How to Fish with Crankbait: Expert Tips for Maximum Catch

Fishing with crankbait is a widespread technique among anglers for catching various fish species.

Crankbait lures are designed to imitate the movement and appearance of baitfish, making them a highly effective choice for attracting predatory fish.

If you are new to fishing with crankbait, here are some tips to help you get started and increase your chances of success.

Choose the Right Crankbait

Different types of crankbaits are available, each designed for different fishing conditions and fish species.

Choosing the right crankbait is essential to increase your chances of catching fish.

For example, if you’re fishing in shallow water, a shallow-diving crankbait would be better than a deep-diving one.

Know the Water Depth

Crankbaits can be effective in different water depths, but you need to know the water depth you’re fishing in to select the appropriate crank bait.

A shallow-diving crankbait will work best if you’re fishing in shallow water.

If you’re fishing in deeper water, a deep-diving crankbait will be more effective.

Vary Your Retrieve Speed

Crankbaits are designed to move through the water, imitating the movement of baitfish.

However, different fish species may prefer different speeds, so it’s essential to vary your retrieve speed.

Experiment with different speeds until you find the one that works best.

Pay Attention to the Conditions

The weather and water conditions can significantly impact your fishing success when using crankbaits.

For example, fish may be more active in deeper water on bright, sunny days so a deep-diving crankbait would be the best choice.

On cloudy days, fish may be more active in shallower water so a shallow-diving crankbait would be more effective.

Use the Right Gear

Using the right gear is crucial when fishing with crankbaits. Use a medium to heavy action rod and a low-gear ratio reel.

This will allow you to slowly reel in the lure, keeping it at the right depth and speed for the target fish.

Best crankbaits

Many crankbaits are available on the market, each designed for different fishing conditions and fish species.

Here are some of the best crankbaits that are popular among anglers:

Rapala Shad Rap: This crankbait is a popular choice for catching various fish species, including bass, trout, and walleye.

It has a realistic shad profile and can be used in shallow and deep water.

Strike King Square Bill: The Strike King Square Bill is a shallow-diving crankbait ideal for fishing in shallow water.

It has a square bill design that deflects off the cover, making it an excellent choice for fishing around weed beds and submerged logs.

Berkley Flicker Shad: The Berkley Flicker Shad is famous for catching walleye, bass, and other predator fish.

Its slender profile and tight wobble make it an effective choice for fishing in open water.

Storm Arashi: The Storm Arashi is a deep-diving crankbait designed for deep-water fishing.

It has a multi-circuit board lip that creates a lively and erratic action, making it an excellent choice for catching larger fish species.

Megabass Vision 110: The Megabass Vision 110 is a popular jerk bait that can also be used as a crankbait.

It has a realistic profile and a slow, suspending action that can be highly effective for catching bass, trout, and other predator fish.

Crankbait setup

Setting up your crankbait rig properly ensures you can effectively fish with it.

Choose the right rod and reel: A medium to heavy action rod and reel with a low gear ratio is recommended for fishing with crankbaits.

The low gear ratio lets you quickly retrieve the lure, keeping it at the right depth and speed for your target fish.

Choose the right line: Monofilament or fluorocarbon line in the 10-20 pound range is recommended for fishing with crankbaits.

These lines have enough strength to handle larger fish and are less visible in the water than braided lines, which can spook fish.

Tie on the crankbait: Tie the crankbait onto the end of your line using a knot appropriate for your type of line.

The Palomar knot is a popular choice for tying on crankbaits.

Adjust the depth: Crankbaits are designed to dive to a specific depth, depending on their shape and size.

Some crankbaits have a lip that can be adjusted to change their diving depth. Experiment with different depths until you find the right one for your target fish.

Vary the retrieve speed: Retrieve the crankbait at different speeds until you find the best speed for your target fish.

Start with a slow, steady retrieve, then vary the speed by twitching or pausing the lure.

Watch for bites: Keep an eye on your line for movement or tension, indicating a fish has taken the bait.

Tips for using a crankbaits

Using a crankbait can be a very effective way to catch fish, but it does require some skill and knowledge.

Here are some tips for using a crankbait that can help increase your chances of success:

Match the crankbait to the conditions: Choose one that matches the size and color of the baitfish in the water.

