CRANKBAITS CATCH FISH
By Bob Jensen

Live-bait fishing is often thought of as the most reliable way to catch a fish. Minnows, nightcrawlers, worms, leeches, crickets, crawfish, whatever, are all certainly producers when it comes to fishing, and, when fishing gets tough, live-bait is probably the best way to get some action. However, there are times when crankbaits will be just as productive, and if you’re looking for a big fish, a true trophy, crankbaits will be perhaps the best bet in quite a few situations. In fact, starting in late May or early June, in many bodies of water throughout the Midwest, crankbaits will probably catch more big fish than other lure types combined. Here’s how you can catch more big fish on crankbaits this year.

Crankbaits are a great way to cover water. When you’re looking for fish, it works well to put crankbaits out and start trolling. You will catch walleyes, bass, pike, muskies, even crappies on some bodies of water.

A great way to cover water is by trolling with planer boards. These allow an angler to spread several lines to the side of the boat. You can cover several depths and a wide expanse of water while experimenting with several lure colors and sizes. The planer boards from Off Shore Tackle are most popular because of their ease of use and effectiveness.

If the water has some color in it, you will want the crankbait bumping the bottom.

If the water is fairly clear, the bait can be a foot or two above the bottom, and in some bodies of water, it works well to troll the bait way up off the bottom. If the baitfish are high off the bottom, that’s where the bigger fish will be, so that’s where you want your crankbait to be running. Keep an eye on your sonar and adjust the running depth of your crankbait so it is at the level or a little above where the big fish are.

Usually it works well to select a crankbait that is the same basic shape as the fish you’re after. Walleyes, pike, and muskies will generally prefer a long, thin bait such as a Frenzy Minnow.

Bass are a little more forgiving: They will sometimes take whatever you put out there. However, a shorter, fatter bait is good to start with most of the time. A Frenzy Diver is a good example of a short fat bait that will really get the bass to bite.

In clear water, go with natural appearing crankbaits. If the water has some color to it, a brighter color will be more productive. It seems like firetiger appeals to most fish in many bodies of water.

Some anglers like to attach the bait to their line directly, others like a snap. If you decide to go the snap route, use a Cross-Lok snap. These are tough snaps and won’t open up when pressure is exerted. A snap/swivel generally isn’t needed.

These ideas will get you started in using crankbaits for more fish. However, the best way to learn how to use crankbaits is to put one in the water and get fishing, and right now is a great time to do so.