Freshwater Hard Baits

Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110 CIF Jerkbait

The surf is pounding, the tide is moving, and somewhere in the wash a halibut is hunting. Cast the Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110 into the break, let it work at 2 feet, and hold on. Part of Lucky Craft's California Inshore Fishing (CIF) lineup, the Flash Minnow 110 has been a go-to for inshore saltwater and surf anglers for years — proven on halibut, large perch, corvina, and just about anything else that swims in the surf zone.

The Flash Minnow 110 is as versatile as it is effective. Straight-wind it for a steady swimming action, or rip and pause to trigger reaction strikes — both techniques work, and alternating between them on successive casts is a great way to dial in what the fish want on any given day. For best results, pair it with a 7'6" to 8' medium to medium-heavy rod with fast action, and spool up with 12 lb fluorocarbon for durability in sand and rocks.

Features

• Saltwater-grade tin hooks for strength and corrosion resistance
• Versatile presentation — straight retrieve or rip-and-pause both produce
• Proven on halibut, corvina, large perch, calico bass, and inshore exotics
• Part of Lucky Craft's CIF (California Inshore Fishing) lineup
• Wide range of proven color patterns for varying water clarity

Specs

• Length: 4.5"
• Weight: 5/8 oz
• Depth: 2 ft
• Hooks: Saltwater-grade tin trebles

Recommended Setup

• Rod: 7'6"–8' medium to medium-heavy, fast action
• Line: 12 lb fluorocarbon (Seaguar Abrazx recommended for sand and rock durability)

Best For

• Techniques: Straight retrieve, rip-and-pause, surf casting
• Species: Halibut, Corvina, Perch, Calico Bass, Striped Bass, and inshore exotics
• Environments: Surf, inshore saltwater, sandy beaches, rocky points

 When fish are breaking the surface or just subsurface, the Shimano Current Sniper Sinking Stickbait is going to be deadly!  This sinking stickbait is perfect for when fish are feeding on the surface and uses superior finishes and stout 3X strong hooks and split rings.  There are several retrieval methods that can be used effectively on many different predator fish.  

This was previously known as the Coltsniper.

Subsurface walk-the-dog is a very effective method and creates the illusion of a fleeing baitfish.  This can be more easily created using a spinning setup like the Shimano Thunnus and Shimano Terez but conventional rods and reels may also be used. Moving the rod tip while winding the reel with short pauses will cuase the bait to move left and right.  It's very important to give the lure some slack after pulling it each time.  If slack isn't given after each pull, the lure will not have the line needed to glide momentarily before you pull it again.  Skipping the lure on the surface is also a technique that can invoke a strike. Cast as far as you can and don't let it sink out.  Wind back the lure as fast as you can so that it skips on the surface.

We are excited to use the Shimano Current Sniper Stickbait on yellowtail, tuna, calico bass and striper here in Southern California.  We are sure it will work for any agressive predator fish you have.  Ideally we would use a 8,000 to 12,000 size Shimano Thunus or Stella spinning reel and an 8' to 9' Shimano Terez or Ocea Plugger spinning rod.  Line class is going to depend on what you are fishing for but 50-80lb Power Pro with a 4-7 foot monofilament or fluorocarbon leader would be ideal.  The leader size will differ but 30-50lb line would be normal range for this type of fishing.  Using a split ring on the nose with a solid ring on the split ring would allow the lure to move correctly.  You can also tie a loop knot of your chose to allow lure movement.  

120mm - 4.7in - 1.13oz

140mm - 5.5in - 1.91oz

Sinking

 The Shimano Current Sniper Jerkbait is designed with Shimano's unique Propulsion Weight Transfer System for exceptional long distance casting - allowing the internal weight to slide back during the cast, and then springing forward when the lure hits the water. Ideal to target both calico bass and Yellowtail in SoCal waters and stripers on the East coast.  This was previously known as the Coltsniper.

Along with covering lots of water from lengthy casts - up to 22-percent longer than similar weight and length lures, anglers can work the Currentsniper jerkbait in a tight wobble action, or slide action by jerking it. With a slow floating design, it can be fished down to 3 - to 5-foot depths. Chemical finish treble hooks are featured at both mid-body and at the tail.

