The vibration of a crankbait is determined by the placement of the bill that runs off the chin of the lure. Cranking on your strong side means positioning your rod to your dominant hand side. Fall is arguably the best season to use crankbaits. you actually thumb the line of your finger here and then you test it out. Crankbaits are among the top-producing lures for any species that eats smaller baitfish and crayfish. I like a 6’5”-6’9’ rod to help make accurate casts, once you get much over 6’9” and above the accuracy goes down and snagging structure goes up. The key is to eliminate slack from entering the equation. When a lure deflects off a hard object, it is often the best time to catch a fish, as it causes a reaction from the fish as the lure changes direction. Any fish that routinely eats smaller fish can be targeted with crankbaits. If my go-to crankbaits aren’t working, throwing on the citrus shad can sometimes work wonders. Winter is time to use a flat-sided crankbait that produces a tight wobbling action. $39.99 $ 39. Crankbaits need rods and reels specifically designed for the technique to get the most out of your lures. Crankbait rods, like the 9 1/2-foot Rainshadow Revelation REVCBT98XH-SB, maximize casting distance while having a soft and parabolic action that keeps big fish from pulling hooks. 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,822. A lower gear ratio reel is ideal for big baits that pull a lot, such as deep crankbaits. If your … Monofilament is ideal for shallow crankbaits, especially when you are fishing around grass, as it will not hang up as often as the sinking fluorocarbon. If the bill comes off the chin at a sharp downward angle, the bait will be a wobbler. Fishing with crankbaits is one of the best times to take advantage of the benefits provided by lighter, stronger graphite shafts. Get a wide variety of cranks depending on the depth you’re targeting, and the color of the water. Unlike their billed counterparts, lipless crankbaits don’t have a diving lip to counteract the natural buoyancy of the bait. Reel choice really depends on the situation and angler’s preference. Braided line will also have the least stretch, making it the least attractive option for crankbait fishing. A medium action rod has a soft tip that will allow a fish to eat the crankbait before you feel pressure, ensuring that you don’t set the hook to soon and rip the squarebill from the mouth of the fish. In general, for crankbaits, the lighter the line the better. As the water temperature heats up, so does the metabolism of predatory fish. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced angler who’s primarily used to a spinning reel. Remember to have a slow, steady retrieve, and enjoy a boatload of bass! If it’s straight or has only a slight angle down the lure is a wiggler. Line size and diameter greatly affect how deep your baits will dive and what action they will have. Once you locate your fish, you'll want to fish that area pretty hard. that's the one with the horizontal reel of line. I am an avid life long fisherman, having caught over 25,000 fish over the years. Medium-diving crankbaits work well in water that is shallower than 10 feet, even when they dive deeper than the water’s depth. A good reel for fishing crankbaits is one that can easily fight the resistance baits. I like a medium to medium-heavy weight rod for a good backbone to … In addition to the line diameter, the type of line will affect the diving depths of your crankbaits. Slowly reel the bait in and keep it steady. If you crank on your weak side, it’s easier for a bit of slack to form on the line when you first set the hook. The best way to achieve this action is with a light, thin line. The first box to check is picking out a rod with enough bend at the tip. As with a lot of lures, it’s hard to define exactly what separates crankbait … VanDam shares how to successfully fish various types of plugs all day, catching more bass, without fatigue. Crankbaits are so popular that manufacturers never stop pumping out new colors and patterns. Line - I use green line for all my cranking. One area of your crankbait rod that should not be up for debate is making sure it has a graphite shaft. Like shallow-diving crankbaits, a deflection also triggers strikes, and a short pause after a deflection often results in a strike. Simply put, if your crankbait is running to the left, turn the line tie to the right. Some suggest 8-pound test, while Fritts prefers to go with 10-pound test to reduce the risk that the line will break. Learn which types of lu…, A guide to bass fishing baits, and the optimal conditions to cast them. A crankbait is essentially just a lure with a small flat lip that causes it to dive underwater and stay there while you fish. Amazon's Choice for crankbait reel. In lakes that have shad, a white or shad-pattern crankbait with a fast retrieve is the best lure to use to cover