A tackle box isn’t complete without some special crankbaits for walleye. Crankbaits are versatile fishing lines that come in various types, colors, and sizes to meet your preference. These baits act like smaller baitfish with realistic movements and actions to lure walleyes to strike it.
Even if you want the best crankbaits for walleye, it may not be easy going through tons of available crankbaits in the market. To save you time and effort, I have compiled a list of the top three crankbaits that rarely disappoint.
Ps. – Check out my other reviews if you are interested in more lures for walleye, like swimbaits and jerkbaits. 🙂
Best Crankbaits For Walleye
- My number one pick: Salmo Hornet
- Best budget: Strike King Red Eye Shad Bait
- Most reviews: Rapala Shad Rap 07 Fishing Lures
Crankbaits for walleye compared
Salmo Hornet
Features
- Multi-species Fish Crankbait
- High-Density Foam Construction
- High Performance with Extreme Durability
- Ideal for Casting and Trolling
It is not without a reason why Salmo Hornet takes the spot as my top pick. If you buy the right Salmo Hornet crankbait with the right color and size, you are making a long-term purchase.
Unlike most crankbaits that use plastic or wood for construction, Salmo Hornet uses high-density foam. This means that it is comparatively more durable and may even last for decades.
Aside from walleyes, this crankbait is suitable for helping you catch other big games like trout and bass. You can either cast or troll with this multi-species fish bait and still have the probability to get amazing results.
The size of the Salmo Hornet is available in three formats – 4, 5, and 1/16 oz. Normally, I would recommend going for a smaller size if you are fishing for walleyes. These fish usually feed by sucking in the water around their prey. Therefore, a smaller bait would fit better into its mouth. Besides, a smaller Salmo Hornet can imitate a young fish that walleyes generally prey on.
As for the color, the Salmo Hornet comes in a wide range of 24 colors. The color you choose may mostly depend on your preference, fishing location and environment, and the type of fish you are targeting. For walleyes, I prefer sticking to natural colors like dalmatian and pearl that aren’t too flashy.
It’s not to say it is inferior because of this, but Salmo Hornet can be better if it features a built-in rattle. But this is nothing unfixable. You can make a custom rattle crankbait by adding a built-in rattle to the body of the bait.
Crankbaits with rattles offer an added benefit over others that do not have rattles. The rattling sound not only drives curiosity in fish and attracts them. Rattles make it easier for fish to locate your bait in dark waters and dull settings.
Pros
- Perfect versatile bait for catching walleyes
- Runs true right out of the box
- Durable foam construction
Cons
- A relatively higher price tag.
Although it is a little more expensive, the Salmo Hornet crankbait is worth every penny you pay for. You also get the option to choose from 24 colors that include Hollywood, Viking, Sade Colors, and Gold Flourescent Perch.
Are you interested in adding another valuable and productive crankbait into your tackle box? All you have to do is click here and welcome Salmo Hornet into your fishing routine.
Strike King Red Eye Shad Bait
- The Strike King Red Eye Shad is one mean lipless crankbait
- Designed by our National Pro Staff, the Red Eye Shad has incredible action...
- Premium hooks, 3D eyes and free floating rattles give you the best action...
Features
- Lipless Crankbait
- Synthetic Plastic Construction
- In-built Rattler
- Premium Hook and 3D Red Eyes
- Realistic Movements, Colors, and Patterns
- Suitable for Spinning, Casting, and Trolling
Strike King is a brand every angler probably knows about. If you belong to a family of anglers, there are chances that you might find some old Strike King baits in a tackle box in your garage. The company has been operating for over five decades and producing many kinds of quality fish baits, including soft plastic lures, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
Strike King Red Eye Shad Bait is one of the most effective lipless crankbaits you can ever lay your hands on. This bait from Strike King is a popular lure that many YouTubers use to catch walleyes.
If you look at this bait’s physical appearance, you will see that it is well-made and durable. The Red Eye Shad Bait features interesting patterns and colors, 3D red eyes, premium hooks, and a built-in rattle. These features allow the lipless bait to possess a quality performance by resembling the look and actions of a real fish.
The best time to use this lipless crankbait is during the summer. You can cast the bait on gravel, sand, or flatbeds while fishing for walleyes. You can also troll the bait along weed beds and other plants and vegetation at a very slow speed.
