Garrett's squarebill tacklebox

Disregard the textbook belief that squarebill crankbaits are at their best during spring and fall.

Bassmaster Opens EQ pro John Garrett uses squarebills all year, and especially in specific situations when a change-up produces outside the pages of the textbook of bass fishing knowledge.

“I call squarebills my all-terrain, four-wheel drive lure,” Garrett said.

“Squarebills can hunt in heavy cover without getting hung, and you can count on them for a reaction bite in shallow water with a crankbait.”

Garrett opened up his squarebill tacklebox so you can stock yours with these proven bass-catchers. See more on how he fills it to expand your lineup squarebills.

Strike King Squarebill 8.0 (Citrus Shad)
This heavy-duty is 4 1/2 inches, weighs 1 1/8 ounce and runs 3-7 feet, depending on line diameter used. Late February and then again in early fall are Garrett’s preferred timeframes for this choice.

“Due to its size not that many anglers throw it because it takes a lot of work to make it hunt, and that’s all the more reason to use it,” Garrett said. “The fish don’t see it as often, and it’s my ‘all-terrain’ crankbait for shallow brush and hard spots in deeper water.”

Strike King Squarebill 4.0 (Sexy Shad)
The 4.0 is 4 inches, weighs 7/8 ounce and runs 3-7 feet. “Between sizes 2.5 and 8.0, the 4.0 has a slightly larger profile for matching that forage size,” Garrett said.

He prefers this version in the spring for the 3- to 7-foot range in stained water. Target areas are channel swings and other transitional migration routes used by prespawn largemouth.

Strike King 2.5 Squarebill (Delta Red)
The 2.5 is 2 3/4 inches, weighs 3/8 ounce and runs 3-6 feet. This is Garrett’s choice from late January into March for the prespawn months as bass activity picks back up.

“The 2.5 has a wider wobble that displaces more water for stained conditions from spring rains and runoff,” he said.

Strike King 1.5 Hard Knock Squarebill (Green Tomato)
The 1.5 is 2 3/4 inches, weighs 3/8 ounce and runs 3-5 feet. Garrett prefers this choice for ultra-shallow conditions when the bass are feeding on the bank.

Preferred targets are shallow wood, rocks and flat points during early spring and then again in the fall.

Strike King 1.5 Squarebill (Sexy Shad)
The 1.5 is 2 1/4 inches, weighs 3/8 ounce and runs 3-6 feet. Garrett favors the 1.5 in fall when bass are feeding on smaller shad in clear water.