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Crank Baits vary from style and depth. The bills are
different on each crank bait style. Bill configuration will cause the bait
to have more side to movement side along with the depth. Long bills create a
wider wobble and shorter bills a tighter wobble.
Having
an assortment of crank baits for different
fishing conditions will keep you in the
STRIKE
ZONE.
Shallow running
crank baits
Over grass beds and bedding bass
shallow running crankbaits will produce awesome
strikes.
Use bream and shad colors.
Mid range crank
baits
Will run 5 to 12 foot deep.
This is a good bait to fish points.
Fan cast your crank
bait across the point then parallel to the point until you find fish.
Adjust to the pattern that is working.
Deep running crank
baits
Will run up to 22 feet.
Work well in the middle of creeks or deeper water when bait
schools are suspending Will locate feeding fish and create some fantastic action.
Suspending Crank Baits
Good in cold water with lethargic bass.
Cast to the structure reel it down and set up a
rhythm of twitches and pauses
You may want to invest in a
quality crankbait rod if you get serious about crank bait fishing. This type of rod
and a fast retrieve reel will help to keep from tiring you out.
Fishing Line size plays a
big factor on how deep a crankbait will run.
A 22 foot bait on 20 lb. line may not go
but 15 or so feet deep.
So keep this in mind when choosing your crank bait.
Lighter lines
will cause the bait to run to its maximum depth.
Cranking the bait down fast then slowing the retrieve will maintain the proper depth.
Key colors are a crawfish pattern, chrome with a blue or black back, white with green
back, chartreuse with blue or black backs and the shad colors.
Crankbaits can be used in timber, around boat docks and along riprap and rock walls.
When working a crank bait through timber or stumps and you come in contact with a hard
object, stop and let the bait float up, then start the retrieve again.
A lot of the
strikes will come when the bait stops and starts.
Try a slowly sweeping action with your rod to maintain the depth on a slow retrieve.
Sometimes the sweeping action is better that the stop and go action.
Crank baits are a good bait to locate fish
because you can cover a lot of water
in a hurry.
With some time and practice you will learn to fish crank baits over and through
standing timber and stumps and moss.
When you come in contact with an object
and the bait
feels stuck don’t jerk the rod and set the hook.
Drop slack and usually it will pop
loose.
A good lure retriever can
be a trip and money saver when
your favorite crank bait hangs up.
Tuning a crank bait.
If after several fish and snags your crank bait is not running as true as it did tune
it up.
Tie the plug on with an open loop
knot. When tied, let out some line and pull the plug through the water where you can
see it at different retrieving speeds.
You want it to run perfectly straight!
If it
turns on its right side, turn the clasp on the plug to the left.
If it runs left, turn the
clasp right.
A little does it.
You don't need to turn the clasp much to make the
adjustments.
Keep pulling the plug through the water and making adjustments.
Test your plugs after catching a fish or getting snagged, both of these things can make a
plug run out of line.
You'll hook more fish with a finely tuned crank bait.
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