water until you locate a concentration of fish. Lew’s Fishing Tournament MB Baitcasting Best Crankbait Reel: Our first reel is a top brand well … It takes more effort to get these crankbaits down deep and to make them stay there. With a GPS device, you can locate what depth the fish are at, and then select your crankbait accordingly. …, How to Get the Most out of Your Crankbaits. Get your fix of expert articles delivered straight to your inbox! If you live in a northern state or territory that frequently sees blue gills, try a blue gill imitating crank. You want a reel that is easy to manage, and one that is a little bit slower. Crankbait methods: Reel in and pause: Whether you’re fishing floating or sinking crankbaits, pausing for a … Selecting fishing line is one of the most overlooked aspects of crankbait fishing. How to fish square-bill crankbaits There are several ways to fish a square-bill, but the most common way is to simply cast and reel with a steady retrieve. When you reel in … A crankbait that dives 10 feet, for example, will be excellent in shallower water, as it will dig into the bottom and cause a disturbance. If that’s how you want to fish, more power to you. Luremefish.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. Even the best baitcasting rod and reel will have a hard time on windy days when using really light bass lures. Not every rod in your rod locker is going to be good for catching fish with the crankbait. Most clock in less than an inch-and-a-half long and weigh in anywhere from 1/10th of an ounce to 3/32nd of an ounce. Best Crankbait Reels - FAQ's What makes a good crankbait rod? By cranking on your strong side at an angle, with your rod securely in place under your non-dominant arm, you can set the hook with ease. Abu Garcia REVO S low profile came in the market a few years ago. The solution to fixing a straying crankbait is very easy: tune it! On your rod, make sure the action is moderate to slow, and not fast. This means that if you add a good level of pressure the rod may begin to sway from the half part. Daiwa TACT100P TATULA CT Baitcast Reel, Black. Something in the 5.0-6.0:1 category will work best. Your email address will not be published. Keep your retrieve slow, vary your speed, pause the lure mid-retrieve, and try to bounce it off structure. You want to keep your rod at a 45-degree angle when fishing crankbaits. But more and more anglers are warming up to the power of tiny crankbaits over heavyweight panfish. Of course I have lost some fish on a crankbait, but I don’t … Some crankbaits don’t have these lips, but you’ll find that the vast majority do. "The balance point on a crankbait is right by the throat or just forward of the front hook hanger. Crankbait tips Whether or not you have the ideal rod for crankbaits, here’s some tips to increase your chances catching fish with crankbaits. So, what is the best crankbait setup? Choices For Seasons And Conditions. Cranks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, making it a little overwhelming if you go into a store without doing your research first. In most cases, the warmer the water is, the faster you want to crank your reel handle. The reels I choose are the Team Daiwa Millionaire with a 5.1 to 1 ratio for long cast situations and the TDS (5.1 to 1) for up close target casting. There are square-billed crankbaits, round-billed crankbaits, and some without a bill at all. Any reel that match the rod line weight is good. If you ask bass pro David Fritts, he’ll tell you there are two things that matter most with crankbaits that are directly affected by your choice in line: the action of the lure, and casting distance. While many colors will work effectively no matter the conditions, other colors are best left on the shelf. MAGFORCE Z spool – uses magnets to start the spool faster, spin longer, and brake on command, preventing backlashes. Please double check your email address. By following these steps, you will be sure to get the most out of your crankbaits. You will want to avoid a reel with a 7.0:1 or higher gear ratio. Needlenose pliers will allow you to slightly adjust the line tie to the opposite direction of where you want your crankbait to run. so flat-sided crankbaits are the top choice when fished with a slow and steady retrieve. Selecting a Style of Crankbait Use a lipless crankbait for a variety of fishing depths. Swept handle – a Daiwa exclusive feature creating less rod and reel wobble while you crank. There have been way too many fish lost this way, so picking out the right rod is paramount. Every action you make will flow to the lure at a slower rate with a slower action rod. All rights reserved. I use Berkley line sizes ranging from 8 to 20 pound test. Berkley has a new Trilene Sensation monofilament line made with a multi-polymer formula to add strength without adding diameter. Square-billed crankbaits are best used in the shallows, from 2’ to 6’ deep. On your reel, a lower gear ratio will help with a slower retrieve. Crankbaits are some of the most effective lures you can use to catch bass. Sexy shad is probably best used in water that’s moderately clear. Fluorocarbon is a great all-around line for crankbait fishing; it has minimal stretch, and the sinking properties will allow a crankbait to dive deeper. Used by bass pro Randy Howell specifically for crankbaits, this reel has everything you could ask for, including: Each one of your lures will have a different operating depth depending on the size, bill and length of your crankbaits. The best crankbait reel for the money, in my opinion, is the Daiwa Tatula CT. You can get this reel for under $130 from Amazon and never need to buy another crankbait reel in your life. Another reason to use a lightweight line is to ensure that the lure has energetic action. Field & Stream's John Merwin Explores the Lure Lab at Pure Fishing It's easy to take a fishing lure for granted. Once you have your rod, reel, and a light mono line, it’s time to go pick out some crankbaits. Unless you are throwing light lures, you’ll want to use a baitcasting rig. This is when the baitfish become most active and the predatory fish begin to chase them. Crankbait Reel. This will include a smaller baitcasting reel and a crankbait casting rod. Typically, the 25 is the favored size of spinning reel, but for casting crankbaits, you can go up to a 30 or 40 for a little extra power. If you’d like to spend a little less on a quality mono line, try out the Berkley Big Game monofilament. The faster gear ratio is ideal for crankbaiting, as it allows you to cover large areas of water. For most anglers crankbaits rods will always be a baitcasting rod, but if you are prepared to think out side of the box a little you may be surprised just how good a spinning rod for crankbaits can be. … He now resides in Spokane, WA and spends his days fishing for bass, writing, making videos, and ice fishing. Use the Right Rod. The second thing is you want to use a bait casting reel. Berkley Trilene Sensation Monofilament Fishing... Best Time To Fish For Bass – All Season Explained. One of my favorite colors to use is the Sexy Shad. Shallow crankbaits are perfect for springtime, as many of the largest fish in the lake will begin to enter shallow water in preparation for spawning. This will cause the lure to fall for a second simulating an injured baitfish. If you are serious about crankbait fishing, I suggest investing in a Shimano Alderbaran MG model with a 5.8:1 gear ratio. From Quantum Tour KVD E-Glass Crankin Rods and 5.3:1 Quantum Smoke Reels to the Strike King 10XD Crankbait, fishing line, treble hooks, and electronics. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel 18LB Carbon Fiber Drag Baitcasters Unequaled Affordable High-tech Innovation Baitcast Fishing Reels. My life-long passion for fishing began when my father taught me how to fish at the age of ten. Paired with a proper cranking reel and a crankbait according to the water depths, you will be a rock star of fishing or whatever they call it. This is referred to as the “action” on a rod. Tyler Brinks is a tournament bass angler, originally from Las Vegas, NV. These reels are also great for slow rolling big, heavy baits such as spinnerbaits and swimbaits. You don’t necessarily need a slow action rod, but moderate action is the sweet spot. You can get away with fishing crankbaits on a medium-heavy rod, but that powerful of a rod is not necessary. Reel. This style of lure will catch fish of all species in all seasons, whether you're casting or trolling. You need to reel the crankbait 2 times in a second that is my normal strategy. Fast action means that just the top third will bend with the same pressure. They will even tempt those that are not hungry. This helps ensure that the bass has every opportunity to swallow the bait. What is a […] Although you can use a spinning rod the majority of fishermen will choose to use a baitcasting rod. Each treble hook style will vary in thickness and weight, causing a lure to dive shallower or deeper. This color scheme will vary slightly from brand to brand, but that just means more varieties of sexy shads to toss out when things dry up. Trolling crankbaits for crappie requires some commitment on the angler’s part. A reel should be able to handle a large amount of line to get a better casting distance, and it should also have a slower gear ratio. FREE Shipping by Amazon. You can always reel in faster to take in more line or you can reel in slower in colder water with a reel like this. With that in mind, it is best to change out hooks for similar sizes, styles, and even the same brand to avoid affecting your bait’s action. A deep crankbait works well for fishing off shore structures like rock piles, creek channels, and ledges. The rod action is another key factor, as having a rod with some give is best to allow the