With all of these beneficial features, the best thing about Strike King Red Eye Shad Bait is that you don’t have to break your bank to afford it. Unlike most high quality and expensive crankbaits, the starting price of this crankbait is $3.28 to a maximum of $16.00. No wonder why it is my best budget pick!
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Well-made with a durable finish
- Rich luring features including an in-built rattler and bright red eyes
Cons
- The paint tends to peel off with continuous use.
If you want an effective budget-friendly crankbait, Strike King Red Eye Shad Bait is your answer. These baits are available in a rich assortment of colors and sizes. You can choose your preferred size that ranges from ¼ oz, ½ oz, and ¾ oz, and a dizzying 59 color options to choose from.
Secure yourself a wonderful fishing experience by getting your Strike King crankbait here today!
Rapala Shad Rap 07 Fishing Lures
- The world's best running hardbait, hand-tuned and tank-tested at the...
- Balsa Wood Construction
- Natural Baitfish Profile
Features
- Hand-tuned and Tank-tested Hard bait
- Balsa Wood Construction
- Realistic Design And Pattern
- Resembles The Action of a Wounded Minnow
- Great for Casting And Trolling
- One Year Warranty
When it comes to fishing and baits, Rapala is a popular company that almost every angler is aware of. And Rapala Shad Rap 07 fishing lure is no exception.
This Rapala crankbait is one of the most popular crankbaits among anglers. Did you know? When the first version of this bait hit the market, it was too popular that you have to rent them instead of buying them.
The Rapala Shad Rap fishing lure features everything a regular crankbait has. The special feature of this bait is the trademark imitation of a wounded minnow that comes with Rapala baits.
Many anglers look up at this crankbait as the ultimate wallet bait. It runs well right out of the box. The ideal size to lure walleyes is between 5-9. There are 15 interesting colors to choose from.
As a versatile bait, you can catch walleyes with this bait on almost all types of water by either casting or trolling. You might have fun casting them on light spinning tackles. But if you want to go trolling, I suggest you get a larger size.
Another thing that I find appealing is that it supports all kinds of fishing speed. You have the liberty to choose between fishing at lightning speed and taking your time.
Since this bait comes from balsa wood, it is relatively lightweight. Although it works well in a clear and calm climate, the wind may pose a challenge to its diving effectiveness. So, this bait is best for those who fish in calm settings.
Pros
- Perfectly tuned and runs well right out of the box
- Ultimate walleye crankbait
- Strong and effective hooks
- Striking and realistic colors
- One-year Warranty
Cons
- Since it is lightweight, it can be challenging to cast on windy days.
If you live in a place where the wind is not a problem, Rapala Shad Rap crankbait can go a long way in helping you catch many walleyes and many other fish species.
As one of the anglers’ favorites, there isn’t much reason to go out of appeal. Are you ready for the Shad Rap crankbait from Rapala? Get them here today!
FAQs
What color crankbait is the best for catching walleyes?
There is no definite answer for which color crankbait is the best for catching walleyes. The main color determinants are water setting, such as temperature and the climate. Again, the time of the year can also impact the mentioned determinants.
On bright and clear days when the water is clear, the best color is natural colors. This color easily reflects on clear water, making it easy for walleyes to spot.
I recommend bright artificial colors like neon or fluorescent if you are fishing on an overcast day in dark water. The deeper your bait dives, the brighter the color should be. But always pick a bright color that has good contrast. Otherwise, your bait may appear too colorful and unnatural to lure fish into biting it.
When should I fish for walleyes?
Before fishing for walleyes, it is best to know something about them. This way, you can become the king of the catch and reap better results.
The best season to fish for walleyes is during spring and fall. This is because walleyes are more likely to be found in darker waters.The best time for fishing walleyes is in the morning and evening when they are most active.
How deep can a crankbait dive?
The size of the bill is the main determinant of how deep a crankbait can dive. Generally, if the bill is big and long, it will be a tad heavier and sink better than crankbaits with smaller bills.
Niels Thomas is a wildlife expert and fishing fanatic that works with major fishing brands like Deeper Sonar, Abu Garcia, Berkley, PENN, BassPro and Pure Fishing. Through sharing the best fishing tips, tricks, gear reviews, locations and much more he hopes to inspire fishing fanatics to start their own journey towards becoming the King of the Catch!