Crank Baits for Bass
by Ken Sturdivant
Southern Fishing Schools Inc.
The crank bait can be one of the most effective
tools in the anglers tackle box. With practice and dedication, learning
to use a crank bait can open up more options for other tactics. Find
the fish with a crank bait and then use other lures to take limits of
fish.
What makes a crank baits most effective is that they can cover a greater
range of depths than many other lures. Depth ranges, speed of retrieve
and sizes and colors are all considerations for crank baits.
Crank
baits come in very small sizes to very large. Some crank baits weigh
less than
1/8th of an ounce. Large baits may weigh as much as on ounce an
a half. The smaller baits as used in the early spring while the larger
baits
are used in the summer and fall.
Colors of crank baits can be all
one
color
to a complex array to fool the bass. Many new patterns and finishes
can exactly duplicate the colors and hues of not only the bait
fish, but the
predator as well.
Some guidelines for crank baits will help anglers
understand what to use and why. Crank baits work best in pre
spawn and post spawn.
Spawning fish rarely react to a crank bait because it is moving
too fast.
During the spring and summer months bass will relate to
wood, points and
rocks. These are good starting points for the crank bait.
Flat sided
baits work best during the summer months. During the pre spawn
and post spawn
times, use crank baits that have fat bodies and loud rattles
inside the lure.
Another trick anglers use with the crank bait is
to make
contact with the structure. Tick the baits on the bottom of
the lake or across
rocky points and rip rap. Run the bait IN the lay down
logs. Tune the baits
to run left or right to go under docks. Line sizes make
a crank bait even more effective. Use the lightest line sizes possible
to
get the
baits deeper
to the fish.
