Crankbait fishing has been a staple in tackle boxes for decades for good reason! Did you know that the 22 lbs. 4 oz., world record largemouth bass was caught using a crankbait?
I’ve been using crankbaits for bass for years. In this guide, I’ll share some of my expert tips on how to fish a crankbait.
Choosing the Right Crankbait For the Job
Understanding forage patterns in your local waters
Take the time to watch the water and note the types of fish that are actively feeding. Look for schools of bait fish like shad or minnows. Look for them near the surface during the warmer months.
Selecting Colors that Mimic Natural Prey:
When choosing crankbait colors, always consider the natural prey of bass in your area.
For clear waters, opt for more natural colors. Shad or silver will closely resemble the local baitfish.
In murkier waters, brighter colors like chartreuse or orange can enhance visibility and grab the attention of bass.
Adjusting Crankbait Size Based on Fish Activity
Small crankbaits work well when bass are acting finicky. They mimic smaller prey that be more manageable.
Larger crankbaits can be effective at attracting aggressive fish. This is especially true when they are actively feeding.
When to use rattling vs. silent crankbaits:
The best crankbaits for bass fishing in murky water are rattling crankbaits. The rattling creates a disturbance that bass can sense. Bass can even sense it in low visibility conditions.
Silent crankbaits are ideal for clear water scenarios. The subtle presentation imitates the natural movements of bait fish without scaring bass off.
Art of Deflection
Contact with Structure Triggers Strikes:
Bouncing your crankbait off logs, and other structures can provoke reaction strikes from bass hiding nearby.
To maximize effectiveness, vary the speed and angle at which you retrieve your crankbait. While allowing it to deflect and dart erratically off structure.
Techniques for bouncing crankbaits off cover:
An effective strategy is to change direction instantly when you feel the bait make contact with structure. To a bass this erratic movement looks like an injured baitfish and an easy meal.
A steady retrieve with these brief directional changes simulates the frantic struggle of a distressed fish. This prompts aggressive strikes from bass that are lurking in the cover.
Using Your Rod to Control Deflection Angles
Angling your rod in different directions will influence how your crankbait interacts with underwater structures. Adjust your rod tip to dictate the angle the bait will strike objects.
Hold your rod at a downward angle to dive deeper with the crankbait. This will also make sharper contact with submerged structures.
Use higher angles to glide your crankbait over structure.
Varying Your Retrieve Speed
Using Speed Changes to Trigger Strikes
If you notice that the bass is not fully committing, use a sudden change in speed. This can provoke a reaction strike.
A quick burn followed by a pause can simulate the erratic behavior of prey escaping from danger. It draws in curious bass that may be lurking nearby.
Slow Rolling for Cold Water and Pressured Bass
When fishing less active bass, use a slow roll technique to show your crankbait in a more natural manner. It mimics the slow movements of baitfish as temperatures drop.
Burning Crankbaits for Reaction Strikes
“Burning” is just a fancy word for a fast retrieve. This technique can work whenever the conditions are right and the water temperature warms up
Bass meanwhile will become more aggressive and active. This is a great time to burn your retrieve with a pause here and there.
Understand Diving Depths and Crankbait Types
Shallow Runners vs. Deep Divers: When to use each
Shallow running crankbaits are designed to work within 10 feet. Fish in areas with submerged vegetation, and shallow structure.
Deep diving crankbaits can reach down to hold to the bottom.
How Lip Size and Shape Affect Running Depth
Crankbaits with a more pronounced, angled lip creates a greater angle of attack against the water.
This allows it to dive quickly. It can reach deeper depths when targeting fish holding near the bottom or in deeper structures.
Crankbaits with smaller, flatter lips will have a more subtle diving action. This makes them ideal for shallow waters and areas where bass are feeding near the surface.
Using Line Diameter to Fine-Tune Running Depth
The diameter of your fishing line can significantly influence the running depth of your crankbait.
Thinner lines allow your bait to dive deeper.
Thicker lines increase drag. It inhibits the diving depth of the crankbait and keeps it closer to the surface.
Square Bills, Lipless, and Jointed Crankbaits pros and cons
Square bill crankbaits are particularly effective for fishing in shallow cover. They are excellent for targeting bass hiding in thick vegetation and staying near the surface.
Lipless crankbaits excel in deeper, open water. Their profile mimics distressed baitfish.
Jointed crankbaits offer a unique, erratic action. The segmented body allows for more lifelike movement.
Choose the Right Rod and Reel Combo
Selecting the Perfect Crankbait Rod
A medium to medium-heavy action rod with a moderate to fast tip is ideal for crankbait fishing. This type of rod has a balance of sensitivity and backbone.
The moderate to fast tip provides the necessary flex to handle the unique motion of crankbaits. This rod action helps in casting longer distances and controlling the lure’s depth.
