Table of Contents
An Overview
Crankbaits are a popular type of fishing lure that are typically used to catch a variety of predatory fish species, such as bass, walleye, pike, musky, and trout. The design of the crankbait lure, which includes a hard plastic body and a lip that causes it to dive and wiggle through the water, makes it effective for attracting these types of fish that are often found in deeper water or along the edges of structures such as rocks, drop-offs, and weed beds. Different types of crankbaits are designed to mimic different types of prey, such as minnows, crawfish, or shad, depending on the target fish species and the conditions of the water.
Crankbait Styles
Crankbaits are one of the most versatile and effective types of fishing lures available to anglers. They come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique features and benefits. Choosing the right crankbait style can make a big difference in your fishing success, as different styles are better suited for different fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques. Understanding the different styles of crankbaits and when to use them can help you become a more successful and versatile angler, capable of adapting to changing fishing conditions and catching a wide variety of game fish. In this way, the importance of crankbait styles cannot be overstated, as they can greatly impact your fishing results and overall enjoyment of the sport.
| Lipless crankbaits: These lures have a thin, flat profile and no diving lip. They sink quickly and are often used for fishing in deep water or around vegetation. They produce a tight, wobbling action that can trigger strikes from fish. |
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| Squarebill crankbaits: These lures have a square-shaped diving lip and a wide, flat body. They are effective for fishing in shallow water and around cover, such as rocks and logs. They produce a tight, erratic action that can attract fish. |
 Floating Square Billed Wobbler (5.5cm)
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| Shallow diving crankbaits: These lures have a small diving lip and are designed to run at depths of up to 6 feet. They are effective for fishing in shallow water and around cover, such as weeds and rocks. They produce a tight, wobbling action that can trigger strikes from fish. |
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| Deep diving crankbaits: These lures have a large diving lip and are designed to run at depths of up to 20 feet or more. They are effective for fishing in deep water and around drop-offs and ledges. They produce a wide, sweeping action that can attract fish. |
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| Jointed crankbaits: These lures have a jointed body that produces a more realistic swimming motion in the water. They are effective for fishing in all types of water and can be used to target a variety of game fish. |
 Multi Section Crankbait (10.5cm)
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| Floating crankbaits: These lures float on the surface of the water and are often used for topwater fishing. They are effective for targeting aggressive fish and can produce explosive strikes. |
 Floating Round Billed Wobbler
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| Suspending crankbaits: These lures suspend in the water column and can be effective for targeting fish that are holding at specific depths. They are often used in clear water and around structure, such as docks and bridge pilings. The weight distribution system is what allows the lure to suspend in the water. This system typically consists of small lead weights or balls placed strategically inside the body of the lure to create a neutral buoyancy. |
Retrieval Methods
The retrieval technique used with a crankbait can be crucial to its effectiveness in catching fish. The way in which the crankbait is retrieved through the water can affect the lure's action, speed, depth, and sound, all of which can influence whether or not a fish is enticed to strike.
For example, a steady retrieve can be effective for covering a lot of water quickly and for creating a consistent swimming action that can attract fish from a distance. A stop-and-go retrieve can be effective for mimicking the behavior of wounded prey, which can entice predatory fish to strike. A twitch-and-pause retrieve can be effective for creating a more erratic and unpredictable action, which can be particularly effective in colder water or when fish are less active.
Steady Retrieval
Retrieval Steps
- Cast the crankbait to your desired target area, such as a weedline, drop-off, or other structure.
- Retrieve the lure at a steady speed, keeping the rod tip pointed down to feel any strikes or bumps on the lure.
- Pause briefly after retrieving the lure for a few seconds, allowing the lure to float or sink.
- Start retrieving the lure again at a steady speed, repeating the stop-and-go process.
- Vary the length of the pause and the speed of the retrieve to see what works best for the fish species and conditions.
- Keep your line taut and be prepared for a strike at any moment. When a fish strikes, set the hook firmly and begin reeling in the fish.
Stop-And-Go Retrieval
Retrieval Steps
- Cast the crankbait towards the desired location in the water.
- Begin retrieving the crankbait with a steady, slow retrieve.
