Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits are a popular choice for predator fishing thanks to their versatility and effectiveness. Their signature vibrating action and lack of a diving bill allow anglers to explore various depths and types of water with ease. When used correctly, they significantly increase your chances of success in any season.

Design and features

These lures feature a compact, aerodynamic body without a front bill, making them ideal for long and accurate casts. Most models contain rattling balls that produce sound during movement, attracting nearby predators. The running depth depends on the lure’s weight and retrieve speed, giving anglers full control over the presentation.

Retrieving techniques for lipless crankbaits

• Steady retrieve: A simple yet effective technique—just reel in smoothly to create stable vibrations that quickly draw predator attention.
• "Yo-yo" technique: Involves alternating lifts and drops. After casting, let the lure sink to the bottom, then lift it with a sharp rod motion and let it fall again. This imitates an injured baitfish and often triggers aggressive strikes.
• Fast searching: Great for covering large areas and locating active fish. Retrieve quickly with occasional pauses or speed changes to provoke reaction bites.​

When choosing the right lipless crankbait, consider:

• Size and weight: Smaller models (e.g., 7 g) are suited for shallow water and cautious fish; larger, heavier ones (14 g or more) are ideal for deeper areas and bigger predators.
• Color: Use natural tones in clear water and bright, high-contrast colors in murky conditions.
• Sound effects: Louder models work well in deeper or stained waters where visibility is reduced.

Recommended lipless crankbait models:

• DUO Realis Vibration 68 G-Fix – our first and still one of the most popular models. Proven effective in depths from 4 to 10 meters. Also worth checking out is the smaller 62 G-Fix, which retains all the key features.
• Jackall TN – extremely loud crankbaits, ideal for shallower water. The TN60 and TN70 perform best at 1–4 m depths, while the TN80 is great when a larger profile is needed or when targeting big predators. For ultralight setups, try the compact TN38.
• DUO Realis Vibration Apex Tune – a quieter version ideal for shallow waters and high-pressure locations.
• DUO Spearhead Ryuki VIB – the first lipless crankbait designed specifically for trout, but also highly effective on other smaller predators.