The Rapala DT Series crankbaits are awesome searching baits for bass. Pull up to a point or weedline and start casting. Pick the bait number depending on the depth you are fishing. If you're a beginner, use a shallower running crank (like the DT 6 or DT 8 series). This will reduce the amount of weeds you snag and get you more familiar with how a crankbait runs.

rapala dt 16    US $8.00

rapala dt 10    US $20.00

2 Rapala DT Fat 3 DTFATSS 3 Chartreuse Brown CTB and Helsinki Shad HSD    US $14.00

Once you have started to master the crankbait, go with the deeper series like the DT12 or DT 16. These are great for fishing deeper water. They allow you to cover a lot of water and pin point the best structure. If you catch a fish on an area mark it with your GPS, toss a marker out, or use a landmark as reference. Start casting in all directions to see if other bass are in the area. Another option is to slow down and work a Berkley power worm or senko in these areas.

Remember to keep in mind the maximum depths these lures dive to.  You wouldn't want to be using a lure that has no chance at diving to the depths the fish you are targeting are at.  Here is a breakdown of the DT series:

Rapala DT 6 - 15 feet max
Rapala DT 10 - 20 feet max
Rapala DT 16 - 31 feet max

When you are fishing for active bass, there are many times when you will be hard pressed to find a better fishing lure than the Rapala DT Series.