- After a few seconds of retrieving, pause the crankbait for a few seconds to allow it to suspend in the water. This pause should be long enough to make the crankbait appear to be wounded or struggling in the water.
- After the pause, resume the retrieve with a few quick cranks of the reel handle, followed by another pause.
- Repeat this stop-and-go retrieve, alternating between periods of steady retrieve and brief pauses, until the crankbait has been retrieved back to the angler or until a fish strikes the lure.
Twitching Retrieval
Twitching retrieval is a popular technique for using crankbaits, especially when targeting bass and other predatory fish species. The twitching retrieve is characterized by a series of short, sharp jerks or twitches of the fishing rod, which causes the crankbait to dart and dance erratically through the water, mimicking the movements of a wounded baitfish.
The speed and frequency of the twitches can vary depending on the desired action of the crankbait and the behaviour of the target fish species. Some anglers prefer to twitch the rod tip quickly and aggressively, while others prefer a more subtle and slow twitching motion. The key is to vary the speed and frequency of the twitches to create a realistic and unpredictable action that mimics the movements of wounded prey.
In addition to the twitching motion of the rod tip, the angler can also add pauses to the retrieve by stopping the movement of the rod for a few seconds between twitches. This can make the crankbait look like it is dying or struggling in the water, which can trigger a predatory response in the target fish species.
Retrieval Steps
- Cast your crankbait into the water and let it sink to the desired depth.
- Begin retrieving the lure with a slow and steady retrieve, keeping the rod tip low to the water.
- After a few cranks of the reel, quickly snap the rod tip up and to the side, causing the crankbait to dart erratically to one side.
- Allow the lure to pause for a moment before repeating the motion, this time snapping the rod tip in the opposite direction to make the crankbait dart in the other direction.
- Continue this twitching motion, alternating the direction of the rod tip and the frequency of the twitches as needed to create an erratic, unpredictable action that mimics the movement of injured prey.
- It is important to keep an eye on the lure and be ready to set the hook as soon as you feel a strike, as fish are often triggered to strike
Ripping Retrieval
The Ripping Retrieval technique is a high-speed retrieval method that is often used when using a crankbait. This technique involves quickly winding in the slack line, and then pulling the rod sharply downwards to create a sudden burst of speed and action in the crankbait, followed by a momentary pause. This technique is particularly effective when the fish are aggressive and feeding on fast-moving prey, or when the water is turbid and visibility is limited.
The sudden burst of speed and action created by the Ripping Retrieval technique can trigger a predatory response in fish, causing them to strike the bait in an attempt to capture what they perceive as a fleeing prey. The momentary pause after each rip can also be effective at mimicking the behavior of injured or wounded prey, further enticing predatory fish to strike.
The Ripping Retrieval technique can be particularly effective when used with lipless crankbaits or other lures that have a tight wobbling action. This technique can be physically demanding and requires a good amount of strength and stamina, but can be an effective way to cover a lot of water quickly and to provoke strikes from aggressive fish.
Retrieval Steps
- Cast the crankbait lure out into the water and let it sink to the desired depth.
- Begin reeling the crankbait in with a steady retrieve until you feel the lure start to bump into rocks, weeds, or other underwater structures.
- Once the lure makes contact with an obstacle, quickly jerk your rod tip upwards and then let it fall back down towards the water, creating a sharp and sudden movement of the lure.
- After the lure falls back down, quickly reel in any slack line and repeat the jerking motion again, creating a series of quick and erratic movements.
- Continue this retrieve pattern for the desired distance or until you get a strike from a fish.
Crank-And-Pause Retrieval
Retrieval Steps
- Cast your crankbait to your desired target location.
- Begin cranking your reel to retrieve the lure. Depending on the depth you want to fish and the speed of the current or wind, you may need to adjust the speed of your retrieve to keep the lure at the desired depth and create the desired action.
- After a few cranks of the reel, pause the retrieve by letting the lure suspend in the water column. The length of the pause will depend on the behavior of the fish and the conditions of the water, but a good starting point is 2-3 seconds.
- After the pause, repeat the cranking motion to create the desired action and retrieve the lure.
- Continue this cycle of cranking and pausing throughout your retrieve until the lure is back to the boat or shore.