The Basics of Crankbaits for Bass

Crankbaits are among the most versatile and effective lures in freshwater fishing. Their diverse range of designs allows anglers to fish at varying depths and in different cover types, making them a staple in any tackle box.

In this article, we'll explore five popular types of crankbaits:

• Shallow Diving Crankbaits
• Medium Diving Crankbaits
• Deep Diving Crankbaits
• Lipless Crankbaits
• Squarebill Crankbaits

We’ll also discuss how rod length and action, reel speed, and line choice vary depending on the crankbait type and fishing conditions.

1. Shallow Diving Crankbaits

Overview

Shallow diving crankbaits typically have a small, short bill that causes them to dive about 1 to 5 feet beneath the surface. They’re excellent for fishing shallow flats, around docks, weed edges, and rocky shorelines. Because they stay near the surface, they often provoke aggressive strikes from fish feeding in warmer water or early in the season.

Rod and Reel Setup

• Rod Length & Action: Medium to medium-fast action rods around 7’ are ideal. The rod needs enough backbone to pull fish out of shallow cover but flexible enough to make good hooksets.
• Reel Speed: A moderate gear ratio reel around 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 is preferred.
• Line: Fluorocarbon in the 10 to 15 lb test range works well.

2. Medium Diving Crankbaits

Overview

Medium divers reach depths of 6 to 12 feet and are versatile for fishing around mid-depth structures like submerged timber, drop-offs, and submerged weed lines. They offer a good balance of depth and action, making them some of the most commonly used crankbaits.

Rod and Reel Setup

• Rod Length & Action: Medium rods in the 7’ to 7'6" range with medium-fast action. These rods provide the power to control fish at mid-depth and can handle heavier lures.
• Reel Speed: Gear ratios from 6.4:1 to 7.3:1 are common. A slightly faster retrieve can help keep the bait at the desired depth and entice strikes.
• Line: Fluorocarbon line from 10 to 15 lb test works well.

3. Deep Diving Crankbaits

Overview

Deep divers feature large, elongated lips that allow them to dive 12 to 20+ feet, perfect for targeting suspended or bottom-holding fish in deep lakes, reservoirs, and channels. They often have a slower wobble and require more line to maintain depth.

Rod and Reel Setup

• Rod Length & Action: Medium to Medium-heavy rods around 7’ to 8' with moderate to moderate-fast action. This ensure proper hookset and avoids tearing the hook out of the mouth.
• Reel Speed: Lower gear ratios from 5.1:1 to 6.3:1 are preferred to provide the slower retrieve necessary for deep crankbaits and less fatigue for the angler.
• Line: Fluorocarbon in the 12-15 lb test range is common to help the bait dive as deep as possible.

4. Lipless Crankbaits

Overview

Lipless crankbaits have no diving lip and rely on their body shape and angler’s retrieve speed to control depth. They sink fast and are ideal for covering open water quickly, fishing tight to grass beds, or burning over submerged hydrilla.

Rod and Reel Setup

• Rod Length & Action: Medium-heavy rods around 7’ with moderat-fast action.
• Reel Speed: Gear ratios between 6.3:1 and 8.1:1 work well, allowing for quick bursts and variable retrieve speeds to imitate fleeing baitfish.
• Line: Fluorocarbon line from 12 to 17 lb test is common.

5. Squarebill Crankbaits

Overview

Squarebill crankbaits have a distinct square-shaped bill designed to deflect off rocks, logs, and stumps without snagging easily. They typically run in shallow to mid-depth water (2 to 8 feet) and produce a tight wobble with a lot of vibration, perfect for fishing heavy cover.

Rod and Reel Setup

• Rod Length & Action: Medium-heavy, fast action rods around 6’10” to 7’4". A stiff rod helps rip the bait off cover quickly.
• Reel Speed: Moderate gear ratios (6.3:1 to 7.1:1) allow precise control when working around structure.
• Line: Fluorocarbon line in the 15-20 lb test range is typical for strength in heavy cover situations.

Common Brand Name Crankbaits and Their Typical Use