How To Fish A Crankbait? Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Are you a beginner in fishing and looking for tips on how to fish a crankbait? Crankbait is a versatile artificial lure that imitates the movement of prey, making it an excellent choice for anglers targeting various species of fish. It can be challenging to master this technique, but with practice and following some essential tips and tricks, you can improve your chances of catching more fish.

In this article, we have compiled a list of valuable advice that will help you learn how to fish a crankbait effectively. From selecting the right type of bait to choosing the appropriate rod and reel combo, we cover everything you need to know to get started. We also provide information on different techniques you can try while using a crankbait and share insights into common mistakes beginners make when fishing with this lure.

“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.” -Herbert Hoover

Keep reading for useful tips and tricks that will increase your chances of landing a trophy fish. No matter your experience level, there’s always something new to learn about fishing with a crankbait!

Understanding the Basics of Crankbait Fishing

Crankbait fishing is a popular angling technique that involves using an artificial lure to attract fish. This type of fishing has gained popularity due to its effectiveness and versatility. With so many different types of crankbaits available, it can be overwhelming for new anglers to choose the right one. In this article, we will discuss the basics of how to fish a crankbait.

What is Crankbait Fishing?

Crankbait fishing is a technique used by anglers to entice fish such as bass, pike, walleye, and trout to bite. It uses specialized lures or “crankbaits” that create realistic swimming actions, imitate baitfish in distress, or produce vibrations to catch the attention of predatory fish. The lures are designed with treble hooks attached at the bottom to snag the fish as they bite.

Why is Crankbait Fishing Effective?

Crankbait fishing is effective because it allows anglers to cover a large area of water quickly and effectively compared to other techniques like fly fishing or jigging. The various designs and sizes of crankbaits enable anglers to target specific depths and structures where fish may be congregating. Additionally, the realistic movements created by the lure can trick even the most wary fish into biting.

The Different Types of Crankbaits

• Shallow-Diving Crankbaits: These baits dive to around 5-10 feet and work well in shallow waters or when fishing near the surface of a lake or river.
• Mid-Diving Crankbaits: These baits dive between 10-15 feet and work well for targeting fish in deeper water or when fishing around submerged structures.
• Deep-Diving Crankbaits: These baits can dive up to 20 feet and are useful for catching larger predatory fish like musky or lake trout.
• Lipless Crankbaits: These lures do not have a diving lip and sink quickly. They work well for fishing in deep waters or vertically jigging near structure.

The Anatomy of a Crankbait

A crankbait consists of several components that work together to create the desired action and vibration needed to attract fish:

• Diving Lip: A key component that determines how deep the lure dives, as its design affects the movement through the water column.
• Body: Can be made from plastic, wood, or metal, and is designed to mimic baitfish by producing realistic swimming actions.
• Treble Hooks: Typically three hooks attached at the bottom to maximize hookups once a fish strikes the lure.
• Rattle Chamber: In some models, there is a small chamber filled with steel balls that produce rattling noises to catch the attention of nearby fish.

“Crankbait lures can be extremely productive baits if you know what to look for. Match the correct troll speed and size, and vary retrieval speeds until you figure out what will trigger your fish.” -Bassmaster.com

To effectively use a crankbait, an angler should first identify where the fish may be holding based on changes in depth, temperature, and underwater structures. The proper choice of crankbait depends on these factors as well as the time of year, weather conditions, and target species. Once a suitable crankbait is selected, an angler should use the right technique to present the lure in a realistic manner. This involves casting near cover or structure and reeling the bait back with regular or erratic movements to imitate the movement of prey.

Understanding how to fish with crankbaits can significantly improve an angler’s chances of catching fish. By choosing the right type of lure and using proper presentation techniques, anglers can entice even the most reluctant fish into biting. With practice and patience, anyone can master this popular fishing technique.

