Crankbaits are fun and easy lures to fish. They come in various shapes, colors, and sizes and are loved because you can catch just about any species with them. Also, they’re super easy for beginners. All you have to do is select the right depth offering, tie it on, cast out, and let the fishing begin.
Certainly, that’s not all you need to know to get started; that’s why this guide has several efficient tips that will save the day when simply chucking and reeling aren’t enough for the job. So, let’s get started!
Choose the right depth lure
This one is quite obvious. Most people select a crankbait to match the depth they’re going to fish. This works well if the bass is in an aggressive mood, but if the quarry is in a funk, you might want to try this trick – choose a crankbait that will run deeper than the water you’re fishing. For instance, if the water is 8 feet deep, buy a plug designed to go at least 15 feet deep.
Another tip is to reel really fast and steadily until you hit rocks. Then run the bait back in a stop-and-go, reel a few turns, pause, reel another turn, and stop again.
Also, time of the year has more to do with lure selection than anything else. For example, when water reaches 52 to 55 degrees during the springs, medium diving crankbaits with crayfish patterns are best. Similarly, you will get more success with medium divers, shallow-diving squarebills, and deep-running crankbaits during the fall.
Lastly, consider the water where you’re fishing; for instance, round crankbaits work best in muddy water to create more vibration.
Pause and wait
You might find retrieving a crankbait to be very simple. Yet, many novices commit the usual mistake of chunking and winding it. This is one of the most efficient tips you can use while fishing crankbaits. Many anglers pause for a short time during their retrieves, but you can try this tip instead. Stop reeling and allow the lure to come all the way back to the surface slowly. This trick also works pretty well with the suspending baits.
The key to a successful fishing day with a crankbait is to know where your fish are and what exactly they want. Then, every time you move your rod, change the way you’re winding or your retrieve speed.
Modify your crankbait to match the forage
And this trick comes from really experienced anglers. Modify the color and pattern of the crankbait to match the forage. You can paint it in the same pattern like shad (black back and pearl sides, green-and-pearl, blue-and-pearl), minnows, bluegills, or crayfish (brown back and brownish-gold sides, and a variety of reds).
However, if the water is muddy, go for bright colors such as orange, red, or fire tiger. You can also make numerous small dots to match the scaling pattern.
Add a trailer
If the progress is slow, try putting a small plastic twister tail or strip of pork rind to the rear treble hook. This will provide the lure with a different look fish may have seen. It especially works with stripers and walleyes.
Skit the bait
Try skipping and pitching crankbaits fast back under the boat docs. Though it will break a few lures, this works wonders to trigger fish into striking. You can also bend the eyelet of the lure to one side using pliers to get it to run towards the pilings and knock against them.
Answering the Most Commonly Asked Questions
Which color of crankbait is best?
To be successful at fishing with crankbaits, you have to choose the right color. As you’ve read above, choosing a color that resembles a real baitfish is the best. Also, remember that the bait fishes change in locations or seasons, so you will need to change the crankbait color. Finally, it’s best to have multiple color options by your side.
How to fish using a lipless crankbait?
As the name suggests, lipless crankbaits don’t have lips. To fish lipless crankbaits, you will have to cast them to the desired spot and let them sink to the desired spot or start working on the surface. Another tip is to try fluttering and ripping to create maximum vibrations. For this, you will have to sweep the rod fast and then reel the slack again while you return it into the initial position. Keep repeating the process again and again.
How to fish with a crankbait from shore?
A lot of anglers prefer fishing on boats, but you can do it from the shore too. You can also use your lipless crankbait for this purpose. It’s because you’ll cover a bit less water surface from the shore because of the obstacles present there.
In that situation, you can control the depth by using lipless crankbaits. If you’re a beginner, try longer rods and avoid going in weeds. However, more experienced anglers can get their way with medium diving crankbaits.
How fast should you reel with a crankbait?
Learning how to reel correctly, especially at what speed, is crucial for fishing with crankbaits. Beginners often make mistakes by going too fast or too slow. For example, suppose you’re going for a straight retrieve. In that case, you can go really fast, locate the fish and adjust the technique accordingly.
While making pauses in areas fish could hide, you can reel both slow and fast but not as fast as you would in a straight retrieve.
However, while fishing in deep waters, try the up and down technique. But remember, this is the slowest technique of all. So avoid one thing at all costs – fishing too quickly.
Final Words
Now you know the 5 most effective tips to fish with a crankbait. However, you will need a lot of practice, patience, and time to be really good at it. Try these tips coming from experienced anglers to get successful on fishing days. Also, remember one serious tip, keep your movements as natural as possible as the lures should resemble real baitfish.
Fishing done. What’s next, hunting? Know efficient ways to plan for a successful harvest and about the must-have hunting gear in your backpack. Have more questions about hunting? We’ve got you covered. Click here to make your next hunting plan a super success.
