Hardbaits bei RL-Angelrollentuning, Crankbaits und Twitchbaits aus Hartplastik und Hol

Hardbaits

RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays CRNK DR - Crankbait - S - 19 - 50 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays CRNK DR - Crankbait - S - 11 - 50 mm -
Nays CRNK DR
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX DR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 24 - 80 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX DR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 06 - 80 mm -
Nays MD MX DR 2.0
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX SR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 06 - 80 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX SR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 19 - 80 mm -
Nays MD MX SR 2.0
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays CRNK SR - Crankbait - S - 04 - 50 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays CRNK SR - Crankbait - S - 05 - 50 mm -
Nays CRNK SR
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX MR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 26 - 80 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX MR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 06 - 80 mm -
Nays MD MX MR 2.0
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays CRNK FLT 75 - Crankbait - S - 24 - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays CRNK FLT 75 - Crankbait - S - 25 -
Nays CRNK FLT 75
18.99 €
18.99 €
Hardbaits bei RL-Angelrollentuning, Crankbaits und Twitchbaits aus Hartplastik und Hol

Hardbaits are solid artificial lures made of hard plastic or wood, whose action is created by their shape and diving lip. They deliver identical swimming characteristics with every cast and are classic active search lures for pike, zander, perch, and other predatory fish. In this category, you will find crankbaits and twitchbaits in various running depths, from shallow weed edges to the mid-water column. Metal lures with spinner blades or blade action like spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, tailspinners, and vibration baits can be found in the separate category metal lures.

What types of hardbaits are there

Hardbaits differ by shape, diving lip type, running depth, and action characteristics:

  • Crankbait: Hardbait with a fixed diving lip, runs at a defined depth when retrieved steadily. Classic lure for searching and cover fishing.
  • Shallow Runner (SR): shallow running depth, typically 0.1 to 1 m, ideal for weed edges and flooded structures.
  • Medium Runner (MR): medium running depth, typically 0.5 to 1.5 m, the all-rounder for plateau edges.
  • Deep Runner (DR): deep running depth, typically 1.5 to 3 m, for deeper plateau edges and mid-water structures.
  • Floating Crankbait: floating, rises slowly when stopped, perfect for stop-and-go retrieves over obstacles.
  • Twitchbait: Hardbait with erratic action triggered by jerky rod movements. Calm when retrieved steadily, aggressive and uncontrolled when twitched. Classic for cautious predators.
  • Suspending Twitchbait: suspends at the set depth when stopped, without rising or sinking. Opens bite windows for reluctant fish.

Which hardbait for which use

The choice of the right hardbait depends on the target fish, water depth, water clarity, and lure presentation.

  • Pike over shallow plateaus and in weed beds: Twitchbait Shallow Runner or Crankbait SR. Both run just below the surface without constantly snagging.
  • Pike in deeper areas and at plateau edges: Crankbait Deep Runner or Twitchbait MR/DR. Reach the mid-water column with controlled depth presentation.
  • Zander at current edges and hard bottoms: Twitchbait Medium Runner. Aggressive twitch action provokes stationary fish to bite.
  • Perch in clear water: small crankbait (50 to 75 mm) as Shallow Runner. Subtle action, high lure distance within sight range.
  • Asp at the surface: Floating Crankbait or small SR. Provokes surface attacks during summer months.
  • Trout and grayling: mini crankbaits in 50 mm. Finesse class with light casting weights on UL spinning rods.

Material and construction

Hardbaits are made from two main materials:

  • Hard plastic (ABS, polycarbonate): standard for modern crankbaits and twitchbaits. Light, dimensionally stable, precisely reproducible in mass production. Ensures identical swimming characteristics for every lure in a batch.
  • Wood (balsa, cedar): premium material for handcrafted hardbaits. Provides unique swimming characteristics through natural buoyancy distribution; each lure is individual.

Modern hardbait constructions often use a magnetic weight transfer system, a movable casting weight distribution inside. During the cast, the weight slides to the back for maximum casting distance; upon landing, it shifts back to the swimming position. This results in casting distance plus clean swimming characteristics in one lure.

Lead-free hardbaits

An increasing number of modern hardbaits are completely lead-free. There are two reasons: first, lead is banned in several countries (Netherlands, Scandinavia) for fishing tournaments and in some waters; second, anglers without legal requirements increasingly choose the more ecological option. Lead-free hardbaits use alternative casting weight materials such as tin-bismuth or steel. Manufacturers compensate for the lower specific gravity of the lead-free alloy through shape and volume so that the swimming characteristics remain identical to lead constructions.

Hook setup

High-quality hardbaits come factory-equipped with sharp, hardened treble hooks. Well-known hook brands in this class are BKK Spear 21-SS with Super Slide Coating for maximum penetration, Owner ST-36, and VMC. Crankbaits usually have two trebles (on the belly and tail), twitchbaits have two or three trebles depending on body length. Those who want to upgrade their hardbaits can find high-quality trebles and split rings as tuning components in the range.

Related categories

Those looking for lures with spinner blades, bladed jig action, or vibration characteristics will find them in the category metal lures. There you will find spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, tailspinners, spoons, and vibration baits. For soft rubber lures with tail action, go to the category softbaits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardbaits

A hardbait is a solid lure made of hard plastic or wood that generates its action through its design and diving lip. Unlike softbaits made of rubber, hardbaits retain their shape and deliver the same action on every cast.

A crankbait runs at a defined depth during a steady retrieve and delivers consistent action without rod movement. A twitchbait remains calm during the retrieve and only develops its erratic action through sharp rod movements, known as twitching. Crankbait for searching, twitchbait for targeted spot presentation.

For beginners, medium-sized crankbaits (65 to 75 mm) are suitable as shallow or medium runners. They run at a steady speed, require no special lure action, and reliably catch perch, pike, and zander.

Suspending means the lure hovers at the set running depth when paused, without rising or sinking. This creates bite windows because cautious predators can target the stationary lure. A classic design for modern twitchbaits like the Mad Max.

The terms indicate the diving depth of a crankbait. Shallow Runner (SR) lures dive 0.1 to 1 m deep, Medium Runner (MR) about 0.5 to 1.5 m, and Deep Runner (DR) from 1.5 m to 3 m and deeper. The size and angle of the diving lip determine the respective running depth.

Rule of thumb: The running depth should be about 0.5 to 1 m deeper than the water depth where the predators are holding. In shallow weed beds, a Shallow Runner with a running depth of 0.1 to 1 m is sufficient; along deep plateau edges, you need a Deep Runner with a running depth of at least 2 m. Manufacturers specify the running depth as a range.

A Magnetic Weight Transfer System is a movable weight distribution system inside the hard bait. During the cast, the weight slides backward, providing maximum casting distance and accuracy; upon landing, it shifts back into the swimming position. This combines casting distance and clean action in a single lure.

Yes, modern lead-free hard baits deliver the same action as lead-based designs. Manufacturers compensate for the lower specific gravity of lead-free alloys through their shape and volume. In the Netherlands and Scandinavia, lead-free lures are mandatory in tournaments.

Crankbaits and twitchbaits are traditionally fished with a baitcasting setup, a casting weight of 7 to 30 g, and 0.20 to 0.30 mm braided line. Mini crankbaits under 75 mm also work well with UL spinning rods. The right rod has a semi-parabolic action that transmits twitches cleanly and does not jerk during the fight.