineup, this 4-inch creature bait is made with an exclusive soft plastic formula that loads up with salt while staying incredibly pliable — so fish hold on longer and hook-ups stick. The built-in coffee scent masks human odors and oils, giving you a natural edge every cast. Flip it, pitch it, punch it through mats — the Rodent searches them out where other baits can't go.

Key Features

• Strike King Perfect Plastics formula — ultra-soft, salt-loaded for longer hold times
• Coffee scent technology — masks human scent and oils, attracts fish to bite
• 4-inch creature profile — built to punch through heavy cover and mats
• Versatile presentation — flip, pitch, punch, or Texas rig
• Available in 10 proven color patterns

Specifications

The Strike King KVD Baby Rodent is built on Strike King's Perfect Plastics formula — the softest, saltiest soft plastic blend on the market. That softness means more natural action on the fall, and the heavy salt load keeps fish holding on longer. Strike King's exclusive Coffee Scent technology masks human scent and oils, increasing hold time and driving up hook-up rates. Compact enough to punch through heavy cover and get into the places big bass hide, the Baby Rodent is a go-to flipping and pitching bait when fish are buried in the junk.

Key Features

• Perfect Plastics formula — softest, saltiest soft plastic blend for maximum action and hold
• Coffee Scent technology — masks human scent and oils, increases bite-to-hook-up ratio
• Compact creature profile — punches through heavy cover to reach buried bass
• Natural fall action — ultra-soft plastic moves realistically on the drop
• Versatile presentation — flip it, pitch it, or use it as a jig trailer
• Available in 8 proven color patterns

Specifications