If the water is clear, choose a natural color; if it’s murky, choose a brighter color to attract fish.

Use a slow, steady retrieve: Crankbaits are designed to mimic the movement of baitfish, so a slow, steady retrieve is often the most effective way to fish with them.

Pay attention to the depth: Crankbaits are designed for diving to a specific depth, so choosing the right one for your fishing depth is important.

Experiment with different depths until you find the one that works best.

Bump the off crankbait structure: Crankbaits are great for fishing around structures like rocks, logs, and weed beds.

Bump the crankbait off the structure to create a realistic swimming motion to attract fish.

Try different types of crankbaits: There are many different types of crankbaits available, including lipless, square bill, and deep-diving.

Experiment with different types of crankbaits to find the one that works best for your target fish.

Watch for bites: Keep an eye on your line for movement or tension, indicating a fish has taken the bait.

When you feel a bite, set the hook by pulling back on the rod quickly.

Be patient: Fishing with a crankbait can take some time and patience. Keep at it, and keep going if you don’t catch anything immediately.

In conclusion, using a crankbait can be a very effective way to catch fish if you follow these tips.

Match the crankbait to the conditions, use a slow, steady retrieve, pay attention to the depth, bump the crankbait off the structure, try different types of crankbaits, watch for bites, and be patient.

With practice and experience, you’ll become an expert at using crank baits and be able to catch a variety of fish species.

Categories of crankbait

They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs and can be categorized into several types based on their diving depth, lip design, and body shape.

Here are the most common categories of crankbaits:

Shallow crankbaits: These are designed for diving to shallow depths, typically less than 5 feet.

They have a small, thin lip and a wide wobbling action that mimics the movement of a fleeing baitfish.

Shallow crankbaits are ideal for fishing in shallow water, around weed beds, or over submerged logs and stumps.

Medium diving crankbaits: These crankbaits are designed to dive to depths between 5-10 feet.

They have a slightly larger lip and a more aggressive diving angle than shallow crankbaits, allowing them to reach deeper water.

Medium diving crankbaits are great for fishing around drop-offs, ledges, and submerged structures.

Deep diving crankbaits: These are designed to dive to depths between 10-20 feet or more.

They have a large, elongated lip and a steep diving angle that allows them to reach deeper water.

Deep diving crankbaits are ideal for fishing in deep water or over submerged structures like rock piles or humps.

Lipless crankbaits: These crankbaits have a flat, thin body and no diving lip. They sink quickly and have a tight wobbling action that mimics the movement of a dying baitfish.

Lipless crankbaits are versatile lures that can be fished at various depths and are great for fishing in open water or around vegetation.

Squarebill crankbaits: These crankbaits have a square-shaped lip that causes them to deflect off covers like logs, stumps, and rocks.

They have a tight wobbling action and are ideal for fishing in shallow water or around structures.

Jointed crankbaits: These crankbaits have a jointed body that creates a more lifelike swimming motion.

They are available in various diving depths and are great for imitating injured baitfish.

In conclusion, crankbaits are versatile fishing lure that comes in various types based on their diving depth, lip design, and body shape.

Shallow, medium, and deep diving crankbaits are available, as well as lipless, square bill, and jointed crankbaits.

Choosing the right type of crankbait for the conditions and the fish you’re targeting can greatly increase your chances of success.

Lipless crankbait

A lipless crankbait is a type of fishing lure that is designed without a diving lip. Instead, it has a flat, thin body and a small internal weight that causes it to sink quickly when cast.

Lipless crankbaits are versatile lures that can be fished at various depths and are effective at imitating the movement of a dying baitfish.

Lipless crankbaits typically have a tight wobbling action when retrieved, which can be varied by changing the retrieve speed or the rod action.

This makes them effective for fishing in open water or around vegetation, as the tight wobbling action can attract fish even in murky water.

Lipless crankbaits are available in a variety of sizes and colors, and some models even have rattles inside the body to create additional noise and vibration in the water.

When selecting a lipless crankbait, it’s important to match the size and color to the type of baitfish that the target species are feeding on.

One effective way to fish with a lipless crankbait is to cast it out and allow it to sink to the desired depth before starting the retrieve.

