Lipless crankbaits are, as the name implies, crankbaits that do not contain a plastic bill or lip at the nose. They range in size from 1/4 of an ounce up to about 1 ounce or larger, with the 1/2 ounce size being the most popular. Most lipless crankbaits are designed to sink as opposed to most other crankbaits that either float or have neutral buoyancy.

​

They come is a myriad of colors by a whole slew of manufacturers. Color choice is similar to other baits in that you want to ‘match the hatch’ in most cases. As a general rule use natural colors in clear water and bright colors in dingy or off color water. I like reds and orange colors early in the year before the spawn even on clear water lakes.

​

Most lipless crankbaits have a number of rattles inside and make quite a racket as they are retrieved. Some models come with no rattles and are marketed as ‘silent’ lipless crankbaits. Others, instead of a bunch of BB type rattles will have one or two larger metal pieces inside and are commonly called one knockers, double tappers, etc. Sometimes the silent version works better in clear water.

​

Since Bill Lewis Lures ‘Rat-L-Trap’ was one of the first lures of this type on the market many fisherman will sometimes refer to any lipless crankbait as a Rat-L-Trap or just a Trap. Right now there are more than 20 manufacturers that produce lipless crankbaits.

​

Lipless crankbaits can be fished for most of the season. Some bass fisherman will work them slowly bumping the bottom in early spring cold water. Others will want water temps of a least 50 degrees before throwing them.

​

There are a number of ways to fish a lipless crankbait. While they do sink, for the most part, they are a shallow water bait. They work best when run over the top of submerged weeds either at a sustained speed or a stop and go retrieve. When the bait hangs in the grass it should be strongly (violently) jerked free. Many times a strike will occur right as the bait shoots free from the weeds.

​

When fishing deeper submerged weed beds, I like a pumping motion. As such the bait will continually flutter down and rise back up again. Usually the hits happen on the fall. Personally I like the Strike King ‘Red Eye Shad’ when using the lift and drop retrieve because the lure flutters down, holding it’s upright position. Some lipless crankbaits will fall nose down and some will hang the line on one of the hooks when this happens.

​

Since these baits come in various sizes you will need to see what the fish want on any particular day. You also might want to downsize if you are continually get hung in the grass on your retrieve.

​

Lipless crankbaits can be fished with either spinning or baitcasting gear. I would recommend baitcasters though with the possible exception of  fishing with the 1/4 oz model.

​

As will most baits, try changing the retrieve speed and style to see what may be working better on any particular day.