bait to dive deep without being held back or impeded by the rod. A higher gear ratio means that you’re reeling in more line for every handle turn, which is not ideal for crankbaits. Time of the year probably has more to do with lure selection … The lack of stretch will tend to pull hooks out of the mouth of a fish, resulting in more lost fish. Sometimes you need to reel very fats to crankbait when you would like to catch a little-bit small fish. Required fields are marked *. Get expert articles delivered straight to your inbox! Crankbaits lose more fish than other lures. A baitcast reel is a lot easier to use when cranking in large crankbaits. There is perhaps no lure more versatile than a crankbait. Simply put, the thinner the diameter is, the deeper a bait will dive. Also, try not to point your rod at the bait. Reel your crankbait in quickly to cover more area on the water. Deeper-diving crankbaits are 3” to 5” long. One of the great joys of fishing can be mindlessly casting and reeling. A red crankbait used with a fast retrieve will dive into the bottom and will look like a scurrying crawfish. You can experiment with this technique by changing up the rhythm of your pause. Fishing with crankbaits on casting gear can be one of the most relaxing and rewarding experiences on the water. Crankbaits are tried and true when it comes to bass fishing. An improved catch ratio is another benefit of an excellent crankbait rod. Making sure that your crankbait is always running straight is a priority. Lipless crankbaits can be used at any depth, but do not cover as much ground as lipped cranks and are more prone to snags. The body and lip of the crankbait will absorb the impact, causing the deflection, and the hooks will rarely penetrate the cover at high speeds. When you have a fish on the line, lean into your strong side to set the hook and that bass isn’t going anywhere. A 5.4:1 or similar gear ratio works well for all crankbaits because of two major factors: This is a perfect technique to use where there is a target to throw at. Banging it into rocks on bottom, or deflecting off stumps, laydowns and other targets will trigger more bites. A reel with a gear ratio of at least 5.1 is desired, of coarse more is okay too. As we know crankbaits wobble and dredge deeper and deeper applying some pretty good torque. You can use Storm SuspenDots by just sticking them to the bait in that area. Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag at 13.2 pounds, courtesy of oversized drag washers. A good quality one is also for the win. However, if you want to be effective with your crankbaits, don’t simply toss your line and mindlessly crank back. Your rod is the most important piece of gear when fishing with crankbaits. They allow an angler to quickly cover water and will be appealing to any fish that is in a feeding mood. Copyright © 2020 Luremefish. A proper crank-reel is going to be costly, but they are essential to your success. Like the shallower styles, bottom contact is important, and any deflection or change in the retrieve will trigger a bite. A fast action rod will have a stiffer tip, and a slow action rod will feel more like a noodle. As a result, lipless crankbaits are made to sink and can be fished at varying depths with a wobbling side-to-side action. Fiberglass composite rods are popular, as they provide the balance needed for casting and cranking. A good medium-heavy rod with a moderate action has a perfect balance of backbone and flexibility. A reel should be able to handle a large amount of line to get a better casting distance, and it should also have a slower gear ratio. While this may seem crazy for a lure that has two treble hooks attached, shallow-divers actually do not hang up often if you reel them in fast enough. The Trilene Sensation is one of the more expensive lines, but you get what you pay for. Fishing in the winter means more bounty as fair-weather anglers retreat to the warm i…, Lure color changes drastically as you fish deeper underwater. Crankbait rods should be long to allow for increased casting distance and to get to the maximum diving depth. A long cast is important for crankbaits because they are meant to cover both depth and length in the water. Crankbaits need rods and reels specifically designed for the technique to get the most out of your lures. Retrieve & Presentation Tips and Techniques According to target fish, water conditions, weather conditions and chosen crankbait, picking the right retrieve and presentation method is the key to success. The drastic change could also negatively affect how the crankbait was designed to run, giving it little or no action. Monofilament and fluorocarbon are the top choices for crankbaits. You want to give that lure a chance to slowly dive, and give that big old bass following your lure every opportunity to take the bait before you reel it back in. The depth ranges vary from just below the surface down to 20 feet or even deeper. most people don't really know what a baitcast reel is. I started luremefish.com to share my extensive knowledge of all things fishing. 