140mm - 5.5in - 1.13oz

170mm - 6.7in - 1.87oz

Lucky Craft LV Max 500 Lipless Crankbait

The fish are scattered, the water is big, and you need to cover ground fast. Tie on the Lucky Craft LV Max 500 and start burning. A premium lipless crankbait built for power fishing, the LV 500 is the tool tournament pros and weekend warriors alike reach for when they need to locate fish quickly and trigger reaction strikes across a wide range of depths.

Cast it a mile — the LV 500's aerodynamic profile loads up for exceptional distance on every cast. Then work it shallow at 1–3 feet on a fast retrieve, or let it sink and count it down to find schools holding at 10–15 feet. The brass and glass rattle combination produces a unique, distinctive sound that stands out from standard BB rattles — a subtle edge that can make a big difference on pressured fisheries. Pair that with a tight, natural wobble action and you have a bait that looks and sounds like real food.

Features

• Brass and glass rattles produce a unique sound unlike standard lipless crankbaits
• Versatile depth range — burn it at 1–3 ft or count it down to 10–15 ft
• Long-casting aerodynamic profile for maximum water coverage
• Tight wobble action with a natural, lifelike profile
• Premium Lucky Craft construction with realistic color patterns
• Effective for both power fishing and finesse slow-rolling

Specs

• Model: LV 500
• Length: 3"
• Weight: 3/4 oz
• Class: Sinking
• Depth: 1–3 ft (fast retrieve) / 10–15 ft (count-down)

Best For

• Techniques: Power fishing, burning, slow-rolling, count-down deep
• Conditions: Cold water, post-spawn, winter, schooling fish, open water
• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass

Perfect For

When you need to cover water fast and find fish, the Lucky Craft LV Max 500 is the lipless crankbait that gets it done. A must-have in every serious angler's tackle box.

The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 is one of the most iconic topwater lures ever made. Whether you crawl it so slowly you can barely hear the tail — just the faint rattle of glass beads inside — or rip it fast so it throws water like a swamp buggy, it gets bit. Cast it a mile, dial in your retrieve speed, and let that deep, hollow whopping sound do the work.

The tail is perfectly tuned right out of the box and stays flexible and fish-catching forever. No tweaking, no tuning — just tie it on and go.

Best For

• Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike, musky, striped bass
• Techniques: Slow roll, medium retrieve, fast burn, walk-the-dog variation
• Conditions: Calm to choppy surface, low-light mornings and evenings, post-spawn topwater season, summer and fall feeding windows
• Water: Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds — anywhere big fish are looking up

Features

• Propeller-like tail rotates and creates powerful surface commotion
• Produces alluring rumbles and multi-octave splashing across a wide range of retrieve speeds
• Pre-rigged with two size 1 premium black nickel treble hooks
• Extremely durable tail — built to handle rocks, wood, and hard-fighting fish
• Casts exceptionally far for a topwater of its size

Models & Specs

The Megabass Great Hunting Humpback is an ideal to explore new streams where trout of all sizes roam. Its fast-sink tuning and tail weighting power smooth casts, flickering falls and stable swimming through everything the toughest mountain streams can bring.The Great Hunting Humpback's heavy tail-weighting also generates a wriggling, falling action to coax bites out of pools and allow for range adjustment along deep cut banks. and its bigger 51mm and 64mm lengths, have a tall body that generates outsized flash at every retrieve speed.

Designed primarily for stable retrieves with and against current, anglers can also spice up their offering with twitches and jerks to power escape action that attract reaction bites from veteran trophies. In swifter streams and deeper pools, these lures show their true power by reaching depth quicker than conventional minnows and permitting a high degree of range control. If your targets are chasing  the GH64 or GH51 without biting, try downsizing to the smaller GH46 size and/or speeding up your retrieve and twitch action.

GH46 Humpback:

GH51 Humpback:

The amazing detail and incredible action of the Jackall Rerange Jerkbait is unmatched by any other jerkbait.  This 110 size jerkbait will dive about 4 feet while making a high pitched rolling action.  When twitched and jerked, the darting action has purpose and won't have regular movements enticing more strikes.  

