Meredith M65 crankbait – the honest intro
If you have been bass fishing long enough, you know there are two types of crankbaits: flashy, premium, wallet-destroying ones… and the stealthy underdogs that punch way above their price tag. The Meredith M65 crankbait lives firmly in Group B. It is a floating jerk crank that dives to about 2.0 to 2.5 metres, weighs 14 grams, and has a cheeky little wobble that bass absolutely cannot ignore.
I have seen anglers who swear by only “prestige brand” hardbaits quietly sneak this M65 into their lineup. Why? Because it works when mid-depth bass are cruising, sulking, or shadowing baitfish but not fully committing. The M65’s buoyancy, slim jerkbait profile, and crank-style roll together make it behave more like a hybrid than a traditional crankbait, and that is exactly what makes it so effective in pressured water.
Picture it: you pitch the M65 along a rocky bank, give it two snaps, and it darts sideways like a panicking shiner. Pause. It floats up ever so slightly. Twitch. Wobble. Smash. That is the typical M65 experience — reactive, sharp, and slightly chaotic in a very fishy way.
For weekend anglers, beginners, and even pros looking for a “confidence lure”, this one ticks all the boxes without costing half your petrol money.
Why you will love the Meredith M65 crankbait
- Perfect mid-depth versatility: Runs 2 to 2.5 metres — ideal for ledges, rocks, banks, and timber edges.
- Floating body: Amazing for controlled stop-and-rise presentations.
- Hybrid action: Walks like a jerkbait, wobbles like a crank — best of both worlds.
- Great casting weight: At 14g, it flies like a dart even in the wind.
- 11 colour options: From natural shads to gaudy reaction colours.
- Beginner-friendly: Does not need perfect cadence — the lure brings its own attitude.
- Budget-friendly but fishes like premium: Save the extra cash for snacks, fuel, or more lures you definitely do not “need”.
How to fish the Meredith M65 crankbait (properly)
The M65 is one of the easiest mid-depth hardbaits to fish, but here is how to squeeze the most bass out of it.
1. The twitch-twitch-pause method
Cast long, let it dive a metre or two, then give it two sharp twitches followed by a brief pause. The lure will float up slowly — this rise triggers a LOT of bites, especially around rocks and wood.
2. Slow rolling for winter and cold fronts
On bluebird days or when bass are moody, a painfully slow retrieve with small rod-tip bumps makes the M65 look like an injured baitfish drifting along. Pair this with fluorocarbon for better depth control.
3. Burn and kill
In summer, burn the lure fast for three or four cranks, then stop dead. The sudden rise often triggers reaction bites from chasing bass.
Recommended gear pairing
Here is the sweet spot setup:
- Rod: 6’6” to 7’ medium or medium-light with a moderate action. See our rod breakdown here: Best Bass Rods.
- Reel: A 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 baitcaster. Slightly slower ratios help the lure dig and stay consistent.
- Line: 10–12 lb fluorocarbon for depth and sensitivity.
For beginners or bank fishermen, this lure pairs perfectly with the mid-depth gear already in your bag — no specialist kit needed.
Where and when the Meredith M65 crankbait shines
Spring
Brilliant for prespawn cruising banks. Twitch it along shallow rock or clay transitions.
Summer
This is where the burn-and-kill shine. Fan cast points, grass edges, and shady docks.
Autumn
Baitfish season! The M65’s profile perfectly imitates shad and juvenile bluegill. Work it around windblown banks.
Winter
Slow roll it near steep rock walls or deeper docks. It stays in the strike zone without too much work.
Does the Meredith M65 crankbait really catch bass?
Short answer: yes, embarrassingly so sometimes.
The floating jerk-crank hybrid action is the magic. It is reactive without being over-the-top, making it ideal for clear water, pressured fish, and mid-depth zones where bass follow but hesitate.
Do not take my word for it — mid-depth crank and jerk techniques are heavily praised on:
Wired2Fish crankbait tips
Bassmaster lure techniques
YouTube jerkbait tutorials
Reddit r/bassfishing discussions
The M65 basically mimics the most popular jerk-crank behaviours — for a fraction of the cost.
Internal BassFishingTips.US pairings
Specs at a glance
- Weight: 14g
- Length: 65mm
- Buoyancy: Floating
- Dive Depth: 2.0–2.5 metres
- Colours: 11 options
- Best water: Clear to lightly stained
- Best season: Spring, summer, autumn
FAQ
Does the Meredith M65 crankbait work in muddy water?
It can, but natural shad colours shine in clearer water. Swap to brighter chartreuse options when visibility is low.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. It swims beautifully even with a simple cast and retrieve.
Does the floating body really help?
Yes — the slow rise is deadly for triggering reaction strikes after pauses.
Closing CTA
☀️Give the Meredith M65 crankbait a whirl and get ready — bass thump this thing like it owes them money.
Proper fun lure, mate.
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