Best gear ratios for different crankbait fishing techniques
When targeting deeper water use a reel with a lower gear ratio, like 5.1:1. This gear ratio allows for a slower, more controlled retrieve.
The slower speed ensures the crankbait stays in the strike zone longer. This makes it easier to entice bass that are holding at deeper depths.
A higher gear ratio of 6.4:1 or greater is preferable for shallow cranking applications. This faster retrieve allows anglers to cover more water quickly.
Balancing Your Setup for All-Day Comfort
A lighter setup reduces fatigue. It lets you fish comfortably for extended periods without straining your wrists or shoulders.
Look for graphite or composite rods, which tend to offer durability without adding excess weight. Additionally, pairing your rod with a reel that has a lightweight construction helps keep overall balance.
Line choices: when to use mono, fluorocarbon, or braid
Mono-filament line is an excellent choice when you want your lure to float or stay higher in the water column. It offers good stretch, which can help absorb the shock of sudden strikes.
Fluorocarbon fishing line is a popular choice among anglers. This makes it especially effective for fishing in clear waters or when targeting cautious fish.
Its density is suitable for deep cranking or any technique that requires the lure to reach lower depths. The stiffness of fluorocarbon also enhances sensitivity, enabling anglers to feel even the slightest nibble.
Braided line stands out for its incredible strength-to-diameter ratio .It’s the choice for heavy cover fishing. Its thin diameter allows for greater line capacity on your reel and provides exceptional casting distance. It has minimal stretch, and is resilient against abrasions.
Learn to Read the Water
Identifying prime crankbait fishing spots:
When searching for prime fishing spots, focus on areas that offer cover, structure, and variations in depth.
Look for submerged structures which offer shelter and ambush opportunities for these fish.
Pay attention to changes in depth—bass often position themselves along drop-offs or ledges.
Understanding How Depth Changes Affect Fish Behavior
Bass often transition to deeper water during hot weather and shallower areas during cooler weather.
As temperatures rise, bass seek the cooler depths to escape the heat.
This behavior can make them more elusive during the hottest parts of the day. You need to adjust their tactics by using deeper crankbaits or other techniques suited for lower depths.
When temperatures drop, bass tend to migrate towards shallower waters. Making it an ideal time for anglers to target them using topwater lures or shallow-diving crankbaits.
Recognizing Key Structure and Cover for Crankbaits
Points are areas where land protrudes into the water, offering a unique habitat for bass. As fish often follow the contours of the lakebed.
Drop-offs are sudden changes in water depth that bass often use as migration routes. When fishing near drop-offs, focus on the edges where shallow water meets the steep decline.
Weed lines can offer excellent cover and breeding grounds for bass. The lush vegetation offers shelter from predators while attracting smaller baitfish.
When fishing near weed lines use lures that mimic natural prey.
Submerged structures are crucial for bass habitation. These features not only offer shelter but also create feeding habitats that attract baitfish.
Using electronics to locate fish and structure:
Fish finders with sonar technology and GPS systems. These are invaluable tools for anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience.
These devices allow you to pinpoint drop-offs, rock formations, and submerged brush piles.
GPS lets you mark your favorite fishing spots, ensuring you can easily return to them during future outings.
Master Seasonal Patterns
Spring: Targeting Pre-Spawn and Spawning Areas
As spring approaches, bass start to move towards shallower waters to prepare for spawning. Focus your efforts on shallow flats and secluded coves.
These areas often boast abundant vegetation and cover, providing ideal shelter for spawning. Look for places with a combination of sand, gravel, and rock substrate. These materials are preferred nesting sites for bass.
Summer: Using Deep Cranking Techniques
During the hot summer months, bass often retreat to deeper water. To target these bass use deep diving crankbaits.
Focus your efforts on areas near drop-offs and submerged structures. Varying your retrieve speed can make a significant difference.
Fall: Follow Bait Fish Migrations to Find Where Bass Are Feeding
As fall progresses, baitfish start their migration towards shallower waters.
This movement presents a crucial opportunity for bass anglers, as bass will often follow these baitfish schools.
By adapting to the changing patterns of baitfish, anglers can effectively locate and catch bass throughout autumn.
Winter: Slow-Roll Your Crankbait
During the winter months. Bass become less active because colder water temperatures. They often retreat to deep structure habitats.
Focus on key areas like ledges, rock piles, and brush. Vary your retrieve just slightly to enhance the appeal of your lure.
Tune Your Crankbaits for Optimal Performance
If you notice that it veers off to one side during retrieval, you can adjust the eye of the crankbait to correct its path.
Gently bend the line tie (the eyelet where the line attaches) in the opposite direction of the veer. This slight adjustment can make a significant difference in how the lure behaves in the water.
Here you go, some suggestions to enhance your crankbait fishing experience! Perfecting these methods takes dedication and time, but the benefits are certainly worthwhile.
The extent of your success will largely depend on your effort. Each cast brings you closer to your aspirations.