Best of the best Japanese crankbaits... 2025

stalking coyote reply :

Even though I've been bass fishing ever since I could hold and cast a rod... Until recently I never really had much intrest in trying or experimenting with japanese crankbaits... even though I'm a crankbait junkie... but now I must seek out the best and give them a try... So... what are the best of the best japanese crankbaits... I want to know what your favorite and best producing japanese crankbaits are... best producing japanese colors for you... you know the ones you just have to have... the ones that even o'le bannana breath doesn't even have to talk you into buying and using ... please help me with my obsession... :'(

Thanks... Jerry

SWMIBASSER reply :

Not sure. I'm sticking to Rapala, and Bandit.

Bandit is not only one of the cheaper crankbaits, they come in TONS of colors, are very effective, and made in the USA.

Sorry I couldn't help you. I've been going the opposite direction. I see all the new japanese stuff cutting into the american tackle market, and with a few exceptions here and there I try to stick to things made right here in the US

BigMoneyGrip reply :

I don't think Bandit is made in the US. Last time I was in BPS they had "Made in China" on them.

For Japanese tackle, Megabass is the best I've seen. I'm starting a collection and have offerings from Jackall, Luckycraft, deps and Megabass.

SWMIBASSER reply :

d**n!

They used to be made right here in the US.

Of course then it was a marketing point, and they don't mention that anymore. I found something on a google search mentioning the moved the manufacture from MS to China, but the link was dead. Whatever. I got the general idea.

So then, I'll waver a little and say I would rather support a US based company.

Primus reply :

I have a few that have done well for me, some of these are available through vendors like Russ ***, Bass Pro, Tackle Whse etc.

Lucky Craft RC series through Bass Pro- I personally like the square bill silent 1.5 version the best if you are just getting started with this series though other models/sizes are effective as well including the DD models. They usually are on sale a couple of times each year for under 10$, that's when I place my order. The 1.5 has been my most productive shallow crank the last 3-4 years.

I'm also sentimental to this bait as I had a series of e-mails to a rep at BPS where I begged for them to offer it in a Ghost color which they did app 2 years back.

Some other shallow runners that I like would include the Jackall Cherry Zero footer, OSP HPF crank, Megabass Griffon and IMA Roumba.

Jackall Musle Deep 15 Plus has become one of my favorite Deep Diving cranks, very productive bait with a smaller profile than most deep divers and cast like a rocket.

I've been throwing the Ima Flit shortly after it was made available and this is a very underated jerkbait that no one seems to talk about.

Other Jerkbaits that are excellent producers are the Megabass Trick Darter, Jackall Squad Minnow and the classic Lucky Craft baits like the Pointer, Staycee etc.

I like the Jackall TN Lipless baits, very well balanced and the Tungsten weight helps it run in a chin down posture.

They are also some well regarded baits by companies like Evergreen & Imakatsu but I haven't tried them yet. What you will find is that some of the Japanese companies like Jackall, Lucky Craft etc. make some of the best tackle available but they also have a few models that are average or even below average as well.

T-rig reply :

I really like the Megabass Bait-X.

tkite16 reply :

Quote
I really like the Megabass Bait-X.

OOOOHHH thats purdy

SkilletSizeBass. reply :

I've bought quite a few Japanese made cranks in the last couple years. I've got probably 12 lucky craft moonsault model 200's since I caught a 9lb. on one of their chart. shad a couple years ago, and haven't caught many others on all of them. And then I got into the Megabass cyclone mr-x & md-x series, 8 of them and I've done real well on one color, the AKA Tora, the others haven't seen too many fish are working their way farther down in the tacklebox.

I've got a couple each of the Megabass Deep-x 200's and the Bait-x, they also haven't smelled a fish.

I've got a megabass vision 110 and a couple pointers that have a little success. About 6 lucky craft lipless baits with a little luck on. A seible magic swimmer I haven't gave much effort yet. I just ordered 3 Risebacker lipless crankbaits that I haven't got to try yet. I've got 2 Junior D's I haven't done much on yet. A Megabass Griffon 6cc thats new.I have done quite well on an Evergreen combat crank, shallow runner, red colored and I've caught some nice bass on a ImakatsuIK-250 redish gold colored. Maybe I'm just picking the wrong colors :-/

Oh well, I still got quite a few Zoom/wec cranks and some custom made crankbaits to try this year too ;D

J Francho reply :

I had great success with the Duo Slaver cranks last spring.

SkilletSizeBass. reply :

Stalking Coyote, here is the few I've done best on:

(if I can get these pics to post)

(1)Lucky Craft Moonsault cb200

(2)Megabass mr-x cyclone aka tora

(3) Evergreen combat crank sr pre-spawn dynamite

(4)Imakatsu IK-250 prespawn bomber

Stringjam reply :

Here's a few that I like:

Jackall TN/70

Air Viper Risebacker (disc...look on eBay)

Imakatsu IK-400

Lucky Craft Flat CB SR (discontinued...again - eBay)

OSP HPF Spec 2 and Blitz

I've never used a crankbait from Megabass that I thought was anything more than "decent." I personally don't have time to throw "decent" cranks - especially at that price.

