Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures that are designed to dive to different depths in the water. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them suitable for targeting a wide range of fish species.
Popular Fish Species for Crankbaits:
Bass: Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are all susceptible to crankbaits.
Crappie: Crappie can be caught on crankbaits, especially during the spring and summer months.
Walleye: Walleye are often targeted with crankbaits, particularly during the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods.
Pike: Northern pike and musky can also be caught on crankbaits, especially during the spring and summer months.
Types of Crankbaits:
Shallow-diving crankbaits: These lures dive to a depth of 2-4 feet.
Medium-diving crankbaits: These lures dive to a depth of 4-8 feet.
Deep-diving crankbaits: These lures dive to a depth of 8-12 feet or more.
Crankbait Action:
Tight-lipped crankbaits: These lures have a tight, wobbling action that is often effective for targeting aggressive fish.
Loose-lipped crankbaits: These lures have a more erratic action that can be attractive to fish that are less aggressive.
Tips for Using Crankbaits:
Depth: Choose a crankbait that dives to the depth where you believe the fish are located.
Speed: Experiment with different retrieve speeds to see what works best.
Color: The color of your crankbait can affect its visibility in the water. Consider using a chartreuse or orange crankbait in low-light conditions.
Crankbaits are a versatile lure that can be used to catch a variety of fish species. With a little practice, you can master the art of rigging and retrieving these hard-bodied lures.
