Great vid, as always! I’m a crank bait freak, and super addicted to buying piles of them! One thing I try to tell people on cranks is weather your throwing Rapala, Norman, Bomber or Strike king XD’s treat them like a system. AKA if it’s XD’s get 3-10, Rapala DT 6 - 16 and then you have the full gambit of depths covered. Colors for me are natural Shad’s and chartreuse patterns. Bonus I can’t talk up Cotton Cordell Big-O’s enough in all sizes again so you have the gambit covered, I have been utterly smashing bass on them for 35 years!
Matt, sorry about the skin cancer but I have to say you look great without a cap on. Anyway thanks for the xcite crankbaits. I have been looking to add some nice looking perch colored crankbaits to the arsenal and the Killer Perch from them looks amazing.
they make a great crankbait and thanks for the kind words! I actually rarely wear a cap outside of fishing. my wife tells me i have good hair and should show it off
I appreciate your favorites and honest truth behind them. Refreshing to watch a video that's not just all sponsored baits...or even if they are...the sincerity in which you present your information is valued by a teacher from Texas that lives for Saturday morning sunrises on the lake and days spent fishing! I fish local tournaments, always lose terribly and need some of your professional insight! Thanks for being willing to share! Your videos are appreciated! Scott
My 5 favorite crankbaits are Bill Lewis SB-57 strawberry craw, Strike King KVD HC Flat Side 1.5 Fire Craw, Dou Realis Crankbait M65 PM magic, Storm Deep Rattlin Flat Wart Orange Craw, Strike King 6xd Olive Shad.
Love your choices. Caught my PB on a very similar chartreuse/blue square bill last fall (9 in 2 oz). Would probably include chrome/blue lip less crankbait on my list. Thank you!
Matt - you mentioned small mouth on rivers. That is my passion. There is not many videos on that topic. Would like to hear more about your thoughts as we get into the spring and summer. Thank you for all of the great advice. BTW - I had MOHS a few years ago - no scar. Hope the same for you.
Those are all some really great baits! For me, I'd have to say that I'd have to go Red Eye Shad from Strike King for a lipless, and it's a tossup between a Wild Thang or a Square Bull for my squarebill crank. The Square Bull caught me some giants last year, but so far my craw-patterned Wild Thang has been tearing them up in the early pre-spawn.
The Xcite company is my little hometown. It’s a small building. I think he just pours the soft plastics here and gets the hard baits from another country.
Good info! A few of these I haven't even heard of before. Wondering if you would consider doing a video on how bass use submerged foundations and how to properly approach and fish them. I've heard they are great fish holders and have never had a bite on them. I'm convinced it's me and my approach. 🤔😳 Thanks Matt for all the great content.
🍺This is difficult 🤯.If I only get 5 🤔 1) Z1’s…..GG Gill. 2) STW S-crank 1.5….MP Gizzard 3) Spro RKcrawler 55….stone cold. 4) Diving Flap slap…GP Pro Blue 2. 5) Deep Six…Sexy French pearl.
Great video. Never heard of Xcite baits. Been trying to find a shallow squarebill as a bank angler. .... so far my go tos have become og tiny, clickin frittside, and rat-l-trap. Started throwing cranks last year and am still learning how to fish them.
I just ordered the money Badgers. I've read and heard a lot of good things. I've heard them compared to a wiggle wart. Having that bait have a slow rise was a great idea. The berkley frittside have that kind of slow rise to them. And I've caught a ton of fish on the berkley frittside 5 and the frittside 5 Jr. I'm super excited for the new money badger. I did order some of the small ones. It would be interesting to hear your opinion on the shallowest running version of the bait. I'm going to throw it on the BFS.
I love the Duo Realis baits. One thing I really like about them is they don't create a bunch of drag when you are retrieving them. They come through the water like silk, if that's a thing.
I recently got couple frit sides, have see how I do with them. Something I don't hear a lot guys talk about using deep diving cranks in shallow water? Is it somethin you know of alot people doing?? I prefer silent crank baits 95% of time. But using deep divers has worked well in very shallow water. You grind them on bottom entire cast, gets good reaction bites! You u will grind bills off if rocky though.
