Strike King
KVD Squarebill 1.5 Hard Knock
Use deflection, contact and casting angles to work shallow cover.
- Updated
- Reviewed September 2026
Quick facts
Best for
Shallow wood and rock
Rigs and retrieves
Contact retrieve
Key idea
Choose contact you can control: the squarebill comes alive when it hits something and changes direction.
How it works
The square bill makes the body wobble and deflect from obstacles. The internal knock adds a signal; buoyancy helps it back away on a brief pause. Line diameter, casting distance and rod height change actual running depth and impact angle.
When to use it
A logical choice on shallow banks, riprap, stumps and relatively open wood. It changes direction while searching, but thin branches and tight angles can still catch the trebles. Plan the path before casting.
How to present it
Cast beyond the object so the lure reaches it working. After contact, briefly reduce tension to allow deflection or backing away. Fish parallel to the bank first, change angle before colour and adjust rod height. If it repeatedly snags, change the approach or effective depth.
Common mistakes
Avoid excessive impact speed, always holding the rod high, an overly fast action and repeating one angle. A squarebill is not snag-proof. If it runs far above the structure, choose a suitable bill range; useful contact is brief and controlled.