Overall I've been pretty disappointed with the mainstream crank offerings from Japan.....you can really waste a lot of money on some of that stuff. They're great at designing jerkbaits, but a whole lot of the cranks I've bought have been pretty lame.

For the price of a Jackall MC/60 I can think of about a dozen cranks that would wipe the floor with it.

Unfortunately, some really great crank makers from Japan don't sell to the U.S. (WooDream, Nakamura, Flutter, T.H., FD, Kaihatsu).

SkilletSizeBass. reply :

Quote
Here's a few that I like:
Jackall TN/70

Air Viper Risebacker (disc...look on eBay)

Imakatsu IK-400

Lucky Craft Flat CB SR (discontinued...again - eBay)

OSP HPF Spec 2 and Blitz

I've never used a crankbait from Megabass that I thought was anything more than "decent." I personally don't have time to throw "decent" cranks - especially at that price.

Overall I've been pretty disappointed with the mainstream crank offerings from Japan.....you can really waste a lot of money on some of that stuff. They're great at designing jerkbaits, but a whole lot of the cranks I've bought have been pretty lame.

For the price of a Jackall MC/60 I can think of about a dozen cranks that would wipe the floor with it.

Unfortunately, some really great crank makers from Japan don't sell to the U.S. (WooDream, Nakamura, Flutter, T.H., FD, Kaihatsu).

Jon, I've heard before you talking about the Air viper Risebacker and I've picked up a few of them, but in the colors I kinda liked, I could only get one sound-lo.

how deep does the Imakatsu IK-400 run?

I have had a little communication with FD, we've traded a couple baits, and he is going to send me one when he gets it complete. I haven't tried any of OPS HF baits yet. I'm trying to build up my custom made cranks also.

Here is the Risebackers I picked up:

Stringjam reply :

Quote

Quote
Here's a few that I like:
Jackall TN/70

Air Viper Risebacker (disc...look on eBay)

Imakatsu IK-400

Lucky Craft Flat CB SR (discontinued...again - eBay)

OSP HPF Spec 2 and Blitz

I've never used a crankbait from Megabass that I thought was anything more than "decent." I personally don't have time to throw "decent" cranks - especially at that price.

Overall I've been pretty disappointed with the mainstream crank offerings from Japan.....you can really waste a lot of money on some of that stuff. They're great at designing jerkbaits, but a whole lot of the cranks I've bought have been pretty lame.

For the price of a Jackall MC/60 I can think of about a dozen cranks that would wipe the floor with it.

Unfortunately, some really great crank makers from Japan don't sell to the U.S. (WooDream, Nakamura, Flutter, T.H., FD, Kaihatsu).

Jon, I've heard before you talking about the Air viper Risebacker and I've picked up a few of them, but in the colors I kinda liked, I could only get one sound-lo.

how deep does the Imakatsu IK-400 run?

I have had a little communication with FD, we've traded a couple baits, and he is going to send me one when he gets it complete. I haven't tried any of OPS HF baits yet. I'm trying to build up my custom made cranks also.

Here is the Risebackers I picked up:

I like the sound-lo version (and sound-less as well). They are livelier and have a slower fall rate than the sound-hi version, which makes them great for fishing shallow, clear water.

The IK-400 will dive low-mid teens. Casts like a missile.

ToledoEF reply :

String, I am gonna expand my crank arsenal and also get some new stuff I can try and make myself, what cranks are a must have in your opinion? I have Rapala dt's, strike kings, and a few LC's.

SkilletSizeBass. reply :

Jon, I've really done very good on the Megabass md-x and mr-x Aka Tora color, (but not many of the others), so I had to get one of the Megabass vibration-x ultra silent in aka tora to try this year.

stalking coyote reply :

Quote
Here's a few that I like:
Jackall TN/70

Air Viper Risebacker (disc...look on eBay)

Imakatsu IK-400

Lucky Craft Flat CB SR (discontinued...again - eBay)

OSP HPF Spec 2 and Blitz

I've never used a crankbait from Megabass that I thought was anything more than "decent." I personally don't have time to throw "decent" cranks - especially at that price.

Overall I've been pretty disappointed with the mainstream crank offerings from Japan.....you can really waste a lot of money on some of that stuff. They're great at designing jerkbaits, but a whole lot of the cranks I've bought have been pretty lame.

For the price of a Jackall MC/60 I can think of about a dozen cranks that would wipe the floor with it.

Unfortunately, some really great crank makers from Japan don't sell to the U.S. (WooDream, Nakamura, Flutter, T.H., FD, Kaihatsu).

