Big lipped, floating and diving crankbaits make it possible for anglers
to search a wide area at different depths to find large and
smallmouth bass. The average depth you will reach is about 6 to
9 feet with most crankbaits. But crankbaits with large lips may
dive up to 20 feet.
The stop-and-go retrieve is the most effective when searching
for bass. Crank the lure down with a very fast retrieve and then
stop allowing it to float up. Keep repeating this to cover a
wide area of water and different depths. Once you catch that
first bass, fishn that depth with a nice steady retrieve for
bast results.
Crankbaits with small lips and slim long bodies give you an
action like live baitfish, and are very effective for shallow
water fishing. Trolling or casting them above weeds or over
shoals is effective. They can even mimic surface lures in calm
water tease the fish with light twiching movement and slow
retrieves creating surface commotion.
Sinking flat sided baits are best for around structure where
stop-and-go or pumping retrieves will keep them in contact with
it. Strikes often occur right after contact with this structure.
Crankbaits look great wobbling through the water, but they
attract bass best when nocking on their front door. The real
large lips on the larger crankbaits act as a deterent to a lot
of snagging problems.
Most crankbaits are not considered weedless, often contact
with weeds is needed to get that strike. When you hit the weeds
use a ripping action to free it. A lot of great stikes will
occur right after you rip away.
Do not use heavy heavy swivels and snaps to attach your baits
this will cause the action of the crankbait to be erratic and
not natural. Use a loop knot or a small snap with nop swivell to
get the best action from the crankbaits, just check you knots
now and again because of the stress on the baits.
There are so many new colors for baits now, use a assortment
to find what colors work best for you on certain days and
different water conditions. Now get oput there and catch that
trophy small or lagemouth bass!
--Robert has been fishing Ontario for most of his life, he is
the owner of Robs
Fishing Tips, and is the author of many articles and fishing
tips for all species of freshwater fish in the province of
Ontario, from bass and walleye to the colorful arctic char.
