Lipless crankbaits are very popular on grass lakes in the late winter and early spring, but did you know it’s a technique you can utilize all year long?
“When they're on it, you can't beat it,” said Mike Iaconelli, 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion. “Here's the deal with this bait, and this is what makes this on special. It's a lure that has three factors. A lot of lures only have one factor. … [Lipless crankbaits] have sound, vibration, and flash all built into one bait.”
Those three factors Iaconelli discusses in this seminar are exactly why this bait can shine 12 months out of the year. The biggest change the Elite Series pro recommends to keep catching fish is to simply change up your presentation.
Slowly hopping – or yo-yo-ing – a lipless crankbait in the colder winter months can help trigger a reaction strike for sluggish bass. Meanwhile, learning how to rip a lipless crankbait will shine in the spring transition as water temperatures increase and bass start to head toward spawning areas. Burning and jerking lipless crankbaits are two methods that have the opportunity to shine in the summer and fall, as well.
For Iaconelli, the gear is almost more important than the bait itself. Determining the right gear is based heavily on what presentation you are going for. While fluorocarbon and monofilament are Iaconelli’s typical choices, there’s also a place in his lineup for using braided line depending on the situation.
While the former Classic winner keeps his color selection simple, he offers plenty of suggestions for modifications to help you increase your hookup percentage – and more effectively fish lipless crankbaits around heavy cover.
Key Lipless Crankbait Bass Fishing Topics

3:20 What Makes Lipless Crankbaits Special
8:00 How To Retrieve A Lipless Crankbait
10:55 How To Yo-Yo A Lipless Crankbait
17:20 How To Rip A Lipless Crankbait
25:15 How To Burn A Lipless Crankbait
27:55 How To Jerk A Lipless Crankbait
30:45 Best Lipless Crankbait Colors
32:40 Must Have Lipless Crankbait Modifications
37:10 Best Line For Throwing Lipless Crankbaits
41:35 Picking The Right Rod And Reel
47:50 When To Throw Different Line Sizes
49:05 When To Throw Different Size Lipless Crankbaits

Buy tackle from this class from our partners at Tackle Warehouse
As an affiliate, we receive a small commission if you purchase using these links
Abu Garcia Revo Ike Low Profile Reel - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Abu_Garcia_IKE_Signature_30_Casting_Reel/descpage-IKECRL.html?from=butv
Berkley FireLine Fused Superline - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Berkley_FireLine_Super_Line_Smoke/descpage-FBGS.html?from=butv
Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Professional Grade Fishing Line - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Berkley_Trilene_100_Fluorocarbon_Line_Clear/descpage-FBTR.html?from=butv
Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap Original Lipless Crankbait - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Bill_Lewis_Rat-L-Trap/descpage-RT5.html?from=butv
Booyah Lipless One Knockers - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Booyah_One_Knocker_Lipless_Crankbaits/descpage-BYOK.html?from=butv
Rapala Rippin Rap Rattling Lures - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Rapala_Rippin_Rap_Lipless_Crankbaits/descpage-RRRLC.html?from=butv
VMC Bladed Hybrid Treble Hooks - https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_Bladed_Hybrid_Treble_Short_1X_Hook_2pk/descpage-VMCBHT.html?from=butv