I just got one of the Berklee crankbaits that's small but dives pretty deep. I'm going to try it and a few others on rainbow bass in Costa Rica then in the saltwater. I wish I knew which ones work best there. I have a bunch of jerk baits, chatterbaits, and soft plastics to try too. Something should work. If not I'll catch bait.
This is good to learn your favorites. I appreciate you sharing the variety and not just companies you're sponsored by also. I bought some Money Badgers after viewing your videos and look forward to the weather giving me an opportunity to fish. All the best in your tournaments this year.
As an elite, my prediction from looking, that the Badger might be a winner given all the characteristics. I can be wrong. Remains to be seen. I get one in my hand and I will know. I just don't trust any Midwesterners. I don't even trust a fisherman in general.
Not sure if you check the old comments as religiously as your new vids but I need a little info. I’m on Beaver Lake here in the Ozarks and I went to purchase one of the Xcite SB but they don’t seem to have a translucent option. If I’m missing it could you turn me on to which color is a little translucent for these ultra clear waters. Thank.
check out the blushing shad and river craw colors. those would be the two id be throwing on beaver and ozarks. www.tacklewarehouse.com/Xcite_Baits_XB-1_Squarebill_Crankbaits/descpage-XCXB.html?from=MSFG
Thanks Matt. That looked painful for yah. I hope you are well stocked on your colors.you use. I'm set on my crankbaits but 2 are discontinued and I have to scrounge so I pick up a couple different models every season to try.
Gotta have a squarebill, a Bill Dance, a Megaass, LT Pumpkinseed, and one Nippon. The Vietnamese called it Ja-panne, the others said Jippon or Jeepan. Again, you have the Nippon on your list, "Tora! Tora!"
My list would include 3 that are no longer made. All are Rapala fat raps. SFR 5, FR 5, DDFR 5. All made with balsa. Not. Huge fan of the newer plastic ones. Also, an XD 6 and chickmagnet
Man, how'd you know those are the exact five cranks and colors I use! Seriously, though, could you do a review on crankbait hardware that you like? Like what hooks, size hooks, color of hooks, and any split ring changes you like? Thanks for the videos.
Matt, on the frittside 5 you chose in spring craw color, what weight are you refering to? They come in a large array of weights, something I wasnt expecting since I usually throw an SR5 in place of the frittside.
If u could only have 5 worms each in a single color which worms & color would you choose?? Mine would be zman bang stickz green pumpkin/blue Zoom ultra vibe speed worm or Zman turbo fattyz black/black that's a toss up?? Zoom magnum finesse watermelon candy Maxscent hit worm magnum green pumpkin Maxscent general cinnamon purple What about only 5 swimbaits also??
We fans heard you were moonlighting as traffic directing policeman, that's why you reflexively are raising your hand as if you're stopping on-coming traffic. Times are tight, hope it works out for you, you seem a natural, we just need to see your 'Move Ahead' gesture. We fans also heard you bumped your head from a bad driver.
@@MattStefanFishing I'm waiting for that exact thing too, but I mosy just get those one finger move-off signals, and next thing you know, I'm making facial bandaids a fashion statement.
It's an old photo the new ones don't have the orange belly. The owner said the new color sells better but I'd rather have the one with the orange belly, I'll just paint it myself.
OSP Blitz in Ginrin color is a killer bait.
thats a good one!
Great vid, as always! I’m a crank bait freak, and super addicted to buying piles of them! One thing I try to tell people on cranks is weather your throwing Rapala, Norman, Bomber or Strike king XD’s treat them like a system. AKA if it’s XD’s get 3-10, Rapala DT 6 - 16 and then you have the full gambit of depths covered. Colors for me are natural Shad’s and chartreuse patterns. Bonus I can’t talk up Cotton Cordell Big-O’s enough in all sizes again so you have the gambit covered, I have been utterly smashing bass on them for 35 years!
thanks for sharing!
Thank you Matt, you always give us the best tips and we appreciate it.
My pleasure!
