Crankbaits for Beginners

I love throwing crankbaits. It really does not matter if it is a shallow runner or a deep diver. I love to throw them. Years ago when I was introduced into throwing these fish like plugs, I had no idea that they were so versatile. Most fishermen here in Southern Illinois throw crankbaits only certain times of the year. For that matter they really do not like even throwing them. In this part of the country you throw a worm, a jig, and a spinnerbait, period. You might pick a crankbait up and make a couple casts with it, then put it down.

I was fortunate to meet Mark Menendez many years ago who, at the time was winning just about every local tournament on Kentucky Lake by throwing a big deep diving crankbait. He is responsible for my success today on a big plug. Crankbaits, like other lures, require a certain rod and reel combo. Line size is also a key. When I first started fishing competitively I would throw a crankbait on a stiff rod. I lost a lot of fish because there was no give to the rod. I would unintentionally rip the small treble hooks out of the fish’s mouth because the rod would not give.

A real crankbait rod needs to be flexible. A rod that has a tremendous amount of give. This is for two reasons. The first is because of the size of hooks that these baits have. If you actually look close at the treble hooks, you will notice that the actual hooks are very small. A limber rod will give when the fish pulls. There is no need to set the hook when a bass bites the bait. Just keep tension on the rod and the fish will hook himself. My favorite rod and reel combo is a Pflueger Trion wide spool reel geared in 5.3:1 and a All Star seven foot medium action rod. Line size depends on the type of crankbait and the color of water. For a shallow running crankbait in stained water, I use seventeen to twenty pound test Cajun Red Cast. These shallow runners are usually thrown around laydowns or rock. The heavier pound test makes it easier to get the fish out of the cover.

For deep diving crankbaits I am now trying something different. I am throwing twenty to thirty pound Shakespeare Ugly Braid. It is very sensitive and the line is strong enough to pull the bait out of a brush pile or a stump when the bait gets hung up. The line diameter is compared to eight and ten pound monofilament so the bait dives real deep. I have not seen a reduction of strikes due to the color of line. Crankbaits can be fished all year long. They are easy to throw and are a lot of fun. The easiest way to remember what size of crankbait to throw during what time of year is this. Throw shallow divers in the spring and fall, deep divers in the summer.

It is very simple and can be a great way to catch a good stringer of fish.