Strike King Pro Model 10XD

When Other Crankbaits Can't Reach the Fish

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

The Free-Floating Rattle That Pulls Fish From a Distance

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

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

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

Big Profile for Big Bass

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

The Right Pick If...

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

Best Retrieve Techniques

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

Best Conditions

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

Best For

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

Key Features

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

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

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

FAQ

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

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

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