Crankbaits are the one lure that can be used to cover a wide variety of depths. You can select deep divers, or you can go with a shallow running bait. When trying to decide on a color, don't be timid. They come in a wide selection of color schemes. Talk to the locals and see what they've been using. Generally, in clearer water use more natural colors and in stained water, use brighter colors. A dark crankbait will also show up well in muddy water or at night. Give several colors a try and let the fish tell you what they prefer.
Size of the bait you choose is very important. Try to match the bait with the size of the food the fish you are after is feeding on. If the bass are feeding on tiny threadfin shad, use a tiny Rat-L-Trap or Tiny O, or a #5 Shadrap. If they are eating big shad, go with a bigger bait. Fish often lock in on a size, and will not hit anything larger.
Shape of the bait is also important. When the fish are feeding on shad, a long thin lure might be the trick. If the fish are eating minnows, a thin bait might be the ticket. Always be observant and watch what the bass are soing to help you decide.
The best plan of attack for the beginner is to get several sizes of the same bait, in just a couple of colors. Norman's N series, Shadraps and Mann's + series are a few examples of lures that will work in almost any condition. You can add to your collection as needed. Whatever you choose, make sure the hooks are sharp. Dull hooks will lose a lot of fish when using crankbaits. Buy a hook sharpener and go over each hook to make sure it is as sharp as possible. Use a split ring or good wire snap to connect your line your bait. Either will give your lure the ultimate action that you need. Fall is an excellent time for crankbaits. The bass will be gorging on shad and crawfish to get ready for the coming change to winter.
Crankbaits deserve a place in the tackle box. Just learning what to reach for and when is the hard part. They are the most natural looking baits you can use. You can't catch fish on them unless you give them a try.
Size of the bait you choose is very important. Try to match the bait with the size of the food the fish you are after is feeding on. If the bass are feeding on tiny threadfin shad, use a tiny Rat-L-Trap or Tiny O, or a #5 Shadrap. If they are eating big shad, go with a bigger bait. Fish often lock in on a size, and will not hit anything larger.
Shape of the bait is also important. When the fish are feeding on shad, a long thin lure might be the trick. If the fish are eating minnows, a thin bait might be the ticket. Always be observant and watch what the bass are soing to help you decide.
The best plan of attack for the beginner is to get several sizes of the same bait, in just a couple of colors. Norman's N series, Shadraps and Mann's + series are a few examples of lures that will work in almost any condition. You can add to your collection as needed. Whatever you choose, make sure the hooks are sharp. Dull hooks will lose a lot of fish when using crankbaits. Buy a hook sharpener and go over each hook to make sure it is as sharp as possible. Use a split ring or good wire snap to connect your line your bait. Either will give your lure the ultimate action that you need. Fall is an excellent time for crankbaits. The bass will be gorging on shad and crawfish to get ready for the coming change to winter.
Crankbaits deserve a place in the tackle box. Just learning what to reach for and when is the hard part. They are the most natural looking baits you can use. You can't catch fish on them unless you give them a try.