All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Fishing Shallow With Crankbaits

Crankbaits are a versatile lure which may imitate baitfish, crawfish or other food sources. Crankbaits are available in models designed for specific depths and are categorized as shallow, medium or deep running lures. Some have erratic actions while others are quite subdued. In dirty water use big, bright lures with a wide wobble. In clear water use subdued colors, smaller sizes and a tighter wobble.

3 Most Important Factors About Fishing Shallow With Crankbaits

Crankbaits attract reaction bites.
Match the food source for size and color.
Crankbaits are designed to run at specific depths.

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Crankbaits should bounce off cover (rocky bottom or brush) to induce strikes.
Use lighter colors in clear water – darker, brighter colors in dingy water.
Ripping a minnow-type bait or lipless crankbait over or around cover can draw bass out of the cover.

Crankbaits

Shallow running crankbaits

These shallow crankbaits, are designed to run just below the surface down to a depth of 3 or 4 feet. Use this type crankbait over cover that is just below the surface or when bass are feeding at or near the surface.

Medium running crankbaits

Rocky points, shorelines and flats are an ideal place to use these lures designed to run 4 to 8 feet deep. Bounce the lure off rocks and cover to attract reaction strikes.

Deep running crankbaits

You can get crankbaits designed to run more than 20 feet deep under ideal conditions. Most deep crankbaits work the 10 to 15 foot water at best. In most cases you are trying to represent some type of bait fish. Use this option for bass feeding on baitfish away from cover. These can also be used on points and flats where the lure makes contact with the bottom.

Lipless Crankbaits

These specialty lures are designed to fish at a fast pace. They are great for finding bass because you can cover shallow or deep water with the same lure. Cast and retrieve the lure over the tops of cover or open water where bass are suspended. Allow the lure to make contact with the cover as you retrieve it.

Fishing line for cranking

Smaller diameter line allows crankbaits to run deeper. You can maintain strength with small diameters by using braided line which casts well on all types of reels. If the bass are in heavy cover, use heavier line if your reel will allow. Long casts are crucial for attaining maximum depth of deeper diving crankbaits.

Rip baits and jerkbaits

These lures are long, thin replicas of baitfish designed to fish from the surface down to 3 or 4 feet. There are several ways to retrieve the lure. One is to cast and retrieve while jerking the rod during the cranking to create a radical jerking motion. Another way is to cast these lures over cover and crank rapidly for several turns of the reel - then stop. The bait will suspend or begin to rise slowly (depending on the model), wait several seconds and crank several turns again – repeating this action through the entire strike zone.