Crankbait mastery

senkosam · 08-23-12, 10:55 AM

I've begun using crankbaits again after mostly using topwaters, jigs or soft plastics. I've come to the conclusion that the discipline to using crankbaits requires that I have different rods rigged with different cranks that run at different depths. With plastics or jigs it's easy to be sure your near bottom and work the different depths and structure you encounter. But crank design is pretty specific when it comes to depth, retrieve speed and action and none are created versatile.

Crankbaiting is truly a skill I think most bass anglers lack and considering VanDams success using them early on to win many tournaments, I can only hope to discover some of his secrets. You can't learn when and how to use them if you don't use them!

Dave63 · 08-23-12, 05:33 PM

I have made a concerted effort this year to use them more and it has made a difference for me. I have one specific Powell Diesel crankbait rod and use speed clips to change back and forth between baits. It's caught me a ton of fish.

keithdog · 08-23-12, 05:42 PM

Good luck on your quest. I have 3 crankbait setups but often only take two as that serves me well most of the time. Usually, I'm slinging a shallow diving squarebill, and another that dives between 8-12 foot. That covers my needs pretty well. I do have deep divers that I use, but in my lakes, they arn't needed very often. I use clips for quick lure changing as well, and so does KVD for the same reason. I just read it in his latest book. Crankbaits are a mainstay for me. I almost always have two ready to throw.

fishnart · 08-23-12, 08:42 PM

I looooooove me some crankbaits...have several rods and lots of baits. If 'mI fishing mostly cranks for the day I have several rigged up at once. Different rods for different bait depths. You just gotta go out and do it, like anything else...good luck.

Highhawk1948 · 08-23-12, 09:12 PM

When I fished Lake Yale with all those drop offs and brushpiles I fished crankbaits 90 percent of the time. Used Bombers and Rapalas. Moved and fished different type of lakes and have switched to plastics mostly.

I agree, a good crankbait guy can really work'em. I do miss it, making those long casts and making contact with the bottom, brush, grass, etc.
My crank baits had chewed up lips from bounching off shell-bed, sand, gravel.

kennethdaysale · 08-23-12, 10:08 PM

If someone stole all my crankbaits I'd have no reason to live.

Crankbait · 08-25-12, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennethdaysale

If someone stole all my crankbaits I'd have no reason to live.

im with Kenn..... my problem is i can't put them down

08-23-12, 10:55 AM	#1
senkosam BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hudson Valley, N.Y. Posts: 735	Crankbait mastery I've begun using crankbaits again after mostly using topwaters, jigs or soft plastics. I've come to the conclusion that the discipline to using crankbaits requires that I have different rods rigged with different cranks that run at different depths. With plastics or jigs it's easy to be sure your near bottom and work the different depths and structure you encounter. But crank design is pretty specific when it comes to depth, retrieve speed and action and none are created versatile. Crankbaiting is truly a skill I think most bass anglers lack and considering VanDams success using them early on to win many tournaments, I can only hope to discover some of his secrets. You can't learn when and how to use them if you don't use them!

08-23-12, 05:42 PM	#3
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	Good luck on your quest. I have 3 crankbait setups but often only take two as that serves me well most of the time. Usually, I'm slinging a shallow diving squarebill, and another that dives between 8-12 foot. That covers my needs pretty well. I do have deep divers that I use, but in my lakes, they arn't needed very often. I use clips for quick lure changing as well, and so does KVD for the same reason. I just read it in his latest book. Crankbaits are a mainstay for me. I almost always have two ready to throw. __________________ Just one more cast, and then some!

08-23-12, 10:08 PM	#6
kennethdaysale BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: rock hill, sc Posts: 2,315	If someone stole all my crankbaits I'd have no reason to live. __________________ Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.

08-23-12, 05:33 PM	#2
Dave63 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Farmersburg, IN Posts: 341	I have made a concerted effort this year to use them more and it has made a difference for me. I have one specific Powell Diesel crankbait rod and use speed clips to change back and forth between baits. It's caught me a ton of fish.

08-23-12, 08:42 PM	#4
fishnart BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ashburn, Va Posts: 43	I looooooove me some crankbaits...have several rods and lots of baits. If 'mI fishing mostly cranks for the day I have several rigged up at once. Different rods for different bait depths. You just gotta go out and do it, like anything else...good luck.

08-23-12, 09:12 PM	#5
Highhawk1948 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lake Panasoffkee, Florida Posts: 86	When I fished Lake Yale with all those drop offs and brushpiles I fished crankbaits 90 percent of the time. Used Bombers and Rapalas. Moved and fished different type of lakes and have switched to plastics mostly. I agree, a good crankbait guy can really work'em. I do miss it, making those long casts and making contact with the bottom, brush, grass, etc. My crank baits had chewed up lips from bounching off shell-bed, sand, gravel.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)