Fishing with crankbaits for bass Crankbaits (plugs) are often some of the best baits to use for bass. There are many different types of these lures, all of which are productive at certain times.
Spring might be the best time of year to fish with crankbaits for bass, as fish tend to become more active, and prey more heavily on baitfish after the cold weather of winter has gone. Fishing crankbaits along drop offs and structure, and in rivers, retreiving them steadily along the shore are some tactics to employ when using crankbaits. They are best when fished like spinnerbaits.
Deep diving crankbaits, and suspending ones might be better lures to try in deeper waters, as only bass feeding on the surface are likely to see and pursue floating baits. However, deep diving crankbaits are likely to snag grass, algae, and any debris that might be on or near the bottom (with their treble hooks), so it may be better to use other baits in waters full of potential snags.
Some top crankbaits to use for largemouth and smallmouth bass are those made by Bomber, Bandit, Rapala, and Yo Zuri. Brown, gray, and silver baits usually work best for bass, but sometimes, particularly when frogs are an abundant source of food for bass, fire tiger (chartreuse, orange, and black) crankbaits are very productive.
Crankbaits are very productive in spring and summer. These lures are some of the best bass baits to use when the waters are warming, but caution must be used when fishing with crankbaits, because, with treble hooks, the baits are prone to snagging anything that they can.
