Y’know, when it comes to catchin’ bass, there ain’t nothin’ like a good ol’ crankbait. Now, don’t let the fancy name fool ya, it’s just a type of lure what you use to trick them bass into bitin’. I’ve seen folks out on the lake throwin’ these things out, and next thing you know, they’re reelin’ in bass left and right. But like anything, ya gotta know the right one to use, and how to use it, or else you might as well be throwin’ rocks in the water!
What’s a Top Bass Crankbait?
Now, a crankbait is just a lure that you reel in with a little jerkin’ motion to make it look like somethin’ a bass would wanna eat. It’s got a hard body, usually with a lip on the front, that helps it dive down into the water. Some of them dive deep, and others stay up near the surface. If you want to catch them bass down deeper, you need a deep-divin’ crankbait, somethin’ that goes around 12 to 20 feet deep. Them deep ones are perfect for bouncin’ off the bottom, or even skippin’ over submerged rocks or logs where bass like to hide.
Choosing the Right Crankbait for Bass
When it comes to pickin’ the best crankbaits for bass, you gotta look at a few things. First off, how deep’s the water you’re fishin’? If it’s a shallow spot, you might want somethin’ like a squarebill crankbait. Them ones don’t dive too deep, but they sure get the bass’s attention. On the other hand, if you’re fishin’ in deeper waters, ya might want to try one of them long-bodied, deep-divin’ crankbaits like the 6th Sense Crush or Strike King 8XD. Them things go deep, real deep, and are great for pullin’ in big bass from the bottom.
When to Use Different Crankbaits
- Shallow water crankbaits: These are perfect for when the bass are hangin’ out closer to the surface. You’ll want to use these in rivers, lakes, or reservoirs where the water ain’t too deep. These crankbaits are usually smaller and have a tighter wiggle to get that bass’s attention.
- Deep diving crankbaits: If you’re fishin’ in deeper waters, or in places where the bass like to stay on the bottom, these deep-divers like the Strike King 8XD or the Lucky Strike Freak are just the ticket. These can reach depths of 15-20 feet, where big bass like to lurk.
- Medium diving crankbaits: If you’re fishin’ somewhere in between, a medium diving crankbait might be your best bet. It can handle waters anywhere from 6 to 12 feet deep, where the bass may be sittin’ in the middle of the water column.
Why Crankbaits Work So Well for Bass
Now, let me tell ya somethin’—bass are smart fish, and they won’t bite just anything. But crankbaits, they mimic the movement of injured fish or other critters bass love to eat. When you throw that crankbait in the water and reel it back in with a little jerk, it looks just like a helpless fish tryin’ to swim away. Bass can’t resist that, especially if they’re hungry! They’ll chase after it, and before you know it, they’ve got it in their mouth.
The Right Color Makes a Big Difference
You ever notice how sometimes you can throw in the same lure but not catch a thing, and then another time, it’s like they’re just jumpin’ in the boat? Well, color can play a big role in that. In murky water, you’ll want a crankbait that’s bright, like chartreuse or orange. In clear water, a more natural color like silver or shad can do the trick. Bass are a bit picky about colors, but once ya find what they like, it’s like a switch flips!
Best Crankbaits for Bass
If you’re lookin’ to get the best crankbaits for bass, here’s a few that folks swear by:
- Strike King 8XD: This one dives deep, perfect for catchin’ bass that hang out in the deeper parts of the lake. It’s got a good wiggle and a strong profile, so the bass can’t miss it.
- 6th Sense Crush: Another deep-diver that works wonders when you need to get down to the bottom. This one’s got a wide wobble that bass seem to love.
- Lucky Strike Freak: If you’re lookin’ for a crankbait that gets a lot of attention, this is it. It’s got a unique shape and color patterns that bass can’t resist.
- Berkley Frittside Crankbait: This one’s a classic, and it’s been helpin’ folks catch bass for years. It’s got a real nice wobble, and it works in all sorts of water conditions.
Tips for Using Crankbaits
- Vary your retrieve speed: Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race. Other times, you’ll need to reel in fast to get the bass to strike. Experiment with different speeds.
- Use the right rod: A medium or medium-heavy rod works best for crankbaits. You need something that gives ya a little bit of flex to get the perfect action out of the bait.
- Watch the water temperature: Bass act different depending on the water temp. In cold water, they’re slower, so you might need a slower retrieve. In warmer water, they’re more active, so you can speed things up a bit.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks. Crankbaits are a powerful tool in any bass fisherman’s tackle box. Whether you’re fishin’ shallow, deep, or somewhere in between, there’s a crankbait out there that’ll get the job done. Just remember to pick the right one for the job, and don’t forget to mix up your retrieve. With a little practice, you’ll be reelin’ in bass like a pro in no time!
Tags:[Bass Crankbaits, Deep Diving Crankbaits, Best Crankbaits for Bass, Bass Fishing Lures, Fishing Crankbaits, Strike King 8XD, Lucky Strike Freak, Berkley Frittside Crankbait, Bass Fishing Techniques]