Selecting the Right Crankbait for Your Fishing Needs

If you want to catch big fish, then selecting the right crankbait is a must. A good crankbait can make all the difference in your fishing success. With so many different types of crankbaits available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one.

The Importance of Matching the Hatch

Matching the hatch refers to selecting a lure that looks like the natural prey that fish are feeding on in the area. Many anglers overlook this crucial step when choosing their lures. However, if you accurately match the hatch, it greatly increases your chances of successfully catching fish.

Crankbaits come in various shapes and sizes and imitate different types of prey, such as crawfish, shad, minnows or baitfish. For example, if bass is feeding on small baitfish, then using a small-sized crankbait with a silver finish will give you the best chance of catching them. On the other hand, if they are devouring crayfish, the best option would be a crankbait designed to look like a crawdad.

By matching the hatch, you’re essentially tricking the fish into thinking that its prey has wandered near it, making it an easy target. So, before heading out to fish, research what kind of baitfish or prey are present in the area and select your crankbait accordingly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crankbait

• Lure Type: There are two primary types of crankbaits – lipless and lipped. The lips create different actions in the water and affect the depth at which a bait runs through the water column.
• Diving Depth: Different crankbaits dive to different depths depending on their design, lip shape, and line tension. Make sure you select the appropriate diving depth based on where fish are feeding.
• Buoyancy: Crankbaits can float, suspend or sink, which means that they will behave differently in the water. Pay attention to which one you choose and how it affects your lure’s movement.
• Lure Color: The color of your crankbait is as important as its design type when selecting a bait. You should attempt to select a pattern that closely resembles what prey is naturally present in the area.
• Rattle or Silent: Crankbaits can either have rattles inside them as some bass like a noisier approach to the lure while others prefer silent lures without any noise at all. So, if using a noisy crankbait doesn’t work, consider switching to a quieter option.

Making an informed decision about these factors mentioned above can significantly increase your chances of catching big fish with crankbaits. Keep experimenting until you figure out what works best for the conditions you’re fishing under.

“Fishing is much more than fish. It’s the great outdoors, it’s fresh air and sunshine, and it teaches patience.” – Unknown

The Best Time and Place to Fish with Crankbaits

If you’re wondering how to fish a crankbait, it’s important to understand the best time and place to use them. Here are some tips for using crankbaits effectively:

Seasonal Considerations

The season has a significant impact on when and where you should use crankbaits. During the spring months, as water temperature increases, bass will frequently move from deeper areas into shallow water in search of food. This makes it an excellent time to use diving crankbaits that dive down deep enough to attract fish.

In the summer, when water temperatures can get hot, consider fishing during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. You may also want to use lipless crankbaits which create vibration and sound underwater, attracting fish that may otherwise be lethargic due to high temperatures.

Fall is another great time to use crankbaits. As the weather cools and the water temperature drops, fish become more active and start feeding aggressively before winter sets in. Try using square-billed crankbaits around rock piles or near drop-offs during this period.

Types of Water to Fish in

One crucial consideration when deciding where to fish with crankbaits is choosing the right type of water. Generally, slower-moving waters tend to be preferred over faster ones when using crankbaits.

Lakes, ponds, and rivers with large eddies, backwaters, and other slow-moving sections are ideal spots to try your luck with crankbaits. Don’t forget about cover, too – submerged rocks, weed beds, and logs can all provide perfect locations for crankbait fishing.

Identifying the Best Structures and Cover

Along with identifying appropriate types of water, it’s also important to identify the right structures and cover to target with your crankbaits. Some specific areas you may want to focus on include:

• Weed beds: Bass love weed beds since they offer cover and a source of food.
• Docks, Piers: Fish often shelter in these locations, making them an excellent spot for using diving crankbaits.
• Trenches, Drop-offs: Look for places where the lake floor drops off sharply or long shelves create pockets that can serve as ambush points for fish.
• River Currents: The current attracts baitfish, and bass will frequently hang out behind rocks or other obstructions to wait for their prey to come within range.

