Bill Lewis MR-12 Crankbait – 12ft Deep Floater, 3/4oz, Blue Chartreuse

Meet the Bill Lewis MR-12 Crankbait

The MR-12 is the deeper sibling in the MR Crankbait lineup, co-developed with Elite Series pro Mark Daniel Jr. to entice bass holding on mid-range structure. Engineered to reach approximately 12 feet, it balances buoyancy with a deliberate pause rise, letting you work deep-cover targets with confidence. At 2-1/2 inches long and 3/4 ounce, this compact profile couples casting power with a versatile, slow-to-fast retrieve that preserves the lure’s action across water columns. When paired with lighter fluorocarbon leaders, the MR-12 maintains a stable depth while delivering dependable, repeatable performance from cast to pause.

The MR-12’s design centers on a proven combination of internal weight transfer and flat-sided geometry. The broad side profile and tapered tail create a pronounced wobble and strong vibration, even on slower retrieves. This means the lure can stay in the strike zone longer and still deliver a lively, eye-catching action that bass can’t ignore. The bite often comes through a quick, sharp strike as the lure finishes its pause and begins to rise again, inviting a follow-up crack of the cover if you’re not ready for the bite.

Finishes, realism, and hardware you can trust

Realism is a centerpiece of the MR-12. In addition to vivid paint schemes, the lure features 3D gill plates and 3D eyes for a convincing look that imitates real bait in motion. Ready to fish out of the package, the MR-12 comes with premium Mustad Triple Grip treble hooks, designed for a high hookup ratio and reliable performance when a bass commits to the strike. The molded lip enhances toughness and helps the bait dive with authority while resisting the rigors of deep-water cover.

How and where to fish the MR-12

This deep-diving crankbait excels when bass lurk around deeper brush, rocky outcroppings, and other structural features that are out of reach for shallower lures. The combination of a tight wobble and a measured pause rise makes it a strong choice for search-and-destroy sequences or targeted work on known holds. Anglers report success across a variety of water conditions and visibility levels, especially when the water carries a bit of color that helps the lure’s vibration to cut through the glow of the scene.

Colors are hand-picked by MDJ to cover a range of water color and bass moods, offering multiple options for everyday rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. For best results, pair the MR-12 with appropriate line choices and maintain steady pressure to keep its depth consistent as you explore mid-range structure.

Key benefits at a glance

• Deep-diving performance reaches ~12 feet for mid-range bass holds
• Balanced buoyancy with a slow rise on pause for enticing pauses
• Compact 2-1/2