Y’know, when it comes to catchin’ bass, you can’t go wrong with a good crankbait. I reckon a lot of folks out there don’t really know what makes a good crankbait, but I’m here to tell ya. If you want to catch some good ol’ bass, you gotta make sure you got the right one, and it ain’t just about any ol’ bait that floats your way. No, sir, there’s a few things to keep in mind when pickin’ a crankbait for bass fishing.
What Is A Crankbait?
Now, first thing’s first, let me tell ya what a crankbait even is. A crankbait is a type of fishing lure that has a hard body and a lip at the front. That lip makes the bait dive into the water when you reel it in. Some crankbaits dive deep, others stay up top, but all of ’em are made to wiggle and shake, just like a little fish. That’s what gets the bass to bite – they think it’s an easy meal!
Different Types Of Crankbaits
Not all crankbaits are the same, though. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you gotta pick the right one for where and how you fish. Let me break it down for ya.
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits: These ones are perfect for when you’re fishin’ in water that’s not too deep. You know, 3 to 5 feet deep or so. They don’t go too far under the water, but they wiggle around nice, and the bass love ‘em. These baits are good for fishin’ around rocks, weeds, or the edges of ponds and lakes.
- Deep Diving Crankbaits: If you’re lookin’ to catch bass deeper down, say around 12 to 20 feet, then you’ll need a deep diving crankbait. These babies go down deep and really get close to the bottom where them bass like to hang out. You’ll find these good for fishin’ around structures like submerged trees, ledges, or drop-offs.
- Squarebill Crankbaits: Now, these ones are a bit different. The lip on a squarebill crankbait is more square than rounded, and that makes it bounce off cover better. These are great when you’re fishin’ in heavy cover or around stumps and rocks. They’re real good for gettin’ bass to come out from where they’re hidin’.
- Lipless Crankbaits: No lip on these ones! They still wiggle around like the others, but they don’t dive deep. These are perfect when you’re fishin’ in shallow waters or when you want to cover a lot of ground. You can fish ‘em fast and still get some good action.
How To Use Crankbaits
Alright, now that you know what types of crankbaits there are, let me tell ya how to use ‘em. It ain’t just about throwin’ it in the water and reelin’ it in. Nah, you gotta put a little effort into it.
- Slow And Steady: Some days the bass are slow. You don’t need to reel too fast. Just let that crankbait do its work. Let it wiggle nice and slow, and those bass will come after it.
- Fast And Furious: Other days, the bass are real hungry and movin’ fast. You can reel that crankbait in quicker, let it dart around like it’s tryin’ to get away from a predator. Bass don’t like to miss an easy meal!
- Change It Up: Don’t be afraid to try different colors or depths. Sometimes the bass like a bright one, other times they want somethin’ more natural. If one bait ain’t workin’, switch it out until you find what they like that day.
Best Crankbaits For Bass
Now, I ain’t sayin’ I know it all, but I’ve been fishin’ long enough to know what works. Here’s a few crankbaits that I think will get you a good catch.
- Rapala Shad Rap: This one’s been around for a long time, and for good reason. It’s got that nice, lifelike movement, and bass just can’t resist it. It’s great for shallow water, and you can use it just about anywhere.
- Strike King Square Bill: If you’re fishin’ in some thick cover, this one’s a must-have. It bounces off the rocks and wood, and it gets right in the bass’ face.
- Booyah Streak IV: This deep-diver’s perfect if you’re fishin’ in deep water. It’s got that nice, foam-injected body, and it sinks deep, perfect for gettin’ them bass down low.
- Berkley Bad Shad: A real classic, this one’s great for mimicking a shad, which is a bass’s favorite snack. It swims naturally and is good for clear water.
When To Fish With Crankbaits
Now, you might wonder, “When’s the best time to use crankbaits?” Well, truth be told, you can fish with crankbaits year-round. But there’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Spring: This is the time when the bass are movin’ up shallow to spawn. They’re hungry, so a crankbait that runs shallow works best here.
- Summer: As the water warms up, bass tend to move deeper. You’ll need a deep-diving crankbait to get to ‘em.
- Fall: As the water cools down, bass start to feed up for the winter. Crankbaits in shallower waters can work well again.
- Winter: Bass slow down in the winter, so you’ll need to slow down your reeling. Use a crankbait that dives deep, and fish it slow.
Conclusion
Well, I reckon that about sums it up! When you head out there with your crankbaits, make sure you’ve got the right one for the job. Bass love crankbaits because they look like a tasty snack, and you can catch ‘em all year long if you know how to use ‘em. Just remember, don’t rush it – let that crankbait do its thing, and soon enough, you’ll be pullin’ in some big ol’ bass!
Tags：[crankbaits for bass, best crankbaits, fishing for bass, deep diving crankbaits, shallow crankbaits, squarebill crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, bass fishing tips]
