| The crankbait lure is one of the most popular lure | | | | crankbaits; and will come through weeds much |
| choices for bass fishermen when a lure is needed | | | | easier without snagging. The lipless bait is a great |
| for catching bass on structure. Like most Bass | | | | choice for fishing in or over vegetation. When |
| lures they come in many different shapes, styles | | | | fishing over weeds, don't worry about getting the |
| and sizes; each designed for a particular fishing | | | | bait down in the weeds. This bait will draw the |
| situation or condition. | | | | bass up. I have seen bass come up from 20 ft |
| The first factor to consider when choosing a | | | | deep out of weeds to get this bait |
| crankbait is the depth at which the bass are | | | | The next thing you should consider is conditions. |
| located. Once you have determined the probable | | | | Weather conditions and water conditions are |
| depth of the fish, you will need to choose a | | | | everything in bass fishing. These factors control |
| crankbait that will dive to that depth. For example, | | | | everything that the bass does. Therefor should |
| If you expect the fish to be holding on structure | | | | control how and where you fish for them. |
| 10 ft deep, then you will need a bait that will dive | | | | Water color should dictate your choice when |
| to at least 10 ft. This situation will require a deep | | | | choosing your crankbait color. If the water is |
| diving crankbait. | | | | heavily stained or muddy, I will always start with |
| I typically want a bait that will dive deeper than | | | | bright or florescent colors such as chartreuse or |
| the actual depth of the fish. My reason for this is, | | | | even orange. If I'm in clear water, I start with |
| I want the bait to actually hit the bottom and kick | | | | more natural or shad colored crankbaits. Keep in |
| up silt and attract the attention of the fish. Or | | | | mind that this is only a starting point if I'm not |
| bounce of rocks, stumps or whatever cover the | | | | sure what the bass want. |
| bass are holding on. I always want my crankbait | | | | Always be willing to change and experiment with |
| to be in contact with something. This will trigger | | | | color and presentation. Let the bass tell you what |
| more strikes. | | | | they want; and never be afraid to change. |
| The second factor to consider is size of the | | | | Weather conditions also play a big part in my |
| crankbait. I like to try and match the size of the | | | | crankbait selection. For example if it's cold and |
| natural prey the bass are feeding on. If you see | | | | water temps are cold, I expect the fish to be |
| bait fish in the area take note of their size and | | | | less active and holding on deeper structure. In this |
| color try to match it with the size and color of | | | | situation I choose start with a deep diving lure. |
| your crankbait. | | | | One that I can get down to the fish with a slower |
| The third factor to consider when choosing a | | | | retrieve. Also if it's very hot I use the same |
| crankbait is, the type of structure or cover that | | | | approach. For more detailed info see Crankbait |
| you're fishing. The diving baits are generally a | | | | Basics |
| good choice on rock stumps or any type of | | | | Bass fishing is a game of variables. Always be |
| wood. | | | | ready and willing to experiment with different |
| If your fishing in, or over grass or some type of | | | | lures, colors and presentations. If what your doing |
| vegetation the lipless crankbait will be a much | | | | isn't working try something else until the bass tell |
| more efficient choice. The lipless bait has a much | | | | you what they want. But always keep in mind |
| tighter wobble and thinner profile than most diving | | | | that the crankbait is one of your choices.. |