Crankbaits For Stripers
by www.arkansasstripers.com
Crank Baits vary from style and depth. The bills are different on each crank bait style. Bill configuration will cause the bait to have more side to movement and controls how deep it runs. Long bills create a wider wobble and shorter bills a tighter wobble.
Having an assortment of crank baits for different fishing conditions will keep you in the STRIKE ZONE.
Shallow running crank baits
Over grass beds and bedding bass shallow running crankbaits will produce awesome strikes.
Use bream and shad colors.
Mid range crank baits Will run 5 to 12 foot deep.
This is a good bait to fish points.
Fan cast your crank bait across the point then parallel to the point until you find fish.
Adjust to the pattern that is working.
Deep running crank baits
Will run up to 22 feet.
Work well in the middle of creeks or deeper water when bait schools are suspending Will locate feeding fish and create some fantastic action.
Suspending Crank Baits
Good in cold water with lethargic bass. Cast to the structure reel it down and set up a rhythm of twitches and pauses
You may want to invest in a quality crank-bait rod if you get serious about crank bait fishing.
This type of rod and a fast retrieve reel will help to keep from tiring you out.
Fishing Line size plays a big factor on how deep a crankbait will run. A 22 foot bait on 20 lb. line may not go but 15 or so feet deep.
So keep this in mind when choosing your crank bait. Lighter lines will cause the bait to run to its maximum depth.
Cranking the bait down fast then slowing the retrieve will maintain the proper depth. Key colors are a crawfish pattern, chrome with a blue or black back, white with green back, chartreuse with blue or black backs and the shad colors.
Crankbaits can be used in timber, around boat docks and along riprap and rock walls.
When working a crank bait through timber or stumps and you come in contact with a hard object, stop and let the bait float up, then start the retrieve again.
A lot of the strikes will come when the bait stops and starts.
Try a slowly sweeping action with your rod to maintain the depth on a slow retrieve. Sometimes the sweeping action is better that the stop and go action.
Crank baits are a good bait to locate fishbecause you can cover a lot of water in a hurry. With some time and practice you will learn to fish crank baits over and through standing timber and stumps and moss.
When you come in contact with an object and the bait feels stuck don’t jerk the rod and set the hook. Drop slack and usually it will pop loose.
A good lure retriever can be a trip and money saver when your favorite crank bait hangs up.
Tuning a crank bait.
If after several fish and snags, your crank bait is not running as true as it did tune it up.
Tie the plug on with an open loop knot. When tied, let out some line and pull the plug through the water where you can see it at different retrieving speeds.
You want it to run perfectly straight!
If it turns on its right side, turn the clasp on the plug to the left.
If it runs left, turn the clasp right.
A little does it.
You don't need to turn the clasp much to make the adjustments.
Keep pulling the plug through the water and making adjustments.
Test your plugs after catching a fish or getting snagged, both of these things can make a plug run out of line.
You'll hook more fish with a finely tuned crank bait.
Having an assortment of crank baits for different fishing conditions will keep you in the STRIKE ZONE.
Shallow running crank baits
Over grass beds and bedding bass shallow running crankbaits will produce awesome strikes.
Use bream and shad colors.
Mid range crank baits Will run 5 to 12 foot deep.
This is a good bait to fish points.
Fan cast your crank bait across the point then parallel to the point until you find fish.
Adjust to the pattern that is working.
Deep running crank baits
Will run up to 22 feet.
Work well in the middle of creeks or deeper water when bait schools are suspending Will locate feeding fish and create some fantastic action.
Suspending Crank Baits
Good in cold water with lethargic bass. Cast to the structure reel it down and set up a rhythm of twitches and pauses
You may want to invest in a quality crank-bait rod if you get serious about crank bait fishing.
This type of rod and a fast retrieve reel will help to keep from tiring you out.
Fishing Line size plays a big factor on how deep a crankbait will run. A 22 foot bait on 20 lb. line may not go but 15 or so feet deep.
So keep this in mind when choosing your crank bait. Lighter lines will cause the bait to run to its maximum depth.
Cranking the bait down fast then slowing the retrieve will maintain the proper depth. Key colors are a crawfish pattern, chrome with a blue or black back, white with green back, chartreuse with blue or black backs and the shad colors.
Crankbaits can be used in timber, around boat docks and along riprap and rock walls.
When working a crank bait through timber or stumps and you come in contact with a hard object, stop and let the bait float up, then start the retrieve again.
A lot of the strikes will come when the bait stops and starts.
Try a slowly sweeping action with your rod to maintain the depth on a slow retrieve. Sometimes the sweeping action is better that the stop and go action.
Crank baits are a good bait to locate fishbecause you can cover a lot of water in a hurry. With some time and practice you will learn to fish crank baits over and through standing timber and stumps and moss.
When you come in contact with an object and the bait feels stuck don’t jerk the rod and set the hook. Drop slack and usually it will pop loose.
A good lure retriever can be a trip and money saver when your favorite crank bait hangs up.
Tuning a crank bait.
If after several fish and snags, your crank bait is not running as true as it did tune it up.
Tie the plug on with an open loop knot. When tied, let out some line and pull the plug through the water where you can see it at different retrieving speeds.
You want it to run perfectly straight!
If it turns on its right side, turn the clasp on the plug to the left.
If it runs left, turn the clasp right.
A little does it.
You don't need to turn the clasp much to make the adjustments.
Keep pulling the plug through the water and making adjustments.
Test your plugs after catching a fish or getting snagged, both of these things can make a plug run out of line.
You'll hook more fish with a finely tuned crank bait.