Vary the speed of the retrieve and occasionally pause to allow the lure to sink back down.

The sudden change in speed or direction can often trigger a strike from a hungry fish.

In conclusion, a lipless crankbait is a versatile and effective fishing lure that can be used to catch a variety of fish species.

The baitfish have a tight wobbling action that mimics the motion of a dying baitfish, allowing them to be fished at a variety of depths.

When selecting a lipless crankbait, matching the size and color to the target species and the conditions is important.

Jerkbait vs crankbait

Jerkbaits and crankbaits are two popular fishing lures with unique characteristics and uses.

While both are designed to imitate the movement of baitfish, there are some key differences between the two lures.

Jerkbaits typically have long, slender body. They are designed to be fished with a jerking motion of the rod, creating an erratic, darting movement that mimics the movement of an injured baitfish.

Jerkbaits are often used in clear water or when fishing for suspended fish, as the erratic action can entice fish to strike even when they are not actively feeding.

On the other hand, crankbaits have a shorter, wider bodies and a diving lip that causes them to dive and swim through the water when retrieved.

They typically have a tight wobbling or rolling action that mimics the movement of a swimming baitfish.

Crankbaits are often used in murky water or when fishing around structures, as the fast action can attract fish even in low visibility.

When selecting a lure, it’s important to consider the water conditions, the target species, and the behavior of the baitfish.

Jerkbaits are generally better suited for clear water or when targeting suspended fish, while crankbaits are better suited for murky water or fishing around structures.

However, both lures can be effective in various conditions and catch many fish species.

In conclusion, jerkbaits and crankbaits are two popular fishing lures with unique characteristics and uses.

Jerkbaits are designed to be fished with a jerking motion of the rod and are often used in clear water or when fishing for suspended fish.

At the same time, crankbaits have a diving lip and a tight wobbling or rolling action and are often used in murky water or when fishing around structures.

The choice between the two lures depends on the conditions and the target species.

How to tie a crankbait

1. Tying a crankbait onto your fishing line is an important step in preparing for a successful fishing trip. Here’s how to tie a crankbait onto your line:

2. Select the appropriate fishing line for the conditions and the crank bait size. Monofilament or fluorocarbon line is typically recommended for crankbait fishing.

3. Attach a snap or a split ring to the eyelet of the crankbait. As a result, you won’t have to retie your line each time you change out the lure.

4. Tie a loop knot onto the snap or split ring. The loop knot will allow the crankbait to move more freely and naturally in the water, increasing its chances of attracting a strike.

5. To tie a loop knot, start by passing the end of the line through the eyelet of the snap or split ring and then double it back on itself.

6. Make a loop with the doubled line, leaving a small tag end.

7. Tap the tag end and wrap it around the standing line and through the loop you created.

8. Wrap the tag end around the standing line again and then back through the loop.

9. Moisten the knot with water or saliva and pull it tight.

10. Trim the tag end close to the knot.

Give the knot a final tug to ensure it is tight and secure.

How to use crankbait for bass

Crankbaits can be a very effective lure when targeting bass, but it’s important to know how to use them properly to maximize your chances of success.

Choose the right crankbait: Many different types of crankbaits are available, each with its unique characteristics.

When targeting bass, look for a crankbait that mimics the size and color of the baitfish that bass are feeding on in your area.

Vary your retrieve speed: To make a crankbait look as natural as possible, it’s important to vary your retrieve speed.

Start with a slow, steady retrieve and then speed up or slow down as needed to find the retrieve speed that triggers the most strikes.

Experiment with depth: Crankbaits are also designed for diving to a certain depth, so choosing a crankbait dives to the depth where the bass is holding is important.

You can also experiment with different retrieves and rod angles to vary the lure’s depth.

Pay attention to structure: Bass often hold near structures such as rocks, logs, and weed beds, so it’s important to cast your crankbait near these areas and retrieve it through them.

If you feel your lure bumping into the structure, pause and twitch the bait to mimic an injured baitfish.

Use a sensitive rod: A sensitive rod can help you feel the vibrations of the crankbait as you retrieve it, which can help you detect strikes and set the hook quickly.

