Hard Baits

Hard baits move water, flash light, and trigger reaction strikes that soft plastics can't. When bass are feeding actively or holding on specific structure, the right hard bait covers water fast and draws fish from a distance. Crankbaits dive deep, jerkbaits suspend in the strike zone, lipless cranks vibrate through grass, and topwater plugs create surface chaos that bass can't ignore.

Why Hard Baits Work

Hard baits let you cover water and trigger reaction strikes. The vibration, flash, and erratic action mimic fleeing baitfish — and bass react before they think. Hard baits excel when fish are active, when you need to locate fish fast, or when you want to trigger strikes from fish that won't commit to slower presentations.

Hard Bait Types and When to Use Them

Crankbaits: Diving lips pull them down to specific depths. Round-body cranks wobble wide for shallow water, flat-sided cranks have tight action for clear water, and deep divers reach 15+ feet. Deflect off cover to trigger reaction strikes. Best for covering water and locating active fish.

Jerkbaits: Suspending minnow imitators that pause in the strike zone. Twitch, pause, twitch — the erratic action triggers strikes from neutral fish. Excel in clear water, around suspended fish, and in cold water when bass won't chase. Long casts and precise depth control.

Lipless Crankbaits: Tight-wiggling, vibrating baits that sink and can be fished at any depth. Rip through grass, yo-yo over structure, or burn across flats. The rattle and vibration call fish from a distance. Work in stained water and active feeding windows.

Topwater Plugs: Surface baits that walk, pop, or chug. Create disturbance and draw explosive strikes. Walk-the-dog baits cover water, poppers call fish from cover, prop baits flash and gurgle. Best in low light, calm water, and over shallow cover. Visual strikes you won't forget.

How to Fish Hard Baits

Match the bait to the depth and cover. Crankbaits deflect off structure — cast past the target and crank it into contact. Jerkbaits suspend — twitch, pause, let it sit. Lipless cranks sink — count it down to the right depth, then rip it. Topwater plugs float — work them slow in calm water, fast in wind or current.

Retrieve speed matters. Fast retrieves trigger reaction strikes from active fish. Slow retrieves work for neutral fish and cold water. Pause on contact with cover — that's when bass commit.

Tune your baits. If a crankbait runs to one side, bend the line tie the opposite direction. A bait that swims true catches more fish than one that spins or rolls.

Pair with the Right Gear

Use moderate-action rods for treble-hook baits — the flex absorbs headshakes and keeps hooks pinned. Fluorocarbon line sinks and helps diving baits reach depth. Monofilament floats and works for shallow cranks and topwater. Braid for lipless cranks in heavy grass.

Match line size to bait size and depth — lighter line lets baits dive deeper, heavier line keeps them shallow. 10–12lb for shallow cranks, 14–17lb for deep divers, 12–15lb for jerkbaits, 15–20lb for lipless cranks in grass.

Built to Swim True and Trigger Strikes

Our hard baits feature quality hooks, durable finishes, and tuned actions that swim true out of the box. From shallow-running squarebills to deep-diving cranks, suspending jerkbaits to walking topwater plugs, every bait is built to move water and draw strikes.

Store hard baits in tackle boxes with compartments to prevent hooks from tangling and finishes from chipping. Replace treble hooks when they dull — sharp hooks land more fish on reaction strikes.

Best For

• Covering water and locating active fish
• Triggering reaction strikes from bass, pike, and walleye
• Fishing specific depths from surface to 15+ feet
• Clear water, stained water, and low-light conditions
• Deflecting off cover to trigger strikes
• Anglers who want to move fast and draw explosive bites

The D&F Way

We keep things simple, honest, and respectful of the water. If it's in our store, it's something we'd fish ourselves.

Nothing extra, nothing wasted. Just solid gear for good days on the lake.