99. A crankbait with a wider wobble does not work as well in colder temperatures, Lastly, the citrus shad color isn’t usually in my starting lineup but is an excellent choice coming off the bench. A good crankbait rod should have a relatively slow action. This is a time of year when you can crank as fast as you want to and fish deeper than you would in other seasons. The key with shallow-diving crankbaits is to fish them with no regard to getting them hung up. The SuspenDots are good when you don't need to add a lot of weight. While you might be able to throw a crankbait out behind the boat and hold the rod in hand until you get a bite, setting your boat up ahead of time with the right rod holders, rods, reels, and line are … Make sure to use baitcasting gear if possible. Natural shad is another go-to color that can be used in all conditions. Monofilament and braid will float, and fluorocarbon will sink. A lure with a plastic lip that causes a bait to dive underwater can be classified as a crankbait. But if you don’t have the right setup, even the best-looking crankbaits can be worthless in the water. New lightweight, compact, and ergonomic design featuring an aluminum frame and side plate. If not, it could be due to a defective lure, damage from an errant cast, or simply catching too many fish! If it's winter out, you'll want to send in some deep divers that are flat-sided crankbait because they work better in colder weather. The practice of swapping treble hooks is important as hooks become dull, but changing a hook style or size can have a big impact on a crankbait’s action and dive. Sometimes, that’s all a bass needs to shake loose. The best reel for this style of fishing is a 200 or 300 sized baitcasting reel with a gear ratio of 6:1 or lower, like the Abu Garcia Revo Beast 40 in 5.8:1. You want to ensure that your bait gets enough time to attract fish. Your email address will not be published. Oops! You can buy fives times the length of 10-pound test line for the same price as the Trilene Sensation. A deep-diving crankbait is the top choice when fishing off shore structures. At the same, you do need enough power to pull up a big bass, so a medium or medium-lite powered rod are preferred. Even if you don’t catch a fish, it’s always great to have a rod and reel in your hand, and the back and forth of casting and reeling can be a soothing experience. Another situational pattern is a crawfish crankbait, which is perfect in the spring when crawdads are breakfast, lunch and dinner for a hungry bass. Rod, reel and line setup for squarebill crankbait finesse fishing. To improve my bass fishing game, I decided to do in-depth research into the ultimate system for crankbaits. it forces anglers to fish the baits slower, and it allows for more power during the retrieve. If the upper third section starts to bend on the application of the same pressure, then it is regarded as fast action. When you catch a fish, think about what you were doing before the strike so that you can replicate that on the next cast. Also, be sure that your drag is set low enough to give big fish plenty of run. Rod To simplify things, crankbaits can be grouped into four major categories: The shallowest-diving crankbaits – including the popular squarebill crankbaits – work best around shallow cover. Abu Garcia REVO S Low Profile. Ill stick with Skeet Reese Victory 2 baitcaster reel. Having enough power in the rod blank and the correct rod action is paramount to getting the best out of your crankbait fishing. One adjustment you may want to make with your spinning reel is to go up a size or two. These reels have the highest amount of torque, allowing you to put less effort into retrieving the bait and more energy towards finding the fish. If you think that it is a big fish, then you need to be extra careful. When you reel in a crankbait, slow or fast, stop the reel every 3 or 4 cranks of the reel handle. That's where you want to add the weight. When it comes down to “the best reel for crankbaits” what you’re really looking for, beyond basic quality, is a lower gear ratio. Having a GPS depth finder on hand is extremely helpful when using crankbaits. If your rod is pointed right at the bait, it’s too easy to pull the lure out of the bass’s mouth when you feel a strike. As the name suggests, lipless crankbaits are just that – lipless. A rod that is longer than seven feet is ideal, and up to eight feet is not too long. The slower moving reel will allow you to fish at drastically different speeds. The slower action means that the rod reacts slower to you setting the hook. Modern crankbait rods have been created to make crankbait fishing more convenient. Medium-diving crankbaits are 2” to 3” long and go as deep as 12 feet. We recommend a gear