Keep a steady tension on the line: When using a crankbait, it’s important to keep it on the line to ensure you feel any strikes.

Avoid letting slack develop in the line, and be ready to set the hook at any moment.

Remember to experiment with different retrieves, depths, and structures until you find the combination that triggers the most strikes.

Best crankbait for bass

Many different types of crankbaits are available on the market, each with unique characteristics that can make them effective for targeting bass.

Here are some of the best crankbaits for bass fishing:

Squarebill crankbaits: These crankbaits have a square-shaped bill that causes them to deflect off the cover and create a lot of vibration in the water, making them effective for fishing around shallow covers such as logs, stumps, and rocks.

Shallow diving crankbaits: These crankbaits typically dive to depths of 1 to 6 feet, making them ideal for fishing in shallow water or around covers such as weed beds or submerged timber.

Medium diving crankbaits: These crankbaits dive to depths of 6 to 12 feet and are effective for fishing around structures such as drop-offs, ledges, and points.

Deep diving crankbaits: These crankbaits are designed for diving to depths of 12 to 25 feet or more, making them ideal for targeting bass in deep water or offshore structure.

Lipless crankbaits: These crankbaits have no diving lip and are designed to be fished with a yo-yo retrieve, which involves jerking the bait and letting it fall back down.

This can be an effective technique for targeting suspended bass.

When choosing a crankbait for bass fishing, consider the depth you will be fishing, the type of cover or structure you will be fishing around, and the color and size of the baitfish that bass are feeding on in your area.

Experiment with different crankbaits and techniques until you find the best combination for your fishing conditions.

Best size of Crankbait

The best size of crankbait to use depends on a few factors, including the type of fish you are targeting, the depth you are fishing, and the size of the baitfish in the area.

In general, smaller crankbaits are effective for targeting smaller fish in shallower water, while larger crankbaits are better suited for targeting larger fish in deeper water.

Crankbaits in the 2-4 inch range are popular and effective for bass fishing, particularly in shallow water or around cover such as logs, rocks, and weed beds.

These smaller crankbaits can be retrieved at slower speeds and are less likely to get snagged on the cover.

If fishing deeper water or targeting larger bass, try a larger crankbait in the 4-6 inch range or even larger.

These larger crankbaits can dive deeper and create more disturbance in the water, making them effective for fishing around offshore structures such as drop-offs, ledges, and humps.

Ultimately, the best size of crankbait will depend on the specific conditions you are fishing in and the preferences of the fish in the area.

It’s a good idea to experiment with different sizes and styles of crankbaits until you find the ones that work best for you.

Best color of Crankbait

The best color of crankbait depends on a few factors, including the type of fish Depending on what you are targeting, the clarity of the water, and the color of the baitfish in your area, you can make a good catch.

Choosing a crankbait color that matches the natural prey in the water you’re fishing is a good idea.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing crankbait colors:

Clear Water: In clear water, natural-looking colors such as silver, gold, and brown can be effective. A more subtle color, such as light green or blue, can also work well.

Stained or Murky Water: Brighter colors can more effectively get fish’s attention in stained or murky water.

Chartreuse, bright green, and fluorescent colors work well in these conditions.

Low-Light Conditions: In low-light conditions such as early morning or late evening, darker colors such as black, dark green, or dark blue can be effective.

These colors can create a silhouette that stands out in low light.

Mimicking Baitfish: If you know the specific type of baitfish that bass are feeding on in the area, try to choose a crankbait that matches the color and size of that baitfish as closely as possible.

Ultimately, the best color of crankbait will depend on the specific conditions you are fishing in and the preferences of the fish in the area.

Experimenting with different colors is a good idea until you find the best ones.

What fish can you catch with crankbaits?

Crankbaits can be used to catch a variety of fish species, including:

Bass: Crankbaits are popular among bass anglers and can catch largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.

Walleye: Crankbaits can be effective for catching walleye, especially in the early morning or late evening.

Pike and musky: Larger crankbaits can be used to catch pike and musky, as they mimic the size and movements of the fish these predators feed on.

Trout: Smaller crankbaits can catch trout, especially in streams and rivers.

Panfish: Small crankbaits can catch crappie, bluegill, and perch.

