Crankbaits are one of the most effective and versatile tools in a fisherman’s arsenal. Designed to mimic the movement of baitfish, they attract a wide variety of predatory species in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, understanding the proper techniques for using crankbaits can significantly improve your fishing success.

This guide on how to use crankbaits will cover everything you need to know about choosing, using, and optimizing crankbaits to catch more fish.

What is a Crankbait? 

A crankbait is a type of fishing lure designed to imitate small prey fish or aquatic creatures. These lures are typically made from plastic or wood and feature a hard body with a lip or bill at the front, which determines how deep the crankbait dives when retrieved. Crankbaits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing anglers to target specific species or conditions.

The action of a crankbait mimics the erratic swimming patterns of injured prey, making it an irresistible target for predatory fish like bass, pike, and walleye.

Why Use Crankbaits?

Crankbaits are a popular choice among anglers for several reasons. They can cover water quickly and efficiently, increasing the chances of finding and catching fish. Additionally, crankbaits have a wide range of applications and can be used in various depths, speeds, and retrieves to target different species. Moreover, they come in a variety of sizes and colors, making them effective in all types of water conditions.

It’s also worth noting that crankbaits are relatively easy to use and require minimal skill or experience, making them a great choice for beginners. With the right technique and presentation, even novice anglers can catch fish using crankbaits.

Needed Materials

To use crankbaits effectively, you’ll need basic fishing gear, including a rod and reel, fishing line, and appropriate terminal tackle. However, there are some specific items that can enhance your experience and improve your chances of success when using crankbaits:

Crankbaits:

As mentioned earlier, crankbaits come in various sizes and shapes for different applications, so make sure to have a range of styles in your tackle box. It’s essential to match the crankbait’s size and color to the prey fish in the water you’re fishing.

Fishing Line:

The type of fishing line used can greatly affect the performance of crankbaits. Monofilament or fluorocarbon lines are commonly used with crankbaits due to their stretch and sensitivity, which allows for better control and feel while retrieving.

Rod and Reel:

When it comes to selecting a rod and reel for crankbait fishing, there are a few crucial factors to consider. A medium-fast or fast-action rod with moderate power is ideal for casting and retrieving crankbaits. Additionally, choose a reel with a high gear ratio (6:1 or higher) for faster retrieval.

Terminal Tackle:

To attach the crankbait to your line, you’ll need some essential terminal tackle, such as split rings, snap swivels, and treble hooks. Make sure to use appropriate size and strength according to the size of your crankbait.

7 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Use Crankbaits

Step 1: Choose the Right Crankbait 

Selecting the right crankbait is crucial to your success on the water. Start by considering the type of water you’ll be fishing in—clear, stained, or murky—as this will determine the color of the crankbait you should use. For clear water, natural colors like silver, gray, or light green are effective, while brightly colored crankbaits like chartreuse or orange work best in murky or stained water. Additionally, choose the size and shape of the crankbait to match the prey fish in the area.

If small baitfish are the primary food source, opt for a smaller crankbait, while larger crankbaits are better suited for bigger predators or deep waters. Finally, pay attention to the depth you plan to fish, as the crankbait’s lip design determines how deep it dives. With the right crankbait in hand, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Locate the Fish 

Finding where the fish are is a critical step that ensures your efforts with a crankbait are well-directed. Start by studying the body of water you’re fishing in and identifying potential fish-holding areas. Look for structures such as submerged logs, rock piles, drop-offs, and weed lines, as these are common areas where predatory fish hide and hunt.

Utilize tools like fish finders or depth maps to pinpoint underwater features and locate schools of baitfish, which often attract larger predators. Also, take into account the time of day, weather conditions, and water temperature, as these factors can influence fish behavior and their location. Once you’ve identified a promising spot, you’ll be ready to cast your crankbait with precision.

Step 3: Cast and Retrieve

To make a cast with your crankbait, hold it in your dominant hand and use your opposite hand to open the bail or release the line from the spool. Swing your rod back, then quickly bring it forward while releasing the line at the right moment to launch the crankbait toward your target spot. Once it hits the water, close the bail or engage the reel, keeping a slight tension on the line.