Matt, sorry about the skin cancer but I have to say you look great without a cap on. Anyway thanks for the xcite crankbaits. I have been looking to add some nice looking perch colored crankbaits to the arsenal and the Killer Perch from them looks amazing.
they make a great crankbait and thanks for the kind words! I actually rarely wear a cap outside of fishing. my wife tells me i have good hair and should show it off
Having a cold one, tying some finesse jigs and soaking up some crankbait knowledge from a fellow Wisconsin angler. Awesome Sunday!!
Right on!
Great video again! So many times pros are very vague about what actually works thanks!!
Glad it was helpful!
I appreciate your favorites and honest truth behind them. Refreshing to watch a video that's not just all sponsored baits...or even if they are...the sincerity in which you present your information is valued by a teacher from Texas that lives for Saturday morning sunrises on the lake and days spent fishing! I fish local tournaments, always lose terribly and need some of your professional insight! Thanks for being willing to share! Your videos are appreciated!
Scott
Glad you like them!
My 5 favorite crankbaits are Bill Lewis SB-57 strawberry craw, Strike King KVD HC Flat Side 1.5 Fire Craw, Dou Realis Crankbait M65 PM magic, Storm Deep Rattlin Flat Wart Orange Craw, Strike King 6xd Olive Shad.
i need to try the SB-57
Giserrt shad. Natural shad. Black & chartuce. Bluegill. Perch. Are also good choices.
yep!
Love your choices. Caught my PB on a very similar chartreuse/blue square bill last fall (9 in 2 oz). Would probably include chrome/blue lip less crankbait on my list. Thank you!
Good choice!
Matt - you mentioned small mouth on rivers. That is my passion. There is not many videos on that topic. Would like to hear more about your thoughts as we get into the spring and summer. Thank you for all of the great advice. BTW - I had MOHS a few years ago - no scar. Hope the same for you.
thanks! ive got lots of small river smallmouth fishing if you go back through my videos and thanks for the MOHS update.
Those are all some really great baits! For me, I'd have to say that I'd have to go Red Eye Shad from Strike King for a lipless, and it's a tossup between a Wild Thang or a Square Bull for my squarebill crank. The Square Bull caught me some giants last year, but so far my craw-patterned Wild Thang has been tearing them up in the early pre-spawn.
Good call!
Lucky craft 1.5 and booyah hard knocker did well for me last year
The Xcite company is my little hometown. It’s a small building. I think he just pours the soft plastics here and gets the hard baits from another country.
i dont know but that little crank crushes!
Interesting to see your pics and explanations. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
I'd also say that the OSP Blitz and tiny blitz are killers as well as lucky craft LC series especially 0.5 and 0.3 for bfs
blitz is a good one!
Thank you! Your information in your TH-cam content is amazing.
thanks so much!
Good info! A few of these I haven't even heard of before. Wondering if you would consider doing a video on how bass use submerged foundations and how to properly approach and fish them. I've heard they are great fish holders and have never had a bite on them. I'm convinced it's me and my approach. 🤔😳 Thanks Matt for all the great content.
Great suggestion!
🍺This is difficult 🤯.If I only get 5 🤔 1) Z1’s…..GG Gill. 2) STW S-crank 1.5….MP Gizzard 3) Spro RKcrawler 55….stone cold. 4) Diving Flap slap…GP Pro Blue 2.
5) Deep Six…Sexy French pearl.
all good picks!
Rock crawler💪
Great video. Never heard of Xcite baits. Been trying to find a shallow squarebill as a bank angler. .... so far my go tos have become og tiny, clickin frittside, and rat-l-trap. Started throwing cranks last year and am still learning how to fish them.
give it a try!
Try 1.5 sized square bill. Most companies make a good one. 👍
Red in the spring
I just ordered the money Badgers. I've read and heard a lot of good things. I've heard them compared to a wiggle wart. Having that bait have a slow rise was a great idea. The berkley frittside have that kind of slow rise to them. And I've caught a ton of fish on the berkley frittside 5 and the frittside 5 Jr. I'm super excited for the new money badger. I did order some of the small ones. It would be interesting to hear your opinion on the shallowest running version of the bait. I'm going to throw it on the BFS.
you will love them!
What an awesome list, I cant disagree with any of those choices and I cant wait to use the Money Badger!!!
its a winner!
I love the Duo Realis baits. One thing I really like about them is they don't create a bunch of drag when you are retrieving them. They come through the water like silk, if that's a thing.
awesome!