Crankbaits can be versatile lures attracting many fish species, making them popular among anglers.

How to fish a crankbait from shore

Fishing a crankbait from shore can catch bass and other fish feeding in shallow water or around cover. Here are some tips for fishing a crankbait from shore:

Choose the right crankbait: Select a crankbait appropriate for the depth and type of cover you will be fishing.

Shallow diving or square bill crankbaits are good for fishing around covers such as logs or rocks in shallow water.

Cast parallel to the shore: Cast your crankbait parallel to the shoreline so it swims past any submerged cover or structure holding fish.

This can help you quickly cover a lot of water and locate active fish.

Retrieve the crankbait at a steady pace: Once your crankbait hits the water, start retrieving it at a steady pace.

Experiment with different retrieve speeds until you find the one that works best for your fishing conditions.

You can also pause the crankbait occasionally during the retrieve to imitate a wounded baitfish.

Vary your retrieve: If you need to get bites with a steady retrieve, try changing up your retrieve.

You can try a stop-and-go retrieve, where you retrieve the crankbait quickly for a few turns, then pause for a few seconds before rerunning the retrieve.

You can also try a yo-yo retrieve, where you jerk the rod tip up and let the crankbait fall back down, effectively triggering strikes from suspended fish.

Keep the crankbait in contact with the bottom: If you’re fishing in water with a lot of submerged vegetation or rocks, try bumping your crankbait along the bottom as you retrieve it.

This can help you imitate a fleeing baitfish and trigger strikes from bass hiding in the cover.

Pay attention to your surroundings: Watch for signs of feeding activity, such as baitfish jumping or bass chasing baitfish near the surface.

This can be a good indication of where to cast your crankbait and how to retrieve it.

Fishing a crankbait from shore can be an effective way to catch bass and other fish, as long as you choose the correct crankbait and use the right techniques.

Experiment with different retrieves and pay attention to your surroundings to maximize your chances of success.

What are crankbaits used for

Crankbaits are a type of fishing lure that is primarily used for catcher freshwater game fish and are a must-have in the tackle box of any serious angler.

How to fish a crankbait in spring

Spring is a great time to fish with crankbaits, as many game fish species, including bass, are actively feeding in preparation for the spawning season.

Here are some tips for fishing a crankbait in the spring:

Focus on shallow water: In the spring, fish are often found near the shore as they move into warmer water to spawn or feed.

Look for areas with cover, such as rocks, logs, or weed beds, as these are likely places where fish will hide.

Use a shallow diving crankbait: Choose a crankbait designed to dive to shallow depths, such as a square bill or lipless crankbait.

This will allow you to fish close to the surface where the fish are likely to be.

Retrieve the crankbait slowly: In the early spring, fish may still be sluggish from the colder water temperatures, so it’s important to fish it slowly.

Retrieve the lure steadily and slowly, and experiment with different speeds until you find what works best for your fishing conditions.

Try a stop-and-go retrieve: If you need to get bites with a steady retrieve, try a stop-and-go retrieve.

This involves retrieving the crankbait for a few turns, then pausing for a few seconds before starting the retrieve again.

This can imitate the movement of a wounded baitfish and trigger strikes from nearby fish.

Pay attention to water temperature: As the water temperature starts to warm up in the spring, fish become more active and move into shallower water.

Monitor the water temperature and adjust your fishing tactics accordingly.

Match the hatch: In the spring, fish may feed on smaller baitfish such as shad or minnows.

Choose a crankbait that matches the size and color of the baitfish in your area.

Fishing a crankbait in the spring can be a productive way to catch bass and other game fish.

Focus on shallow water, use a slow retrieve, and match the hatch to maximize your chances of success.

Conclusion

Fishing with crankbaits can be a highly effective technique for catching fish.

Following these tips can increase your chances of success and have an enjoyable fishing experience.

Remember to choose the right crankbait, vary your retrieve speed, pay attention to the conditions, and use the right gear. Happy fishing!

The best crankbait for you depends on your fishing conditions and the fish you target.

Experimenting with different crankbaits is essential until you find the best one.

Remember to choose a crankbait that matches the size and color of the baitfish in the water and adjust your retrieve speed to match the fish’s preferences.