As an angler, you know that the right lure can make a huge difference in your success on the water. Squarebill crankbaits are a popular lure, thanks to their versatility and ability to catch fish in a variety of conditions. In this article, we will discuss the best square bill crankbaits available on the market today, and how to choose the right square bill crankbait for your needs.
Understanding Square Bill Crankbaits
Before we dive into the best square bill crankbaits, it’s important to understand what makes them unique. Square bill crankbaits are designed to create a lot of disturbance in the water, making them ideal for fishing in shallow areas with lots of cover. The square bill design allows the lure to bounce off rocks and other debris without getting snagged, and the wobbling action creates a realistic swimming motion that attracts fish.
Things to Consider
When choosing a square bill crankbait, there are several things to consider:
Depth
One of the most important factors to consider is the depth at which you will be fishing. Square bill crankbaits come in a variety of sizes and diving depths, so it’s important to choose one that will run at the right depth for the conditions.
Color
The color of your lure can also make a big difference in your success on the water. Different colors work best in different conditions, so it’s a good idea to have a variety of colors on hand to match the baitfish in the area.
Action
The action of the lure is also important to consider. Some square bill crankbaits have a tight wobble, while others have a wider wobble. It’s a good idea to experiment with different types of lures to see what works best for you.
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Best Square Bill Crankbaits
Now that we have discussed the factors to consider when choosing a square bill crankbait, let’s take a look at some of the best options available on the market today:
Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait
Strike King KVD Square Bill 2.5 Pro-Model Crankbait
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait is a popular choice among anglers, thanks to its realistic action and ability to catch fish in a variety of conditions. This lure is available in a range of colors and diving depths, making it a versatile option for any angler.
Rapala BX Brat Square Bill Crankbait
Rapala BX Brat Square Bill Crankbait
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Rapala BX Brat Square Bill Crankbait is another popular choice, thanks to its durable construction and ability to deflect off cover without getting snagged. This lure has a tight wobble that mimics the swimming action of a real baitfish.
Lucky Craft LC 1.5 Square Bill Crankbait
Lucky Craft LC 1.5 Shallow Square Bill
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.The Lucky Craft LC 1.5 Square Bill Crankbait is a great option for fishing in shallow areas with lots of cover. This lure has a wide wobble that creates a lot of disturbance in the water, making it ideal for attracting fish.
How to Choose the Right Square Bill Crankbait
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best square bill crankbaits on the market, it’s important to understand how to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Consider the Water Clarity
The water clarity will play a big role in the type of lure you choose. In clear water, a more natural color will work best, while in murky water, a brighter color will help the fish locate the lure.
Match the Hatch
Matching the hatch means using a lure that closely resembles the baitfish in the area. This can be achieved through the color and size of the lure. When in doubt, choose a natural color and a size that matches the baitfish in the area.
Experiment with Different Depths
Square bill crankbaits come in a variety of depths, so it’s important to experiment with different depths to find the one that works best for your needs. Start with a shallow diving lure and work your way up to deeper diving lures until you find the one that works best.
Pay Attention to the Action
The action of the lure can make a big difference in your success on the water. Experiment with different types of lures to find the one with the action that works best for your needs.
How to Fish with Square Bill Crankbaits
Now that you have a good understanding of what square bill crankbaits are and how to choose the right one, it’s time to learn how to fish with them. Here are some tips to get you started:
Cast Near Cover
Square bill crankbaits are designed to bounce off cover like rocks, logs, and weeds, so it’s important to cast near these types of structures. This will help the lure mimic the action of a fleeing baitfish and attract predatory fish.
Use a Jerking Motion
Once the lure hits the water, use a jerking motion with the rod to make the lure move in a more erratic pattern. This will help the lure look more natural and attract more fish.
Vary Your Retrieve Speed
Experiment with different retrieve speeds to find the one that works best for the fish in your area. Sometimes a slow and steady retrieve will work best, while other times a fast and erratic retrieve will be more effective.
Pay Attention to Your Line
It’s important to pay attention to your line when fishing with square bill crankbaits. If you feel the lure hit something, give the line a quick tug to help the lure bounce off the obstruction and continue its natural swimming motion.
Conclusion
Fishing with square bill crankbaits can be a fun and effective way to catch fish in a variety of conditions. By casting near cover, using a jerking motion, varying your retrieve speed, and paying attention to your line, you can increase your chances of catching more fish with this versatile lure.
FAQs
Do I need to use a specific type of rod when fishing with square bill crankbaits?
While there is no specific rod that is required, a medium or medium-heavy action rod with a fast tip is generally a good choice.
Can I use square bill crankbaits in deep water?
Square bill crankbaits are designed for fishing in shallow water, so they may not work as well in deep water.
What is the difference between a tight wobble and a wide wobble?
A tight wobble creates a more subtle swimming motion, while a wide wobble creates a lot of disturbance in the water and attracts fish with its noise and vibration.
How do I know which color to use?
Matching the hatch is always a good option, but it’s also a good idea to experiment with different colors to see what works best in the area you are fishing.
Do I need to use a leader when fishing with square bill crankbaits?
While a leader is not always necessary, it can help prevent the lure from getting snagged on rocks and other debris in the water.
Do I need to use a specific type of reel when fishing with square bill crankbaits?
A baitcasting reel with a fast gear ratio is generally a good choice when fishing with square bill crankbaits.
How do I know when I have a bite?
When a fish bites the lure, you will feel a sharp tug or pull on your line. Be sure to keep your line tight and be ready to set the hook when you feel a bite.
Can I fish with square bill crankbaits in saltwater?
Square bill crankbaits are primarily designed for freshwater fishing, they can also be effective in saltwater in the right conditions.
Do I need to use a specific type of line when fishing with square bill crankbaits?
Monofilament or fluorocarbon line in the 10-20 pound range is generally a good choice when fishing with square bill crankbaits.
Can I fish with square bill crankbaits from shore?
Yes, square bill crankbaits can be effective when fishing from shore, especially when targeting areas with cover like rocks and fallen trees.