Any opinions on sunglasses. Its got to be a topic that is often times over looked but as important as any equipment you use.
good video suggestion!
I love the xcite crankbait but I always change out the hooks and the money badger is a must great video keepem coming 👍
Thanks! Will do!
I recently got couple frit sides, have see how I do with them. Something I don't hear a lot guys talk about using deep diving cranks in shallow water? Is it somethin you know of alot people doing?? I prefer silent crank baits 95% of time. But using deep divers has worked well in very shallow water. You grind them on bottom entire cast, gets good reaction bites! You u will grind bills off if rocky though.
im not a huige fan of using deep diving cranks in very shallow water but i will use them in water depth i can grind the bottom with
congratulations for your fishing channel, i like very much, thanksss!!!!!!
Glad you enjoy it!
I just got one of the Berklee crankbaits that's small but dives pretty deep. I'm going to try it and a few others on rainbow bass in Costa Rica then in the saltwater. I wish I knew which ones work best there. I have a bunch of jerk baits, chatterbaits, and soft plastics to try too. Something should work. If not I'll catch bait.
good luck!
@@MattStefanFishing thanks!
Hey Matt where glad you're healthy bro.
Thanks
Yeah we will be throwing the badger this spring. That size 5 is excellent for BFS gear . Don’t count it out
ts a killer!
This is good to learn your favorites. I appreciate you sharing the variety and not just companies you're sponsored by also. I bought some Money Badgers after viewing your videos and look forward to the weather giving me an opportunity to fish. All the best in your tournaments this year.
they are so good!
I'm a fan of the 6xd also.....I will have to try to find that color as I predominately fish the tva lakes.
its a tough one to find but works so good!
Great video!!! Thanks, Matt for sharing!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Just got on the money badgers and the frittsides and am looking forward to seeing what they do on my lake, thanks as always🎣
Have fun!
As an elite, my prediction from looking, that the Badger might be a winner given all the characteristics. I can be wrong. Remains to be seen. I get one in my hand and I will know. I just don't trust any Midwesterners. I don't even trust a fisherman in general.
hahahaha...midwesterners are the only ones you can trust haha
Not sure if you check the old comments as religiously as your new vids but I need a little info. I’m on Beaver Lake here in the Ozarks and I went to purchase one of the Xcite SB but they don’t seem to have a translucent option. If I’m missing it could you turn me on to which color is a little translucent for these ultra clear waters. Thank.
check out the blushing shad and river craw colors. those would be the two id be throwing on beaver and ozarks. www.tacklewarehouse.com/Xcite_Baits_XB-1_Squarebill_Crankbaits/descpage-XCXB.html?from=MSFG
If you are going out to catch fish on a new lake what baits are you throwing and what areas are you looking for.
If you’re on more grass lakes with minimal rock
im looking for irregularities in the grass. points, indents, etc. and throwing a swim jig or chatterbait
Thanks Matt. That looked painful for yah. I hope you are well stocked on your colors.you use. I'm set on my crankbaits but 2 are discontinued and I have to scrounge so I pick up a couple different models every season to try.
got to take advantage of the sales!
Gotta have a squarebill, a Bill Dance, a Megaass, LT Pumpkinseed, and one Nippon. The Vietnamese called it Ja-panne, the others said Jippon or Jeepan. Again, you have the Nippon on your list, "Tora! Tora!"
thanks for sharing!
Great way to catch fish.
Yes it was!
Interesting choices Matt! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
My list would include 3 that are no longer made. All are Rapala fat raps. SFR 5, FR 5, DDFR 5. All made with balsa. Not. Huge fan of the newer plastic ones. Also, an XD 6 and chickmagnet
thanks for sharing!
It’s hard to beat strike kings xd line! Rapala DT series too!
good baits!
Matt milt here can you get that bait at tackle warehouse you did say excite right I am old don’t hear well Milton
Berkley Stunna Shad Fillet -www.tacklewarehouse.com/Berkley_Stunna_Jerkbait_112/descpage-BSJK.html?from=MSFG
Man, how'd you know those are the exact five cranks and colors I use! Seriously, though, could you do a review on crankbait hardware that you like? Like what hooks, size hooks, color of hooks, and any split ring changes you like? Thanks for the videos.