“Crankbaits are incredibly versatile and work well in a variety of situations, but understanding the best time and place to use them is crucial for success.” -Mark Zona

When considering how to fish a crankbait effectively, timing and location are key. Pay attention to seasonal patterns and changes in water temperature, and look for suitable bodies of water and underwater structures to improve your chances of catching fish.

Mastering the Right Technique for Crankbait Retrieval

Crankbaits have been one of the most versatile and effective lures used in fishing, providing anglers with numerous variations to suit different types of fish. By mastering the right techniques for crankbait retrieval, you can significantly improve your chances of hooking the big ones that inhabit the waters.

The Basic Retrieve Techniques

Retrieving a crankbait is relatively easy and straightforward but employing it with different techniques could be the key to getting a strike. One basic technique is a steady retrieve where the lure moves uniformly throughout the water column. You should start slow and adjust your speed depending on the conditions.

Another common technique is a stop-and-go retrieve, which involves retrieving the lure quickly then pausing to let it sink before pulling again. This method works well when fishing in shallower water or areas with cover like weeds or rocks.

“The biggest misconception is that people only use one pattern—just cracking and winding” – Casey Ashley

You could also try varying between these retrieves according to what the fish seem to want or based on the weather or environmental factors such as water temperature and light intensity.

Varying Retrieve Speed and Cadence

Changing up the speed at which you retrieve can trigger strikes from active fish. A faster retrieve will usually attract more aggressive fish while a slower presentation would appeal to those less active.

The cadence of your retrieve may also make a difference. Try mixing up the rhythm in which you pause, pull, and reel in keeping in mind that fishing pressure could influence a fish’s preference!

“Varying my retrieve has saved me many days.” – Kevin VanDam

Using Rod and Line to Control Depth

The depth at which you fish your crankbaits can be critical in determining the success of your outing. By modifying the angle, you cast your lure or adjusting your line’s presentation, you can control the fishing depths that correlate with water currents.

Along with the retrieve style used, it’s essential to match the right rod and reel combo to get the best out of them. A sensitive rod will allow anglers to feel every bump and collision while maintaining ample power to drive a hook home on the bite!

Crankbait Fishing Tips and Tricks

• Use realistic baitfish patterns to mimic the natural prey of the target species.
• Focus around deep weed edges and downed trees—prime feeding sites for predator fish.
• Experiment with different sizes and shapes of baits to match the hatch and adjust to weather conditions.

“You’re going to lose some lures fishing around cover; you just have to understand this.” – Rick Clunn

When fishing near structure, make sure your equipment is strong enough to pull out any hooked fish successfully. As always, remain patient, and don’t hesitate to try new techniques until you start triggering bites consistently!

With these guidelines in mind, you’ll undoubtedly improve your skills as an angler. Remember that becoming successful requires time and patience to refine your technique for different scenarios!.

How to Keep Your Crankbaits in Optimal Condition

Proper Storage and Maintenance

Crankbaits, like any fishing equipment, must be properly stored and maintained. This prevents rusting, corrosion, chipping of paint, damage to hooks and splits in the lips of the lure. Proper storage includes keeping crankbaits separate from each other to avoid tangling and also storing them in a dry place where moisture won’t build up.

To clean your crankbait, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with soap and warm water or an all-purpose cleaner. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as it can damage the finish and remove the color of the bait. After cleaning, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water and dry it completely before storing.

Inspecting your crankbaits regularly is essential for maintenance. Check the hooks, split rings, the bill or lip of the lure, and the body itself for any damage that may impact its performance. Replace any damaged parts immediately because these defects can prevent your crankbait from functioning correctly and catching fish effectively.

Replacing Damaged Components

A single defective component on your crankbait can make it useless. The most common issues revolve around the hooks, split rings, and lips/bill of the bait. Replacing these parts can bring your lure back to life and save you money as well.

