Why You Need a Squarebill Crankbait in Your Box
There’s a unique feeling you get when fishing a squarebill crankbait correctly. It’s not the subtle “tick” of a jig bite. It’s the sensation of the lure vibrating wildly, then suddenly going weightless for a split second before your rod doubles over and tries to get ripped from your hands. That’s the magic of the deflection. That’s a reaction strike.
A squarebill isn’t a finesse bait. It’s a brawling, hunting, wrecking ball of a lure designed to crash into cover and force a bass to make a split-second decision. Let’s talk about how to harness that power.
Choosing the Best Squarebill Crankbait: Color and Size
The “square bill” or lip on the front is what makes this lure special. It’s short and wide, which gives the bait an erratic wobble and, more importantly, makes it deflect off cover like wood and rock without getting snagged nearly as often as other treble-hooked baits.
Your Go-To Setup for Fishing Squarebill Crankbaits
Using the right rod is critical for crankbait fishing. A stiff, fast-action rod will rip the treble hooks right out of the fish’s mouth. You need a rod with a softer, more parabolic bend.
How to Fish a Squarebill Crankbait: The “Hunt and Deflect” Retrieve
The number one rule of squarebill fishing is: if you’re not hitting something, you’re not in the right spot. The magic happens upon collision.
Where to Throw Your Squarebill for Best Results
A squarebill shines in shallow water, typically 1 to 8 feet deep. Look for isolated pieces of cover that bass use as ambush points.
Mastering this lure is a game-changer, turning frustrating, snag-filled areas into your personal playground. It’s one of the four essential lure types we break down in our Ultimate Guide to Bass Fishing.
Now go out there and make some noise.
-Captain Sal
