The Sound Of Crankbaits: One Knockers Vs The Traditional Lipless

By John Neporadny

Traditional lipless crankbaits were movers and shakers that produced a rattling invitation to bass but some newer versions now come knocking for bass.

The addition of another sound for lipless crankbaits has increased the lure’s versatility. Once considered the top lure for ripping through vegetation in the spring, the lipless crankbait can be just as effective in many situations by using various retrieves such as yo-yoing, hopping or banging it into cover.

The original rattling lipless crankbait includes small bbs in a sound chamber that creates a distinct rattling sound mimicking a swimming baitfish. This lure is ideal for running at a steady pace to catch suspended bass foraging on shad or burning at a high speed any time bass are feeding in the shallows. It is also great for yo-yoing off the bottom in the early spring to imitate dying shad fluttering to the bottom. Banging the lure into cover causes the lure to roll and create more noise to imitate a fleeing shad.

Project RattleBot

The BioSpawn RattleBot features a baitfish model that houses internal bb's, emitting a pitch and sound to mimic baitfish.

The rattling lipless crankbait generates lots of noise that makes it ideal for fishing in lowlight conditions and in murky to muddy water. The constant rattle helps bass hone in on the lure during these low visibility situations.

Knockin' On A Big Bass' Door

Explore The BioSpawn RattleBot

A knocker lipless crankbait features one internal bb that emits a more distinct thumping noise when pulled through the water. The sound of this crankbait more closely resembles the clicking sound produced by crawfish as the crustaceans crawl along the bottom or imitates the tail thump of the mudbug as it tries to flee from a predator.

The knocker lipless crankbait can be used in any situation where bass are feeding on crawfish along the bottom. The lure can be presented at a slow steady pace close to the bottom or yo-yoed off the bottom to mimic a panicking crawfish.

One Knocker Lipless Crankbaits

Explore Lipless Crankbaits

The BioSpawn RattleBot comes in a one-knocker crawfish pattern with the eyes painted on the back of the bait, representing a fleeing baitfish.

The knocking lipless crankbait can also be used as more of a finesse lure because it produces a more subtle sound than the rattling version. Some of the pros prefer using the knocker over the rattler in clear water and calm sunny weather when bass are spooked by noisier baits.

The pros also opt for the lipless crankbait with its low-frequency knocking pitch as a change-of pace lure. They usually start fishing with the rattling lipless crankbait to cover water quickly and trigger strikes from aggressive bass. When the fish stop hitting the rattling lure, the pros switch to the knocker bait to get a few more bites from bass that get conditioned to the rattling sound.