Bass Fishing with Crankbaits

Image Credit: BagleyBait

Crankbaits are one of the most popular lures in bass fishing due to their flashy, erratic action and ability to mimic injured baitfish. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore why crankbaits work, how to fish them, how to select the right colors and sizes, gear recommendations, the effects of different line types and diameters on lure depth, and expert tips from seasoned bass anglers.

Overview: Why Crankbaits Work

Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures equipped with a lip that causes them to dive and wobble when retrieved. Their effectiveness comes from:

• Diving Action: The lip design makes the lure dive to a preset depth, then wobble in a lifelike manner.
• Flash and Vibration: Bright colors and reflective surfaces, combined with a vibrating action, create both visual and tactile stimuli that trigger bass strikes.
• Versatility: With options for shallow, medium, and deep-diving models, crankbaits can be fished in a variety of water conditions and depths.

How to Fish Crankbaits

Retrieve Techniques

Experiment with various retrieves to determine what triggers strikes:

• Steady Retrieve: Maintain a consistent pace to allow the bait to dive and wobble uniformly.
• Stop-and-Go Retrieve: Retrieve at a moderate pace, then pause; the sudden stop mimics a dying baitfish.
• Jerk-and-Pause: Give short, sharp jerks with your rod tip followed by brief pauses. This erratic action can provoke reaction strikes.
• Variable Speed: Alternate between fast and slow retrieves to find the rhythm that bass respond to in your fishing spot.

Selecting Crankbaits

Colors, Sizes, and Brands

Your choice of crankbait should reflect local forage and water conditions:

• Colors:
  • Natural Colors: Greens, browns, and silvers work well in clear water by imitating local baitfish.
  • Bright/Fluorescent: Chartreuse, orange, and white are effective in stained or low-light water.
• Sizes:
  • Smaller Models (1½" – 2½"): Great for finesse presentations when bass are pressured.
  • Larger Models (3" – 4"): Better for covering more water and attracting aggressive bass.
• Popular Brands:
  • Rapala, Strike King, Bomber, Megabass, and Blue Fox are favorites in the bass fishing community.

Recommended Gear

How Different Lines Affect Crankbait Depth

The type and diameter of your fishing line can influence how deep your crankbait runs:

• Thinner Lines (e.g., 6–8 lb test monofilament):
  • Advantages: Minimal drag and stretch, allowing the bait to dive deeper with a more natural fall.
  • Example: A shallow-diving crankbait might reach 3.5–4 feet with a thin monofilament.
• Thicker/Braided Lines (e.g., 20 lb test braid):
  • Advantages: Higher abrasion resistance, essential for fishing in heavy cover.
  • Drawbacks: Increased diameter creates more drag, often causing the bait to run shallower.
  • Example: The same bait might only reach 2–2.5 feet when retrieved on a thick braided line.

Example Chart: Line Diameter vs. Crankbait Depth

Note: Actual depths vary with bait design, water conditions, and retrieve speed.

YouTube Resource

For a visual demonstration and expert advice on using crankbaits, click the image below to search for "Fishing Crankbaits tips" on YouTube. This thumbnail is taken from the first video result:

Other Popular YouTube Search Terms for Crankbaits

Below is a table with additional popular search terms related to crankbait fishing. Click the links to explore more videos (each uses a standard thumbnail icon):

Search Term	Link
Crankbait Techniques
Best Crankbaits for Bass
Crankbait Retrieval Methods
Crankbait Reviews & Tips

Community & Expert Tips

• Adapt Your Retrieve: Experiment with various retrieves based on water conditions—steady, stop-and-go, or jerk-and-pause methods can all be effective.
• Match the Forage: Select crankbaits that mimic the color, size, and movement of the local baitfish.
• Line Matters: In clear water, opt for thinner fluorocarbon for deeper runs; in heavy cover, braided line provides durability.
• Gear Up: A fast-action rod is essential for quick hooksets when a bass strikes the moving lure.
• Local Knowledge: Engage with local fishing communities and online forums to learn which crankbaits work best in your area.