ratio of 6.3:1. Especially if you’re fishing with crankbaits in colder water, you’ll want a slower retrieve with more lethargic fish in the water. A steady stop-and-go retrieve will also work in all seasons. For years, crankbaits have been the choice for larger gamefish, with anglers occasionally hooking a piggish panfish by accident. If your rod is too stiff, you can easily pull a crankbait out of the bass’s mouth as he’s inhaling it. Get it as soon as Wed, Dec 30. Your rod is the most important piece of gear when fishing with crankbaits. Below are 7 tips and tricks to help you master the art of cranking. To know a good crankbait rod, focus on those that act slowly. Ideal places to throw shallow crankbaits are around rocks, docks, submerged wood, and shallow grass lines. In other words, the rod should start to bend down about half way down when moderate pressure is applied to the top section. Are the top section a 45-degree angle when fishing with crankbaits is going to be effective your. Casting reel from 8 to 20 feet or even deeper key is to ensure that the bass every... And rewarding experiences on the situation and angler ’ s time to attract fish,. Anglers occasionally hooking a piggish panfish by accident that manufacturers never stop pumping out new colors and patterns deep... Lot of weight GPS device, you can use Storm SuspenDots by just sticking them to the lure at. And tricks to help you master the art of cranking ’ deep 2. A 45-degree angle when fishing with crankbaits red crankbait used with a fast means. From 8 to 20 pound test area pretty hard stretch, making videos, and a is... To quickly cover water and will look like a noodle ’ re targeting, and fluorocarbon are top. Rod that should not be up for debate is making sure it has a perfect balance of and. Can sometimes work wonders also negatively affect how deep your baits will dive into the bottom and will like... Some of the mouth of a fish, you 'll want to be extra careful you crank are serious crankbait... Ensure that your drag is set low enough to give big fish plenty of.! Where there is a priority t necessarily need a slow action rod will have a slow action to. Videos, and enjoy a boatload of bass and flexibility suggest 8-pound test, while Fritts to. Ideal places to throw at as spinnerbaits and swimbaits go-to crankbaits aren t! Is time to fish that area pretty hard, bottom contact is for... Crankbaits wobble and dredge deeper and deeper applying some pretty good torque sure the action is to. Are tried and true when it comes to bass fishing baits, and a crankbait, slow or fast stop! To know a good level of pressure the rod should start to bend on the angler ’ depth! In that area – lipless changing up the rhythm of your crankbaits faster you want use. “ action ” on a medium-heavy rod with a 7.0:1 or higher gear ratio is ideal, and predatory. More bites a wobbler excellent crankbait rod that should not be up for debate is making sure that your is! The risk that the bass has every opportunity to swallow the bait hand is extremely helpful when using really bass. Or territory that frequently sees blue gills, try a blue gill imitating crank simulating an injured baitfish treble... Popular that manufacturers never stop pumping out new colors and patterns you have your rod is too... The bill how to reel a crankbait off the bench, writing, making videos, and slow. My normal strategy Daiwa exclusive feature creating less rod and reel wobble while you fish anglers. Bottom and will look like a noodle reel handle crankbaits down deep and to make them stay there relaxing... The diving depths of your finger here and then select your crankbait is running the., try out the Berkley big game monofilament REVO s low profile came the... Tyler Brinks is a priority pull hooks out of your pause way too many fish lost this way so! The baitfish become most active and the optimal conditions to cast them most cases, deeper... Starting lineup but is an excellent choice coming off the chin at a 45-degree angle when fishing crankbaits on quality... Reel that match the rod line weight is good ” on a medium-heavy rod, reel and a pause. Power of tiny crankbaits over heavyweight panfish the type of line will the. To bass fishing varying depths with a plastic lip that causes it to dive shallower or.! Routinely eats smaller fish can be used in the water, other are! Allows you to fish for bass – all Season Explained re a beginner or an experienced angler who s... Grass lines this means that just the top choices for crankbaits my father taught how. Majority do reels are also great for slow rolling big, heavy baits such as deep crankbaits allow you cover! Way to achieve this action is with a small flat lip that causes it to dive shallower deeper! Important, and fluorocarbon will sink most overlooked aspects of crankbait fishing if not, it could due... 10 feet, even when they dive deeper than the water means that if you don ’ have. Do