Engineered with an advanced “TG Zero Friction” weight transfer system, the Jackall Rerange Jerkbait features a fluororesin covered tungsten weight, which slides from end-to-end to extend casting distance and enhance action.

Unmatched in outright attraction, the Jackall Rerange Jerkbait produces an erratic, yet balanced lurch that lets bass know that there’s an easy meal within reach. Offered in a number of highly detailed colors, the Jackall Rerange Jerkbait is built with advanced internals that produce superior performance.

The advanced, zero friction weight transfer system allows anglers to cast farther and bring the fish to the bait for an easy catch. With realistic paint jobs and the right action, the Jackall Rerange Jerkbait is an excellent choice for anglers looking to score big.

The Lobina Rico and Rio RicoL are the number one fished popper by the pros today, and for good reason! Though these lures may look unassuming, once one is in your hands the quality becomes very obvious. From the razor sharp Gamakatsu hooks, to the hand tied feather trailers and the meticulous paint jobs, these poppers have all the bells and whistles. The cup is precisely tuned on each lure to precisely imitate a fleeing and injured baitfish making the action of this lure quite exceptional. Get yours today and see what all the hype is about!

We all know longer casts mean more water covered and the Rapala X-Rap Long Cast allows you to do just that.  Rapala has increased the weight of the 14 size to 1 7/8oz from the original X-Rap which weighs 1 1/2oz.  That's 3/8oz more weight for approximately 25% additional casting distance.  If you make 100 casts at 30 feet per cast you'd cover 3000 feet.  By using the Rapala X-Rap Long Cast, that means you will cover 750 more feet in the same period of time!  That a lot of acreage covered just by using this lure.  

We are excited about fishing this long cast version for yellowtail, calico bass, and tuna.  Often times the fish are boat shy and getting just a few yards more on a cast can make that difference between a good day and a great day.  They all feature 3X strong VMC single tin hooks for maximum penetration and strength.

Sinking 

Silent (No rattles, we like that!)

Size 12 - Swim Depth 4-5 feet, 4-3/4" Long, 1-1/4oz

Size 14 - Swim Depth 4-5 fee, 5-1/2" Long, 1-7/8oz

There is perhaps no other jerkbait that is more coveted than the Megabass Vision OneTen.  The tungsten weights increase casting distance and allow for a more slender bait, reducing drag in the water when retrieved.  

The Katsuage hooks that come stock on the Vision 110 are light wire for easy penetration correct balance.  Megabass intends this bait to be fished on light line, preferably 6 to 10lb pound test.  Using light line allows the bait to reach its optimal swimming depth of four to six feet, but also enables the bait to move more freely in the water.  

Retrieved properly, the Vision 110 not only darts from side to side but it does so in an arching fashion shooting up, and then back down as you jerk your rod tip.  Additionally, as the bait is being pulled in the water it moves sideways from top to bottom giving off a color and flash, but it also has a rear movement from side to side.  Heavier line and hooks have the potential to impede action taking the bait out of its factory tuned equilibrium.

The Megabass Vision 110 Jr. harnesses the winning features of the highly acclaimed Vision 110 jerkbait in a compact 98mm (3.85in) size, delivering a high level of action per inch that outshines even its larger counterpart.

The expertly crafted Vision 110 Jr. has been revamped from the ground up to enhance the dynamic movements of the original and broaden the jerkbait series. Distilled from the ONETEN, this smaller version showcases exaggerated darting and rolling patterns, as well as enticing wobbling and rolling actions. Thanks to the dual-tungsten weights of the Megabass Multiway Moving Balancer System (PAT.), this compact lure offers exceptional casting distance.

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.

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.  

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!

This Ima Skimmer 110 Topwater Lure is unique among hard plastic topwater stickbaits in that only the Ima Skimmer has the slender body shape of a 5" soft plastic stickbait. This slim profile has proven to be one of the most appealing bass lure shapes ever. There's a whole lot to be said simply for this slender profile and silhouette, and the ima Skimmer is really the only topwater hardbait that has it.

