The 3 Best Small Square Bill Crankbaits

Square bill crankbaits are one of the best shallow water bass lures. They are super realistic baitfish imitators and have a great ability to deflect off of cover and trigger reaction strikes.

But sometimes you need to downsize your baits. Whether you are fishing super pressured lakes, imitating smaller baitfish, or just trying to catch super high numbers of bass, downsizing your lures can make a big difference.

And while there actually aren’t a lot of options out there, these are the 3 best small square bill crankbaits.

1. Rapala Balsa Xtreme BX Brat

This bait is the priciest option on the list, but it really is the best. The Rapala BX Brat Squarebill Crankbait 3 is a tough, compact lure that triggers aggressive strikes.

Its balsa core and durable copolymer shell withstand hard battles, while the “V” cut belly and flat sides create a flashing, erratic action that attracts shallow-water bass.

Perfect for shallow-water fishing, this crankbait features a square bill to deflect off cover while moving with an aggressive wobble.

Equipped with sharp VMC trebles, this lure delivers big performance in a small package.

• 2 Inches
• Balsa core and copolymer outer shell
• Modified flat side and a V-cut belly
• Hard flash, wild tracking, kick out action
• Used to target bass and other gamefish
• VMC black nickel round bend hooks

2. Strike King KVD Squarebill 1.0

The Strike King KVD 1.5 sized crankbait quickly became the most popular and successful squarebill on the market, so they decided to make a smaller, 1.0 size for those looking to downsize.

Designed by Kevin VanDam, the Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait delivers a proven, erratic action that triggers strikes. Its square bill design allows it to deflect off cover.

At a lower price, the KVD 1.0 still has top tier, premium quality when it comes to crankbait fishing.

• 2 Inches
• Square bill design
• Erratic action while running true
• Silent approach – no internal rattles
• Perfect for shallow water power fishing
• Running depth: 3 – 5 ft.

3. Bill Lewis Gnat

The Bill Lewis is not just a small square bill crankbait, it is a TINY square bill crankbait. But don’t let its size fool you, the Bill Lewis Gnat Tiny Crankbait is a micro-lure with major impact.

This 1.5-inch crankbait, equipped with a weight-transfer system and premium finishes, delivers exceptional castability and attracts a wide range of fish.

Outperforming competitors in action and design, the Gnat is a versatile 1/8 oz lure that dives up to 3 feet, available in eight enticing colors.

Because of how small this bait is, it has to be thrown on either spinning gear or BFS gear in order to be able to cast it far enough.

• Length: 1.5 in.
• Weight: 1/8 oz.
• Dives: 1-4 ft. with slow rise on pause
• Micro crankbaits for big fish
• Micro transfer weight for longer casting
• Lip design deflects cover
• Effective in attracting bites from bass, panfish, trout, and others

When to Downsize Your Lures

Cold Water:

• When water temperatures drop, fish metabolism slows down. They become less aggressive and less likely to chase large lures. Smaller lures, presented slowly, are often more effective.

Clear Water:

• In clear water, fish can see lures more clearly and are more likely to be spooked by large or unnatural presentations. Downsizing can make your lure appear more natural and less threatening.

High Fishing Pressure:

• In heavily fished waters, fish become accustomed to seeing a variety of lures. They may become wary of larger, more common presentations. Downsizing can offer them something different.

When Fish Are Finicky:

• If you’re not getting bites with larger lures, it’s a clear sign that you should try downsizing. Sometimes fish are simply not in an aggressive feeding mood and prefer smaller, easier meals.

Matching the Hatch/Forage:

• If the bait fish that the fish are feeding on are small, your lure should resemble that size.

Reeling this In

While square bill crankbaits are undeniably effective shallow water bass lures, sometimes you may need to downsize the presentation to have more success.

Whether facing pressured waters, mimicking smaller forage, or aiming for sheer numbers, the benefits of a smaller profile are clear.

Though the market may seem limited, the three small square bill crankbaits highlighted offer anglers the tools necessary to adapt and excel in these nuanced fishing scenarios, ensuring that even when the bite gets tough, success remains within reach.