Crankbaits are a staple when it comes to tackle for bass fishing. With hundreds of styles and sizes, and thousands of color combinations and patterns it’s no wonder why. When Bass are active and finesse styles of bass fishing are not cutting it, crankbaits will get the job done. Crankbaits can be used throughout the year with great success. Throwing a crankbait with a steady retrieve has landed millions of bass. Some are on walls, some won tournaments, and some made great memories. Following some simple guidelines will take the guesswork out of which crankbait to use and give you the best chance to get the most out of these lures.
Best rod and reel for crankbaits
When you are bass fishing with crankbaits you will want a rod with medium-heavy power and a fast action. The fast action will allow your lure to have the most action, while the medium-heavy power will give you the strength to set the hooks
Although many people prefer and have had success using a spinning reel for crankbaits, a bait caster is preferred. You want to find a reel with a minimum of a 6:1 gear ratio. A slower reel may not give you the speed to achieve maximum depth or action on the lure. Read more about rod selection here!
Types of crankbaits
Although there are many types of crankbaits, the 3 most popular styles are:
Lipless Crankbait: rattles when retrieved to mimic the sound of a fleeing baitfish
Diving Crankbait: dives when retrieved to target deeper water and mimic prey swimming near the bottom.
Shallow Diving Crankbait: designed to mimic prey in shallow water.
Each style can be broken down into further categories such as size, shape, and bill style. Each lure can also sink, float or suspend in the water. This is why picking the right lure for the style you are fishing can be the difference between success and posting pictures of the sunrise on social media.
When to use crankbaits
Crankbaits can be used throughout the year and in most water conditions. You want to target areas that hold bass such as rocks, logs, weed beds, and other such cover. You also want to find areas with an underwater structure such as breaks, humps, and points.
The exact time of year, water conditions, and aggression of the bass will determine whether you should opt for a crankbait over some of the finesse techniques of fishing.
Best patterns for crankbaits
With all the patterns and colors on the market, choosing one can be a daunting task. A lot of anglers have tons of success with using this year’s hot color, while others have success with using more traditional tried, and proven colors on the market.
Bass will target different foods throughout the year and the exact type depends on locality and availability. Starting with natural patterns and colors that mimic your local forage is always the best place to start.
Tips for fishing with crankbaits
Choose the right crankbait: Select a crankbait that mimics the size, color, and action of the forage in the water you’re fishing.
Vary your retrieve speed: Experiment with different retrieve speeds to find what the fish are responding to.
Fish in structure: Crankbaits are best fished around structures such as rocks, weeds, and drop-offs where bass are likely to hold.
Pay attention to depth: Match the depth of the crankbait to the depth of the water you’re fishing.
Follow seasonal patterns: Bass behavior changes with the seasons, so adjust your fishing techniques accordingly.
Vary retrieve technique: mix up the retrieve to make the lure look more natural and trigger bites.
Pay attention to cover and structure: cast near cover, such as logs, rocks, and weeds, and retrieve through it to target bass holding in these areas.
Final Words
Outside of fishing with a top water lure, there is no better strike than a bass on a crankbait. With the endless amount of styles and patterns of crankbaits, you are sure to find one that will land you your next trophy bass. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can be the next angler of the year.