Sure thing!
Interesting choices. Thanks Matt
Glad you like them!
I can’t find the square bill. I look at sportsman’s warehouse eBay and Amazon as well as wal-mart.
bummer
Matt, on the frittside 5 you chose in spring craw color, what weight are you refering to? They come in a large array of weights, something I wasnt expecting since I usually throw an SR5 in place of the frittside.
i like the normal 5 and the 7
Love cranking, Matt
it can be so good!
Excellent choices sir...✌️🖖
Glad you like them!
Thanks for the tips ! 👍
You bet!
Spro lil john md, kvd 1.5, dt 8, dt 10, Shimano shallow running flatside (casts really good, can't remember what it's called)
good picks!
If u could only have 5 worms each in a single color which worms & color would you choose?? Mine would be
zman bang stickz green pumpkin/blue
Zoom ultra vibe speed worm or Zman turbo fattyz black/black that's a toss up??
Zoom magnum finesse watermelon candy
Maxscent hit worm magnum green pumpkin
Maxscent general cinnamon purple
What about only 5 swimbaits also??
those are good picks!
Loaded up with 4 of those 👊😎
awesome!
Thank you for a great video.
you bet!
Great knowledge!
thanks!
Awesome choices like everyone 👍
thanks!
Thanks 👍
No problem 👍
Great video buddy
Thanks 👍
Great video. What type of rod? Do you use a MH composite rod?
Yes i do
Loved it bro
thanks!
What about the Wiggle Wart, passed to the past 😮😢❓
its great but i decided to go with baits still available today. And yes i dont like the new wiggle wart compared to the old wiggle wart
I like "great" casting squarebills . I dont catch much if casting is inaccurate.
agreed
Would you think that money badger would work on spotted bass or stick to the rock crawler ?
100% it will work on spotted bass!
Lmao you think he would tell you not to buy a berkley product but buy spro ?!?!!??!!?!??! Come on man !!!!
🤣
@@440-fishermandrock8 I’ll have both tied on so we will see what happens
@@440-fishermandrock8 but I honestly trust Matt I don’t think he’s like most guys out there
Woah woah… we don’t talk about that old XB-1…. 😂
haha
Can you still get that and where at milt
Tackle warehouse
Another great video but I have to admit that these videos aren't helping me cope with the winter withdrawals!!!
They arent helping me with winter either...haha
Again, thank you for giving up some juice.
You bet
Do you fly fish?
i do occasionally
We fans heard you were moonlighting as traffic directing policeman, that's why you reflexively are raising your hand as if you're stopping on-coming traffic. Times are tight, hope it works out for you, you seem a natural, we just need to see your 'Move Ahead' gesture. We fans also heard you bumped your head from a bad driver.
haha! Im waiting for my move ahead signal as well
@@MattStefanFishing I'm waiting for that exact thing too, but I mosy just get those one finger move-off signals, and next thing you know, I'm making facial bandaids a fashion statement.
Xcite doesn't make that color anymore. Sure wish they did!
its on Tackle warehouse
It's an old photo the new ones don't have the orange belly. The owner said the new color sells better but I'd rather have the one with the orange belly, I'll just paint it myself.
My man said POW lol
haha!
Clear or dirty water would help determine . I believe he's haluanating from head trauma.
haha
Good line up. Now I just have to kick this bug that just wants to hang on.
Getcha a bottle of "Buried Treasure" it'll have ya fixed right up!
no good!
👍👍👍👍👍
thanks for watching!
If you fished as long as Randy, they would have caught millionZzz
haha! thats a lot of bass!
Sexy Green Shad......and Randy just fell out of his chair.
Id say randy is missing out on this color haha
My money badgers did not have a $ sign on them! Oh well, as long as it works! Thanks again!!!
They are just badgers then
really?!?!? you got some collectors items!
"If you are sponsored by Berkeley " 😉
berkley is crushing the crankbaits lately!
@Matt Stefan Fishing definitely the frittside, 👍
Figures this video would pop up on my feed 5 minutes after putting in a $200 tacklewarehouse order….ooooooooh wellllll
haha sorry