Gear Reviews
Jackall TN70 Review: Is This the Best Lipless Crankbait for Bass in 2025?
Jackall TN70 Review: Is This the Best Lipless Crankbait for Bass in 2025?
The Jackall TN70 has long held its place as a staple in the lipless crankbait category, known for its unique rattle system, long casting performance, and ability to trigger reaction strikes in challenging conditions. But with a crowded market of rattle baits and vibration lures, does the TN70 still stand out in 2025? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into its specs, features, real-world performance, and community sentiment to help you decide if this bait belongs in your box.
Jackall TN70 Specs & Features
- Weight: 17.8g (5/8 oz)
- Length: 70mm (2.75″)
- Rattle System: Tungsten lip weight with dual steel ball bearing chambers
- Hook Size: Factory rigged with #6 trebles
- Price Range: $15–$18 MSRP
What Makes the Jackall TN70 Stand Out?
Innovative Rattle System
The TN70’s claim to fame is its tungsten lip weight paired with steel ball bearing chambers. This combination produces a distinct pitch that cuts through the water column and stands out from other lipless crankbaits. In northern Michigan lakes, I’ve personally found this high-frequency rattle triggers bites in colder water when other baits fall flat.
Balanced Weight Design for Long Casts
Thanks to its forward-weighted design, the TN70 achieves impressive casting distance. Even against a stiff Michigan crosswind, I’ve been able to hit target areas up to 50 yards out with a medium-heavy rod. This makes it a reliable choice when covering expansive flats or targeting schooling fish at a distance.
How to Fish the Jackall TN70 (Techniques & Applications)
Grass Ripping
The TN70 excels when ripped through submerged grass flats. I use a slow lift-and-drop method in sparse vegetation and a hard ripping retrieve when the grass gets thicker. Its compact body and weight distribution allow it to shed grass well without bogging down.
Yo-Yo Retrieve for Cold Water
During the prespawn or late fall, a yo-yo retrieve—lifting and dropping the bait along deeper flats—can be deadly. The TN70’s vibration on the lift and flutter on the fall mimic a struggling baitfish perfectly.
Burning Over Flats
When bass are actively chasing bait in the fall, burning the TN70 across shallow flats at high speed can trigger aggressive strikes. Its stable action holds up well even at faster retrieves.
Pro Tip: Add a dab of Berkley Gulp! Alive! scent to the TN70’s belly when fishing stained water or pressured lakes. It gives you that extra edge.
Rod, Reel, and Line Pairing for the Jackall TN70
Recommended Rods
Opt for a medium-heavy power, moderate-fast action rod in the 7’–7’3” range. This setup absorbs shock from trebles while providing enough backbone for solid hooksets.
Reel Setup
A 6.3:1 to 7.5:1 gear ratio reel is ideal. Use the lower ratio for yo-yo techniques and the higher ratio when burning the bait over flats.
Line Recommendations
For most applications, 12–15 lb fluorocarbon offers the right blend of strength and sensitivity. When ripping through heavier grass, I switch to 30–40 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader for added toughness.
Seasonal Applications: When & Where the TN70 Shines
Season | Technique | Conditions |
---|---|---|
Prespawn | Yo-yo over deeper flats | 45–55°F water, staging fish |
Summer | Rip through grass beds | 4–8 ft submerged vegetation |
Fall Feed | Burn across shallow flats | Bass chasing baitfish aggressively |
Pros & Cons of the Jackall TN70
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unique rattle tone triggers pressured bass | Higher price point than some competitors |
Casts farther than typical lipless crankbaits | Limited availability of certain colors |
Holds action at multiple retrieve speeds | Hooks may need upgrading for larger fish |
Excellent grass-ripping performance | Some anglers report varying rattle tone |
Angler Sentiment: What the Community Says
Aggregating feedback from YouTube reviews, forums (BassResource, Reddit), and retailer sites, the TN70 consistently earns high praise for its action and versatility:
- YouTube: Widely lauded for cold water effectiveness, especially during prespawn.
- Forums: Positive feedback on its grass-ripping ability; mixed reviews on hook durability.
- Retailers: Maintains an average rating of 4.5+ stars, with many praising its long casting and unique sound.
From my personal use across Michigan’s lakes, I’ve found the TN70 to be a confidence bait when fish get tight-lipped, especially in early spring and late fall conditions.
Alternatives at Different Price Points
- Inexpensive Option: A basic lipless crankbait that gets the job done but lacks the TN70’s advanced rattle system and casting distance.
- Mid-range Option: Solid performance with decent hardware, but fewer color patterns and slightly reduced action consistency.
- Premium Option: The TN70 itself remains a top-tier choice for anglers wanting precision and performance.
FAQ
- What is the weight of the Jackall TN70?
- The TN70 weighs 17.8 grams (5/8 oz), making it ideal for long casts and stable retrieves.
- Is the Jackall TN70 good for cold water bass fishing?
- Yes, its rattle system and yo-yo retrieve action make it highly effective during the prespawn and colder months.
- What rod and reel are best for the Jackall TN70?
- A medium-heavy, moderate-fast action rod paired with a 6.3:1–7.5:1 gear ratio reel works best.
- How does the TN70 compare to other lipless crankbaits?
- It offers superior casting distance, a unique rattle profile, and excels in grass-ripping scenarios, though it comes at a higher price point.