If your hook becomes rusted or dull, change it according to its original size and shape. Use pliers to open the split ring carefully. If you’re having trouble, use a pair of small needle-nosed pliers and twist gently until it opens. Remove the old hook by moving it through the opening and inserting a new one once removed. Use forceps or needle-nose pliers to close the split ring’s opening securely.

If your lip or bill has snapped off, it’s crucial to replace it as a broken lip will significantly affect the lure’s performance. You can usually find replacement lips online or at fishing tackle stores. To remove the damaged lip, use a pair of pliers to gently and carefully twist it until it falls off. Once removed, attach the new lip using super glue and allow it to dry completely before resuming your fishing activities.

Replacing an entire crankbait body may be needed if you cannot repair chipping paint or cracks on its surface. If that is the case, select one with the same built, size and have similar diving properties to ensure both lures behave similarly in the water.

“It’s important to maintain our fishing equipment regularly to prevent damage from happening while we’re out there. Don’t forget to take care of them so they’ll last for many years.” -John Jameson, Legendary Fisherman

Keeping your crankbaits in optimal condition means being vigilant about their storage, maintenance, and being ready to repair and replace components as necessary. With the right care and attention to detail, your crankbaits can continue catching fish effectively for years, making your trips to the river or lake satisfying and fulfilling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fishing with Crankbaits

If you’re new to fishing or have been for years, it’s crucial to understand the common mistakes many anglers make when they start fishing with crankbaits. These can prevent you from having a successful catch and ultimately lead to frustration on your end.

Overlooking Water Conditions

One mistake that rookies or even experienced anglers tend to do is overlooking the water conditions before casting their line in the hopes of catching fish with crankbaits. It may seem like a minor consideration, but understanding the water temperature, clarity, and depth are critical elements that influence how effective these lures will be.

The water temperature dictates where the fish will swim and the level of energy they’ll exert in looking for food. If the water is warm, the fish could move faster and look for larger prey while cooler water means the opposite, so changing your bait’s speed is vital. Cast your lure in deep areas if the water has low clarity since fish tend to dwell there during daytime. In contrast, clear water means you could try the shallow parts as the sunlight shining down allows the fishes’ vision to enhance, making it easier for them to see in bright light.

“A lot of times guys get frustrated because they don’t put the time into learning the nuances”-Chip Leer

Not Changing Retrieve Techniques

Fishing with crankbait isn’t just about using one technique repeatedly and hoping that you’d eventually hit the jackpot. One of the biggest errors rookies commit is sticking to only one form of retrieval all day long. They forget that changing up your retrieve method wakes up the curiosity in the fish and keeps triggers feeding responses more often.

Some of the varieties include stop-and-go twitching, running the crankbait deep to suspend vibrations on high pressure days, and allowing it to float slightly before retrieving. A big part of lure selection is about finding what works best for a particular body of water.

“It’s not as simple as tying something on the end of your line and chucking it out there.”-Mark Menendez

Using the Wrong Crankbait for the Situation

Picking the correct bait isn’t always easy either since there are so many options available in the market. Understanding which ones to use can be confusing, but ultimately it’s down to experience trial and error. The common mistake that newcomers make is using lures that don’t fit their fishing style or the seasonal environment they’re fishing in.

For instance, shallow-diving crankbaits work well when you’re terrains full of weeds or rocks where fish like bass like to feed. Diving deeper with crawfish or shad patterns ramp up strikes from predators such as northern pike or musky hiding amongst wood or rocky areas. You might think you have the best vibration-packed model drifting across sandy flats, but if the pattern doesn’t mirror natural baitfish in the region, you’ll come back empty-handed.

“You really need to understand how to manipulate different styles of baits when situations change throughout the day”. -Peter Manning

While mistakes happen no matter how experienced or skilled an angler may be, it’s crucial to acknowledge them and improve on these errors to keep evolving one’s craft at detecting whether hunting should remain basic pounding pavement or entice by painting intricate knockoffs.

Frequently Asked Questions