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The "Right" Time for Crankbaits
Russ Bassdozer says:
Hi, Bob, I'd like to answer your question by breaking it into several questions, okay?
First, what is a crankbait? The term "crankbait" can be defined as anything that is:
- hard (wood or plastic)
- has a "lip" designed to pull it under the surface
- is bulbous, broad-sided, and basically bottom-oriented or cover-oriented
Many people also refer to Rat-L-Trap types as "lipless" crankbaits.
"Jerkbaits" also meet criteria #1 and #2 above, but not #3 in that jerkbaits are thin-bodied minnow types used on or under the surface as opposed to on the bottom. This makes them different from your typical short, fat, bottom-bumping crankbait.
Second, when to use a crankbait? Well, the best time to use a crankbait, in my opinion is when there is hard bottom or rock piles that you can bounce and careen the crankbait off without getting snagged. A crankbait will usually not snag as much on hard bottom or rocks. Crankbaits are also good for coming into contact with wood, brush or weeds, but they will snag more easily in wood, brush or get mucked up in weeds quickly unless you are an expert.
Third, how do you get to be an expert with crankbaits in wood, brush, weeds? By snagging lots of them until you learn how not to!
Fourth, what colors to use? Well, water color doesn't matter. Cranks will work in all waters, although you should generally use clearer cranks in clearer water, and darker cranks in darker water. Keep them bouncing and careening off bottom or cover, going slow -- without snagging.
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