Stringjam, I have tried to find the WooDream crankbaits online and can't even find anyone who even carries them... do you know of anyone who does carry them? And the OSP HPF Spec 2 crankbaits I can't find either... every sight I find that does carry them or at least has them listed all say "sold out"... know of any place that does still have them available?

And thanks to everyone for the suggestions...

Stringjam reply :

You should be able to find the HPF's on eBay from various Japanese vendors (I thought *** carried them as well(?) )

You won't find any U.S. distributors for WooDream......best chance for that is finding a contact in Japan who will buy you some and ship.

T-rig reply :

Sebile lures have been available for years in Europe, in the US they are still relatively new.

I bought my first Magic Swimmer 6 years ago in Spain.

So I would consider Sebile lures french, also because Patrick ist french and the designer of the lures.

Primus reply :

It's not a Japanese brand but the Sebile Flatt Shad might be a good option for you. It won't replace your rattling lipless baits but it's a good alternative to try. I've had bass hit this bait when they seem put off by the rattling baits in clear open water when dealing with pressured fish.

Pantera61 reply :

I have found OSP and Imakatsu to be the most productive of the Japanese crankbaits of those I have tried. That would be Megabass, Evergreen, Jackall, OSP, Imakatsu and a few others.

There is one source which will sell Woodream and TH to American market but it takes some time to develop a rapport with owners.

The HPF Spec II are, as mentioned, silent and they do work wonders.

Blade-Runner reply :

Quote
...Lucky Craft RC series through Bass Pro- I personally like the square bill silent 1.5 version...

The aforementioned lure, the Lucky Craft Pointer and Sammy 100 are my favorites.

Pointer in MS Aurora Shad and NC Shell White.

stalking coyote reply :

Thanks guys... it's interesting to hear everyones thoughts and opinions... keep them coming...

Stringjam reply :

Quote
String, I am gonna expand my crank arsenal and also get some new stuff I can try and make myself, what cranks are a must have in your opinion? I have Rapala dt's, strike kings, and a few LC's.

Any of the Charlie-O variants (Big M "Marty's Charlie", Zoom WEC Wobbler). If you can find an original Charlie-O, they're great baits as well, and since they're foamies, you don't have to worry about what shape they're in so much (no water absorption).

Bagley KB1 - 80's version with the short, round lip

Zoom WEC: Z-Flat Coffin Lip, Hicky, and Deep Stumpy

I already mentioned the HPF and Jackall TN/70.

Always good to have a Petey-type around (I would consider the HPF to fall into this category). FlatShad Classic PT, RAM Pig Dog, original Little Petey.

Also done very well with the RAM Luv Plug and Baby Pig. If you want a flatsided crank that will do cover, check the Baby Pig....the Zoom Mutt looks pretty much like a clone of it.

Rapala DT divers are great baits.

Primus reply :

I picked up 1 Ima Shaker in the Bluegill color last summer, haven't threw it enough to have an opinion. One bait with a similiar profile though it's made with wood that I tried last year was the Strike King Flat Shad, I did real well with it one day last fall with the Rootbeer color when the water was in the high 40's. A local tackle store by my house has been selling them for 10$, so I've stocked up on a few more colors.

JDK. reply :

great topic

I have slowly been building my box with a bunch of nice lures..

so far my favorites have been

deps buzzjet jr

jackal aragon sr

megabass griffon the big one

megabass pop x and pop max

i enjoy collecting tackle as much as fishing ;D ;D

Jake. reply :

I've used the Shaker for the past year or so. As far as catching fish goes, it does a great job. The bait has a wide wiggle (for a flat side crankbait) without much roll. The only negative is that it doesn't track very well if fished at more than a medium speed.

SkilletSizeBass. reply :

Quote
great topic
I have slowly been building my box with a bunch of nice lures..

so far my favorites have been

deps buzzjet jr

jackal aragon sr

megabass griffon the big one

megabass pop x and pop max

i enjoy collecting tackle as much as fishing ;D ;D

JDK, it can be very addicting and expensive, and fun too

JDK. reply :

great topic no one else has a favorite?

Anyone get bassmasters the last two Jan and Feb 2010 have had some cool info on Japanese lures and techniques.. the new jackal i shad looks interesting.. basically a do nothing bait

amazing also to read about them fishing these lures on baitcasters and 4lb floro!! guess need to save up for a Pixy!! ;D

Pantera61 reply :

Quote
great topic no one else has a favorite?
Anyone get bassmasters the last two Jan and Feb 2010 have had some cool info on Japanese lures and techniques.. the new jackal i shad looks interesting.. basically a do nothing bait

amazing also to read about them fishing these lures on baitcasters and 4lb floro!! guess need to save up for a Pixy!! ;D

I've been using the ~2.5" I-shad as a trailer for 1/32 oz and 1/16 oz jigs. It produces.

8771

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