Crankbait for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide 2023

Fishing can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. With so many lures and techniques to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

Bass anglers use various types of lures and techniques to catch fish, but one of the most effective and easy-to-use lures for beginners is the crankbait.

What is a Crankbait?

Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures that are designed to imitate baitfish. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile and suitable for different fishing situations. With their diving lip or bill, crankbaits dive and wobble through the water, creating a lifelike action that attracts fish.

Why Choose Crankbaits as a Beginner?

Crankbaits are a great choice for beginners for several reasons. First, they are easy to use and require minimal technique to get started. Unlike other lures that require specific retrieval methods or precision casting, crankbaits can be simply cast and reeled in at a steady pace. I recommand to you this complete guide about How to fish a crankbait from bass online.

Now, I know you’re wondering: What can you catch with a crankbait? I will answer you: “Crankbaits are effective at catching a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, and pike. They can be used in a variety of water conditions, from shallow ponds to deep rivers, and can be fished at various depths depending on the type of crankbait.“

Types of Crankbaits for Bass Fishing

There are different types of crankbaits for bass fishing, each designed for different fishing situations. Here are some common types of crankbaits for bass fishing:

• Squarebill Crankbaits: These are shallow-diving lures that work best in waters up to 6 feet deep. They have a square-shaped lip that makes them perfect for deflecting off cover, such as rocks and logs. Squarebill crankbaits are great for fishing in shallow water.

• Lipless Crankbaits: Lipless crankbaits don’t have a lip and are designed to sink quickly. They work well in deep waters and are ideal for fishing in vegetation, as they can be worked through the weeds easily.

• Medium Diving Crankbaits: These lures are designed to reach diving depths of 6 to 10 feet. They have a medium-sized lip that allows them to dive deeper than shallow-diving crankbaits. Medium diving crankbaits are great for fishing in waters with moderate depth.

• Deep Diving Crankbaits: These lures are designed to reach depths of up to 20 feet or more. They have a longer, slimmer body and a larger lip that allows them to dive deeper. Deep diving crankbaits are great for fishing in deep water.

Check out our recommendations to the 5 Best Deep Diving Crankbaits for Bass Fishing

How to Use Crankbaits

Crankbait fishing for bass can take some practice, but with the right technique and gear, you can catch plenty of fish. Here are some tips for using crankbaits for bass fishing:

Use the right gear

Using the right gear is another important factor when it comes to crankbait fishing.

1. A medium or medium-heavy rod paired with a baitcasting reel is a popular choice among bass anglers.
2. A high-quality fishing line is also essential, as it can handle the weight of the lure and provide the sensitivity needed to feel any bites. Many anglers prefer a fluorocarbon line as it is virtually invisible in water and has less stretch than monofilament, making it easier to set the hook.

Choose the right crankbait

When it comes to selecting the right crankbait for bass fishing, size and color are important factors to consider.

As a general rule of thumb, use smaller lures when targeting smaller fish and larger lures when targeting larger fish.

For color, it’s a good idea to match the color of the lure to the color of the baitfish in the area. Natural colors such as silver, gold, and shad are popular choices.

Pay attention to depth

Now that you have an idea of the types of crankbaits available and how to choose the right one, it’s time to start fishing.

When using a crankbait, it’s important to pay attention to the diving depths of the lure. The desired depth of the lure can be determined by the length of the lip or bill.

• Squarebill crankbaits have a shallow diving depth, making them great choices for fishing in shallow water.
• Medium diving crankbaits have a bill that is slightly longer, allowing them to dive deeper.
• Deep diving crankbaits have the longest bills, enabling them to reach depths of up to 20 feet or more.

When fishing in deep water, it’s important to select a crankbait that can reach the desired depth. Using a depth finder can help determine the depth of the water and select the right crankbait.

• Lipless crankbaits are ideal for fishing in deep water as they sink quickly and can be worked through vegetation easily.
• Deep diving crankbaits are also effective in deep water, but it’s important to select the right line tie to achieve the desired depth.

Vary your retrieve

In addition to selecting the right crankbait and paying attention to the diving depths, varying your retrieve can also improve your chances of catching fish. Experiment with different retrieve styles such as steady, stop-and-go, and twitch-and-pause until you find what works best for you.

Watch your line

When using a crankbait, it’s important to keep an eye on your fishing line. If you feel any resistance, it could be a fish. Set the hook quickly to avoid losing the catch.

Practice makes perfect

Using crankbaits can take some practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch fish right away. Keep trying and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you.

By following these tips, you can improve your crankbait fishing skills and catch more fish. Remember, patience and persistence are key, so keep practicing and you’ll soon become a pro at using crankbaits!

Learn more about: How to use Deep Diving crankbait for bass

Final Word About Crankbait for Beginners

In conclusion, crankbait fishing is a great way to catch fish, especially bass. By selecting the right crankbait, understanding how to use it, and having the right gear, you’ll be well on your way to reeling in some big ones.

Remember to pay attention to the diving depths of the lure, use the right gear, and vary your retrieve to improve your chances of success.

With practice and patience, you can become a skilled bass angler and enjoy the rewards of a relaxing and rewarding hobby.