Megabass S-Crank Catches Giant Clear Lake Bass

Few squarebill crankbaits command the same level of attention and respect as the Megabass S-Crank. Known for its erratic hunting action, superior deflection, and precision Japanese engineering, this lure is designed to get reaction bites where other cranks fail. Professional angler Luke Clausen proved its effectiveness on Clear Lake in California, where he caught a giant fishing around docks—one of the key areas where this bait shines. The S-Crank isn’t just another squarebill; it’s a high-performance tool built to excel in heavy cover, deflect off structure, and create strikes from aggressive fish in shallow water.

For seasoned anglers who appreciate the craftsmanship of Megabass baits, the S-Crank represents a perfect blend of controlled chaos and fish-triggering action. In this deep dive, we’ll break down what makes this bait special, why it’s a must-have for fishing around cover, and how to fish it effectively in different conditions.

The Megabass S-Crank Design

The S-Crank’s defining characteristic is its wide, unpredictable hunting action. Unlike traditional square bills that track in a relatively straight line with slight deflections, the S-Crank’s design forces it to move erratically from side to side, breaking off its normal track to mimic a wounded or fleeing baitfish. This unpredictable movement triggers reaction bites, especially from pressured bass that have seen dozens of standard square bills pass by without a second glance.

One of the key elements of this unique action is the low-center-of-gravity weighting system, which enhances its stability while allowing for sudden, aggressive directional changes. The hard-angled square bill helps it deflect sharply off cover, whether that’s a submerged log, dock piling, or rock pile, and the lure’s buoyancy allows it to rise quickly after impact—helping to avoid snags while keeping it in the strike zone longer.

Megabass offers the S-Crank in three sizes to match different conditions and forage types:

• S-Crank 1.2 – The smallest model, diving 3 to 5 feet, perfect for shallower cover and when bass are keying in on smaller baitfish.
• S-Crank 1.5 – The mid-sized version, diving 4 to 6 feet, making it a versatile all-around option for most shallow-water scenarios.
• S-Crank 2.0 – The largest model, reaching depths of 5 to 7 feet, ideal for deeper cover or slightly deeper-running fish that still relate to hard structure.

Choosing the right size is crucial, as it allows you to fine-tune your presentation based on the depth and aggression level of the fish.

Why the Megabass S-Crank Excels Around Cover

Fishing a squarebill crankbait is all about deflection—bouncing off wood, rock, or metal to create that erratic movement that forces bass to react. The S-Crank takes this concept further with its extra-wide hunting action, making it even more unpredictable when it ricochets off obstacles. This is especially effective around docks, submerged laydowns, and riprap banks, where bass position to ambush prey.

One of the standout features of the S-Crank is its ability to fish through cover without constantly getting hung up. The bill design and buoyancy work together to help the lure back out of trouble when it collides with an obstacle. This makes it a top choice for working around dock pilings, seawalls, and submerged brush, where traditional squarebills might struggle.

Additionally, the aggressive side-to-side movement combined with the bait’s thumping profile helps it stand out even in stained or slightly dirty water. That’s why it’s a go-to choice when bass are holding tight to cover and need a little extra noise and erratic movement to trigger a bite.

Best Conditions for Fishing the Megabass S-Crank

While the S-Crank is versatile enough to be used in a variety of situations, there are certain conditions where it excels.

• Water Clarity and Temperature: The S-Crank performs best in stained to slightly clear water, where its aggressive action and knocking sound can grab a bass’s attention. Water temperatures above 50°F are ideal, making it a strong choice in spring, summer, and fall.
• Cover Types: This bait shines around riprap banks, docks, laydowns, seawalls, submerged stumps, and shallow grass edges. The key is targeting areas where bass can use structure as ambush points.
• Seasonal Applications:
  • Spring (Pre-Spawn): When bass stage near shallow cover before moving up to spawn, the S-Crank can be deadly around secondary points, creek channels, and wood cover.
  • Summer: Bass push up shallow in the early mornings and late evenings to feed. Fishing the S-Crank around docks and shade lines is a great way to trigger aggressive bites.
  • Fall: This is one of the best times to throw the S-Crank, as bass actively chase baitfish. Its erratic hunting motion mimics a disoriented baitfish, making it a prime choice for covering water quickly and finding active fish.

How to Fish the Megabass S-Crank for Maximum Success

Fishing the S-Crank isn’t about mindless cranking—it’s about triggering a reaction bite through precise control and calculated deflections.

A steady retrieve with slight pauses is the best starting point. Unlike some squarebills that require anglers to manipulate the bait constantly, the S-Crank naturally hunts side to side, creating its own action. However, slight rod twitches and pauses can make it even more erratic, helping it break from its typical track and trigger aggressive strikes.

Speed control is also critical. Slower retrieves work well in cooler water, while burning the bait in warmer months can create a reaction bite that forces bass to strike before thinking. The key is to adjust retrieval speed based on the water temperature and bass behavior.

For the best performance, pairing the S-Crank with the right gear makes a big difference:

• Rod: A 7’–7’4″ medium, moderate-action rod provides the right balance of power and flex for better deflection control. A great option is the F4.5-70LV FLATSIDE SPECIAL.
• Reel: A 6.3:1 or 7.1:1 baitcasting reel offers the perfect balance between power and speed for cranking.
• Line: 12-16lb fluorocarbon keeps the bait at its intended depth with minimal stretch, while 15-20lb monofilament is better when you want to keep it running higher in the water column.

Final Thoughts on the Megabass S-Crank

This lure is a powerhouse when it comes to shallow-water reaction fishing. With its erratic hunting action, exceptional deflection ability, and versatility around cover, it’s a must-have for anglers who love power fishing around docks, laydowns, and rock banks. Whether you’re fishing it in the spring for pre-spawn bass or burning it through the shallows in the fall, this bait has the ability to draw violent reaction strikes from big fish.

Luke Clausen’s success with the S-Crank on Clear Lake is proof that this lure is a difference-maker when targeting big largemouth around heavy structure. For more details on this bait, check out the Wired2fish S-Crank review.