Large, flat-sided crankbaits combine a massive baitfish profile with distinct wobble and sound. They’re ideal baits for triggering musky strikes in cold water.
Fall is a great time to target cold water Muskies, and there are many techniques you can use to catch them. One of my absolute favorite techniques for this time of year is throwing a flat crankbait. In this article, I will share with you the details of this technique and why it is so effective in catching Muskies during the cool to cold water period.
The Flat Crankbait Technique
The flat crankbait technique involves using a bait like the Storm Flat Stick or similar baits from other manufacturers. This technique is all about the retrieve and location. I have used this bait in a wide variety of fishing situations, including rivers, clearwater natural lakes, deep weed beds, shallow rock piles, and even dark water lakes.
To start, I cast the bait out and retrieve it using a jerkbait-like action. The bait has a big vibration path, so I rip it through the water and let it float up. The speed of the retrieve depends on the water temperature. In colder water, I slow down the retrieve to entice the Muskies to bite. Currently, the water temperature is 48 degrees, so the fish are quite active and I can use a faster ripping cadence to trigger bites.
The Equipment
For this technique, I prefer using an 8’6″ St. Croix Legend Elite heavy action rod paired with an 80-pound Suffix Performance Braid line on an Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast reel with a 6.4:1 gear ratio. This setup allows me to impart a lot of vibration and rip into the bait, which is crucial for triggering Muskies to bite.
The Effectiveness of the Flat Crankbait
When you see the flat crankbait in action, you can understand why it is so effective in catching Muskies. The bait has a big vibration path and floats up after each rip. This action entices the Muskies and triggers them to bite. The intermittent turns of the bait add to its appeal, making it irresistible to these fish.
This technique is my absolute favorite for catching Muskies during the cold water period, and I continue to use it until freeze-up. Whether I’m casting intermittently or using different lures, like the flat crankbait, I have found great success in catching big Muskies using this technique.
Conclusion
The flat crankbait technique is a highly effective way to catch cold water Muskies. By using baits like the Storm Flat Stick, you can trigger bites from these elusive fish. Remember to adjust your retrieve speed based on the water temperature, and use a rod and reel setup that allows you to impart the necessary vibration and rip into the bait. Give this technique a try during the cool to cold water period, and you may just land yourself a trophy Muskie.