To retrieve your crankbait effectively, start by reeling slowly and steadily to mimic a baitfish’s natural movement. You can also vary your retrieval speeds and patterns using techniques like “stop-and-go” or “twitching” to add more action and make your crankbait look like a struggling prey fish. Keep an eye on your line for any changes in tension or resistance, which could indicate a fish has taken the bait.

Step 4: Experiment with Retrieval Depths

One of the advantages of crankbaits is their ability to target different depths depending on their lip design and retrieve speed. You can experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to control the depth at which your crankbait swims. For shallow water, use a fast retrieve to keep the crankbait near the surface, while a slower retrieve will allow it to dive deeper.

If you’re fishing in deeper waters, consider using a crankbait with a larger lip or adding weights to your line to achieve the desired depth. Varying your retrieval depths can help you cover more water and increase your chances of attracting fish.

Step 5: Make Contact with Structure

As mentioned earlier, predatory fish often hide and hunt near underwater structures, making them prime spots for using crankbaits. When retrieving your crankbait, try to make contact with any structure in the area, such as rocks or logs, by bumping or deflecting the lure off it. This movement can trigger an instinctive response from predators who see it as an easy meal.

However, be sure not to get snagged or hooked on the structure, as this can result in lost lures and frustrating tangles. By making contact with the structure without getting snagged, you increase your chances of catching fish while also adding more action to your crankbait.

Step 6: Adjust for Different Conditions

Fishing conditions can change throughout the day, so it’s essential to adjust your crankbait tactics accordingly. For example, if the water becomes choppy or cloudy due to wind or rain, consider using a brighter-colored crankbait or increasing the retrieval speed to make it more visible. In contrast, on calm days or in clear waters, switch to natural colors and slow down your retrieve for a more subtle approach.

Additionally, if you’re not getting any bites, try changing the size or shape of your crankbait and experimenting with different retrieval techniques until you find what works. Being adaptable and willing to make adjustments can improve your chances of success with crankbaits.

Step 7: Be Patient and Persistent

Like any fishing technique, using crankbaits requires patience and persistence. It may take some time to locate fish or figure out the most effective retrieval technique for a specific body of water. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch anything right away; instead, stay focused and keep trying new approaches.

Also, remember that predatory fish are attracted to movement, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different speeds and patterns until you find the right one. With practice and determination, you’ll become more skilled at using crank baits and increase your chances of catching that elusive trophy fish. So don’t give up; keep casting, and enjoy the thrill of reeling in a fish with a well-chosen and expertly presented crankbait. 

Following these steps on how to use crankbaits will help you become a more successful crankbait angler, but keep in mind that fishing is an ever-evolving sport. There are always new techniques and tactics to learn, and every body of water presents its unique challenges. So continue learning and experimenting with your crankbaits, and who knows, you might even discover your own secret technique that consistently catches fish. Happy fishing! 

Additional Tips

• Don’t be afraid to try different types of crankbaits such as lipless or jointed models, to see what works best for the conditions.
• Pay attention to the water temperature, as fish tend to be more active in warmer water.
• If fishing in areas with heavy cover, consider using weedless crankbaits to prevent snags.
• Use a quality rod and reel combo specifically designed for crankbait fishing to help you cast farther and detect bites better.
• Practice makes perfect, so keep casting and retrieving until you have mastered the technique.
• Consider fishing with a buddy who can help you spot fish or provide feedback on your retrieval technique.
• Always practice proper catch-and-release techniques to preserve the fish population for future generations of anglers.

Remember, the more time you spend on the water using crankbaits, the more opportunities you will have to learn and improve your skills.

Conclusion

Crankbait fishing is an exciting and rewarding method that combines skill, strategy, and adaptability. By understanding how to choose the right crankbait, mastering retrieval techniques, and adapting to changing conditions, you can significantly increase your success rate on the water. Remember, patience and persistence are key, as each outing provides an opportunity to refine your skills and learn more about the behavior of fish.

With practice, experimentation, and dedication, you’ll soon find yourself reeling in more catches and enjoying the thrill of this versatile fishing technique. Good luck, and happy fishing! Thanks for reading this article on how to use crankbaits.