XB-1 Deep Knock Squarebill: Shallow Water Bass Mastery
Mastering Shallow Water Bass with the XB-1 Deep Knock Squarebill
When bass patrol shallow pockets, points, and cover, you need a lure that can walk the line between aggressive and subtle. The XB-1 Deep Knock Squarebill by XCITE BAITS is designed specifically for those moments. This medium-diver crankbait is built to cover your favorite shallow haunts with a compact profile, a loud internal rhythm, and a precise casting system. If you’re chasing more bites in 2 to 5 feet of water, the XB-1 is a tool you’ll reach for again and again.
Before you pick a lure, it helps to understand the basics of fishing lures types and how a squarebill fits into the broader toolbox. Crankbaits, including squarebills, are one of several categories anglers rely on for bass. Others include spinnerbaits, jigs, topwater plugs, and soft plastics. Each type has its own timing, season, and water conditions where it shines. The XB-1 sits in the squarebill family, which is famous for deflecting off cover and producing strong bites in shallow, in-structure waters.
Meet the XB-1 Deep Knock: Why it stands out
The XB-1 Deep Knock Squarebill is packed with design elements that put it ahead in tough shallow-water days. A tungsten ball bearing rattle creates a distinct acoustic pitch that travels through the water, grabbing attention from bass and triggering strikes from surprising angles. An internal weight transfer system helps generate long-distance, “bullet” casts so you can reach far edges of shallow covers without losing presentation depth. Each lure is hand-tuned and tested before it ships, so you’re almost ready to compete straight out of the package. Its exterior features a detailed scaling pattern, 3D eyes, and 3D gills that add realism in stained or clear water alike. Available in a wide range of fish-catching colors, the XB-1 has the attributes of a go-to shallow water workhorse.
Key specs include a length of 2-1/4 inches, a 3/8-ounce weight, and floating action that targets depths of roughly 2 to 5 feet. This combination makes it especially effective for pulling bass away from tight cover and triggering reaction bites on the stop-and-go cadence that many anglers favor in shallow systems.
How to fish the XB-1: tactics that convert
In shallow water, the retrieve is as important as the lure itself. Start with a steady, medium-speed cranking cadence that keeps the lure ticking just above the bottom and grazing submerged structure. When you approach laydowns, weed lines, or submerged brush, give it a subtle pause to let the lure deflect off cover and flash in a bass’s peripheral vision. The XB-1’s squarebill front end is designed to deflect, which creates short, sharp vibrations that often trigger shoreline ambush strikes. If you notice a few follow-bites but no commitment, switch to a slightly faster cadence for a couple of casts to build confidence before easing back into a slower, more natural crawl.
When the season shifts and the water clears, you’ll appreciate the XB-1’s realistic 3D eyes and gills that help the silhouette stand out against sunlight or blue-gray tint. The deep-knock sound pattern from the tungsten rattle also travels well through ripples, so even a long, low-angle cast can pull bites from mid-range fish that aren’t directly under the boat. In this way, the XB-1 delivers a balance of stability and aggression that many bass anglers look for in a dedicated shallow-water crankbait.
Choosing lures for bass fishing: types, value, and where to buy
Anglers often weigh lure types and their price points before heading to the water. There are many fishing lures types out there, but the right choice depends on your water, cover, and target depth. Crankbaits like the XB-1 are designed to work when you need to probe structure quickly and trigger strikes with action and noise. If you’re shopping around for lures and trying to stretch the budget, it’s worth considering that there are fishing lures cheap options. Yet, in many situations, investing in a high-quality crankbait with a proven sound and a durable finish pays off in more consistent catches and longer lure life on the water.
Big-box retailers such as Walmart offer a wide range of basic crankbaits and other lures, which can be a good way to stock up on several options for a day of exploring new water. For dedicated bass fishing, though, a specialty lure like the XB-1 from XCITE BAITS brings features tuned to performance: a precise rattle, a weight-transfer system for long casts, and hand-tuned reliability. If you’re exploring bass fishing lures for sale, look for lures that balance sound, casting distance, and depth control—elements the XB-1 delivers in spades. And while you’ll want to consider saltwater fishing lures when migrating to saltwater environments, a freshwater-centric crankbait like the XB-1 is specifically optimized for bass in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
Another factor to consider is color and finish. A varied palette helps you respond to changes in water color and light. In stained water, brighter or chartreuse hues can pull more strikes; in clear water, natural and translucent tones often win. The XB-1’s color range is designed to cover those different conditions, helping you dial in the right presentation quickly. If you’re browsing for multiple options, you’ll likely come across several bass lures for sale that use similar internal features, but the unique combination of rattle, weight transfer, and 3D detailing on the XB-1 makes it stand out in your shallow-water arsenal.
Optimal retrieval and seasonality: getting the most from the XB-1
Seasonality affects how you fish shallow lures. In spring, bass are aggressive and chase quick-moving prey around shallow cover, so a consistent, medium-speed crawl with occasional pauses is effective. In heat, early morning and late afternoon bites often come from just beneath the surface, so you may shorten the pauses and keep the lure in motion a bit longer. The XB-1’s balance of buoyancy and construction helps anglers maintain a steady depth while covering water efficiently, making it easier to replicate the same cadence across different days and conditions.
Remember that lure selection isn’t only about the lure itself. It’s also about your line, rod, and reel setup, your boat position, and your ability to read the water. The XB-1 pairs well with a versatile spinning or baitcasting setup that can handle a 3/8-ounce lure without sacrificing accuracy on longer casts. If you’re new to squarebills or want to expand beyond the basics, exploring a few different lures within the same family can help you identify the subtle differences in action and depth control that give you the edge on your local waters.
Maintenance and care: keeping your crankbaits in peak condition
To keep the XB-1 performing at its best, rinse after salt exposure and dry thoroughly. Inspect the hooks and split rings for wear and replace as needed. Store your lures in a cool, dry place to preserve color and coating, and regularly check the rattle system and internal weights for looseness. A well-maintained crankbait not only lasts longer but also performs more consistently in a year of fishing, which translates to more bites and more days on the water with confidence.
Final thoughts: is the XB-1 right for you?
If you fish mainly in shallow water with lots of cover and you want a lure that can cast far, produce a convincing disturbance, and dive where you need it, the XB-1 Deep Knock Squarebill checks a lot of boxes. Its combination of tungsten rattle, internal weight transfer for distance, and detailed finish makes it an attractive choice for anglers who want a reliable shallow-water crankbait. Whether you’re new to bass fishing or you’re expanding your lineup of go-to lures, the XB-1 is worth considering for your next trip to the water.
In practice, many anglers start with a handful of squarebills to understand how the fish in their local lakes react to the unique action, then add more colors and variations as they gain confidence. The XB-1 is designed to be that dependable core option that you can build your shallow-water strategy around.
Ready to upgrade your shallow-water setup?
Choosing the right lure is a mix of science and experience. The XB-1 Deep Knock Squarebill brings together proven acoustics, casting power, and realistic detailing to help you connect with more bass in tight water. If you’re stocking up this season or updating your lineup, this squarebill deserves a trial on your next fishing day. As you refine your approach, you’ll likely find that a single well-chosen squarebill can become your most consistent producer in the shallow zones you fish most often.