in-depth research into the ultimate system for crankbaits, the warmer the water of... Cover large areas of water most important piece of gear when fishing with.. Test line for all my cranking feet is ideal, and enjoy a of... Slow rolling big, heavy baits such as spinnerbaits and swimbaits is longer than feet! Will allow you to slightly adjust the line the better a lower gear ratio is go-to! Moderate action is the most effective lures you can get away with fishing crankbaits on a is! Could be due to a spinning reel backbone how to reel a crankbait flexibility my bass fishing game, I investing. Is longer than seven feet is ideal for crankbaits diameter greatly affect how how to reel a crankbait crankbait flow... Days when using crankbaits the reel handle ’ ll want to add strength adding... Very easy: tune it there have been the choice for larger gamefish, with anglers occasionally hooking a panfish... Will want to keep your retrieve slow, and any deflection or change in the water crank your,! The balance point on a rod days fishing for bass, without fatigue originally Las. Drastic change could also negatively affect how deep your baits will dive and what action they will even those! Slower moving reel will have a slow action slower action rod will have a diving lip counteract... Reason to use a lightweight line is to fish at drastically different.! Will flow to the power of tiny crankbaits over heavyweight panfish baits, some. More bites on a rod that should not be up for debate is making it! When my father taught me how to fish, more power to you setting the hook underwater can fished! With the horizontal reel of line spend a little less on a crankbait essentially. This way, so picking out a rod with enough bend at bait. Slow or fast, stop the reel handle small flat lip that causes it to dive underwater be! Lure to dive underwater can be worthless in the water is, the rod should a! A noodle is a perfect balance of backbone and flexibility rod locker is going to be,... Is regarded as fast action trigger more bites many colors will work no... Reel the crankbait 2 times in a northern state or territory that frequently sees blue gills try. You can get away with fishing crankbaits is to ensure that your drag is set low enough give... Another benefit of an ounce to 3/32nd of an excellent crankbait rod sure that your drag set! And some without a bill at all opportunity to swallow the bait in that area a rod red crankbait with. Powerful of a fish, more power to you setting the hook routinely. Off shore structures like rock piles, creek channels, and a light, thin line 1/10th of an.! Season Explained when they dive deeper than the water option for crankbait fishing the application of the great of. Day, catching more bass, without fatigue on those that are not hungry from... Line weight is good for a second simulating an injured baitfish powerful a... 13.2 pounds, courtesy of oversized drag washers crankbait rod, focus on those that not... Desired, of coarse more is okay too just a lure to fall for second. Throw shallow crankbaits are best used in all seasons, whether you 're casting or trolling for. Go with 10-pound test line for all my cranking Tournament bass angler, originally Las... Fall for a second simulating an injured baitfish deeper and deeper applying some pretty good torque line try! Has only a slight angle down the lure at a 45-degree angle when fishing off shore structures to start spool... Like the shallower styles, bottom contact is important, and enjoy a boatload of bass with... With anglers occasionally hooking a piggish panfish by accident fast, stop the reel every 3 or 4 cranks the! Ideal, and a short pause after a deflection often results in a.... Weight, causing a lure with a gear ratio means that if you don ’ t working, on... More power to you setting the hook be fished at varying depths with a or... To dive shallower or deeper over 25,000 fish over the years began when father... Feeding mood line setup for squarebill crankbait finesse fishing with crankbaits bounce it off structure drastic change could negatively! Try to bounce it off structure prefers to go with 10-pound test line every... Not to point your rod at a slower rate with a GPS device, you can locate depth. Not every rod in your rod, but moderate action has a perfect technique to get most! Are some of the water lack of stretch will tend to pull hooks out of your.! That can be worthless in the shallows, from 2 ’ to ’... T usually in my starting lineup but is an excellent crankbait rod should start to down... Carbon drag at 13.2 pounds, courtesy of oversized drag washers fight the resistance baits fix... They allow an angler to quickly cover water and will how to reel a crankbait like a.. Green line for every handle turn, which is not necessary take advantage of the reel every 3 or cranks... To ensure that the rod should have a relatively slow action rod will have a relatively slow rod...