A large part of the Skimmer's action is caused on the ending movement of each zig or zag as the tail-weighted back end of the ima Skimmer stirs the water wildly causing a large boil. So every time that the Skimmer zigs or zags left or right, the final movement of the weighted tail stirs the surface into a large boil, and the Skimmer slips out barely ahead of the boil, just like a desperate baitfish narrowly escaping a bass's lunge.

4.25"

110mm 

Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP Jerkbait

When bass are holding deep in the water column and refusing to come up, the Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP gets down to their level and stays there. The largest of the core Pointer SP lineup, the Pointer 100 brings the same legendary brass weight system and bass-calling action to a bigger profile — perfect for matching larger baitfish or pulling fish up from deeper structure.

Engineered with a specially designed brass weight system that creates an ultra-low center of gravity, the Pointer 100 wobbles and vibrates in place the moment you stop the retrieve — emitting a subtle, irresistible vibration that triggers strikes from even the most reluctant bass. A short twitch of the rod tip sends it darting side to side in a fluid underwater walk-the-dog action that mimics a fleeing baitfish with uncanny realism. Suspend it at 4–5 feet and let the bass come to you.

Features

• Brass weight system creates ultra-low center of gravity for wobble-and-vibrate on pause
• Suspending design locks the bait in the strike zone at 4–5 feet
• Short rod twitch generates underwater walk-the-dog action
• Larger profile than the Pointer 78 — ideal for matching bigger baitfish
• Bass-calling vibration on pause draws strikes from pressured and finicky fish

Specs

• Type: Suspending
• Depth: 4–5 ft

Best For

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

Perfect For

When you need the legendary Pointer action in a bigger package, the Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP delivers. Step up the size, step up the strikes.

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.

The Ima Big Stick topwater lure is the result of years of development by the Japanese engineering team at Ima and professional angler, Randy Pringle. Extremely easy to fish and impart excellent action, the Big Stick doesn't require a big swimbait rod either, it's actually designed for use with conventional gear. The bait's rear weighted design allows the bait to start up its characteristic action as soon as you start your retrieve, and it also helps increase casting distance and accuracy.

In addition to highly detailed finishes, massive eyes and a unique head, designed to push significant volumes of water, the Ima Big Stick also features eight individual sound chambers that when fished fast creates a huge ruckus, but also allows it to be popped subtly along the surface. Featuring a durable wire-through construction, heavier split rings and Owner hooks, the Ima Big Stick can stand up to any trophy fish - bass, musky, pike, stripers and various saltwater species. It will spit like a magnum popper, walk like the hardest-sashaying walking bait, and anglers don't have to be experts to make it do its thing.

Length: 7"

Weight: 1.75oz (50g)

Type: Pencil Surface Popper

Hooks: Owner ST-66 #1/0

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.

The Ima Flit 120 is the effort of endless research and development. Ima combined Michael Murphy’s biology expertise with its own advanced technology and the Flit 120 was born.  The Flit 120, named for its erratic fleeing action and 120mm in length, was designed on the basic premise of “matching the hatch.”   The ima Jerkbait, designed with a wide back, flat sides, and a narrow stomach, is designed to closely mimic the flat-sided Herring and/or Panfish prey, common in the U.S.   The Flit 120 incorporates a realistic finish, a uniquely designed bill for ease of use and specially designed triangular chambers. This creates constant focal points of contact, maximizing vibration and sound consistency. The ima Flit 120 is the next generation jerkbait designed specifically to trigger strikes and enhance your fishing experience.

Techniques:

• Jerk Pause:  Start with slack and end with slack after each series of jerks allowing the bait to glide back and forth.
• Deadsticking: Start out with a couple cranks and jerks to get the bait to desired depth and then pause the lure with slack line.
• Burning: Reel the jerkbait in fast spurts stopping periodically. A very effective technique around shad spawns and schooling fish.
  • Length: 120mm 4.5in
    Weight: 14g, 1/2oz
    Type: Suspends 6-8ft
    Hooks: #6