How to Use Crankbait

Choosing the right crankbait

• Match water depth: Select crankbaits that dive to the appropriate depth where fish are holding

  • Shallow diving (less than 6 feet) for structure in shallow water
  • Medium diving (around 10 feet) for covering more water
  • Deep diving (up to 18 feet) for summer bass in deeper water

• Consider water clarity: An essential aspect of how to use crankbait effectively

  • Clear water: Use natural colors like shad or bluegill
  • Stained or dirty water: Opt for darker colors or bolder patterns

• Size and profile: Choose based on the primary forage and fish aggressiveness

Effective casting and retrieval techniques

• Cast beyond the target: A key crankbait fishing technique is to throw well past underwater structure and reel in to allow the crankbait to reach desired depth

• Vary retrieval speed: Understanding retrieval speed is crucial for knowing how to use crankbait

  • Cold water (<60°F): Slow to medium steady retrieve
  • Warmer water (60-90°F): Medium-fast retrieve with pauses

• Use the pause and rip technique: When fishing in weeds, pause when hung up, then rip the bait out to trigger strikes

• Adjust for water temperature: Adapting to temperature is part of the best way to fish with crankbaits

  • Prespawn (48-58°F): Use bright colors like craw reds
  • Summer/fall (75-90°F): Switch to shad patterns and natural colors

Tackle and equipment

• Rod selection: Use a medium power, 7-7.5 ft crankbait rod for optimal casting distance and action

• Reel gear ratio: Choosing the right gear ratio is essential in how to use crankbait effectively

  • 5.1:1 ratio for deep diving crankbaits
  • 6.4:1 ratio for shallow diving crankbaits at a faster pace

• Line choice: Proper line selection is a key crankbait fishing technique

  • 6-15 lb fluorocarbon for finesse crankbait fishing
  • 10-12 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon for deep crankbaits

Fishing around structure and cover

• Target specific areas: Knowing where to fish is crucial for understanding how to use crankbait

  • Creek channels, brush piles, and steep ledges for deep diving crankbaits
  • Rocky banks and wood cover like laydowns and stumps for finesse crankbaits

• Deflection technique: Allow the crankbait to bounce off cover to trigger reaction strikes

• Weed line presentation: Cast crankbaits that dive 2-4 feet deep over weed lines for mid-summer bass

Maximizing crankbait effectiveness

• Utilize vibration and sound: Crankbaits produce vibrations that appeal to a bass' lateral line, attracting them from a distance

• Repeat successful casts: When you catch a bass or get a strike, repeat the exact cast as other bass may respond similarly

• Upgrade hooks: Replacing stock hooks is part of the best way to fish with crankbaits to improve hook-up rates

FAQ

How do I choose the right crankbait for different water depths?

Select shallow diving crankbaits (less than 6 feet) for shallow water structure, medium diving (around 10 feet) for covering more water, and deep diving (up to 18 feet) for summer bass in deeper water. Match the crankbait's diving depth to where the fish are holding.

What are some effective crankbait fishing techniques for retrieval?

Vary your retrieval speed based on water temperature, use the pause and rip technique in weedy areas, and allow the crankbait to deflect off structures. Cast beyond your target area and retrieve to allow the lure to reach the desired depth. Experiment with different speeds and pauses to trigger strikes.

What's the best way to fish with crankbaits in different seasons?

Adapt your approach based on water temperature. In prespawn (48-58°F), use bright colors like craw reds. During summer and fall (75-90°F), switch to shad patterns and natural colors. Adjust your retrieval speed accordingly, using slower retrieves in colder water and faster retrieves in warmer water.

What tackle should I use for crankbait fishing?

Use a medium power, 7-7.5 ft crankbait rod for optimal casting distance and action. Choose a reel with a 5.1:1 ratio for deep diving crankbaits or a 6.4:1 ratio for shallow diving crankbaits. For line, use 6-15 lb fluorocarbon for finesse crankbait fishing or 10-12 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon for deep crankbaits.

How can I maximize the effectiveness of my crankbait fishing?

Utilize the vibration and sound produced by crankbaits to attract bass from a distance. When you catch a bass or get a strike, repeat the exact cast as other bass may respond similarly. Consider upgrading the hooks on your crankbaits to improve hook-up rates. Target specific areas like creek channels, brush piles, and steep ledges for deep diving crankbaits, and rocky banks and wood cover for finesse crankbaits.