No doubt about it, lipless crankbaits are one of the most versatile tools available for catching walleyes, and they are still underused, despite being a mainstay in most of our tackle boxes.

The great thing about rattle baits is their ability to fish so many different depth levels. Traditionally, a rattle baits is simply casted and reeled straight in in shallow to mid-range depths, but we’re big fans of using these baits for walleyes on deeper structure from 15 to 30 feet of water.

In these deeper conditions, you fish the bait the same way you would fish a jig: cast it out and let it his the bottom, then rip it up, let it fall, rip it up, let it fall until a walleye drills it. These lipless crankbaits create a reaction bite, similar to what you might see with a Jigging Rap.

One of our favorite lures for this presentations is the #7 Rapala Rippin’ Rap.

So when the right time to bust out the Rippin’ Raps? They works particularly well in darker water environments when the fish are quite aggressive, though they’ve been known to work in clearwater situations, as well. We’re had success with this bait all year: spring, summer, fall and even through the ice in the wintertime.

You can fish lipless crankbaits on a spinning rod or a bait casting rod, though most anglers tend to favor the latter. Jeremy Smith’s go-to rod is the St. Croix Legend Glass rod, which has a nice long bend and is designed for throwing crankbaits.

The key is using a rod that will keep the small treble hooks pegged in the walleye’s mouth. Pair it with 12# monofilament line and you’ve got an extremely stretchy system that will keep walleyes hooked and get ‘em in the net.

Introduction

In this article, I want to share with you one of the most versatile tools that every angler should have in their tackle box: the lipless crankbait. I recently had an incredible day on the water, catching walleyes using this bait, and I want to explain why it’s such an awesome tool for targeting walleyes and other fish. So, let’s dive in and explore the power of the lipless crankbait!

The Versatility of Lipless Crankbaits

One of the great things about lipless crankbaits, also known as rattle baits, is their ability to fish at various depth levels. While they are traditionally casted and reeled in at shallow to mid-range depths, they can also be effectively used on deeper structures. I’m talking about depths of 15 to 30 feet or even more.

Fishing the Lipless Crankbait for Walleyes

When targeting walleyes with a lipless crankbait, it’s important to fish it differently than you would with other baits. Instead of a steady retrieve, you want to mimic the action of a jig. Here’s how you do it:

1. Cast the bait out to your desired spot.
2. Let it sink to the bottom.
3. Give it a sharp upward jerk, known as a rip, to make the bait dart upwards.
4. Allow the bait to fall back down.
5. Repeat the rip and fall retrieve, varying the speed and intensity to trigger a reaction bite.

This technique is especially effective in deeper water where walleyes tend to hang out. The sudden movement of the bait can trigger their predatory instincts and entice them to strike.

Why Choose a Lipless Crankbait for Walleyes?

While the jig and wrap is a popular choice for walleye fishing, the lipless crankbait is often overlooked. However, it can be a game-changer in certain situations. Here’s why:

1. Dirty Water: In murky or stained water, walleyes rely more on their sense of vibration and sound to locate prey. The rattling noise produced by a lipless crankbait can attract their attention and trigger a strike.
2. Aggressive Fish: When walleyes are in an aggressive feeding mode, they are more likely to react to a fast-moving bait like a lipless crankbait. The erratic action and vibrations can trigger their predatory instincts and elicit a strike.
3. Year-Round Effectiveness: The lipless crankbait is not limited to a specific season. It can be effective in spring, summer, fall, and even winter. So, no matter when you’re out on the water, this bait can help you catch walleyes.

Choosing the Right Gear

To effectively fish a lipless crankbait for walleyes, it’s important to choose the right gear. Here are some tips:

1. Rod: Opt for a crankbait rod, like the St. Croix Legend Glass, designed specifically for throwing crankbaits. These rods have a nice bend and provide the necessary flexibility to work the bait effectively.
2. Line: Use monofilament line with a higher pound test, such as 12-pound mono. The stretchiness of monofilament helps absorb the shock when a fish strikes and reduces the chances of the fish throwing the bait.
3. Reel: You can fish the lipless crankbait on either a spinning rod or a baitcasting rod, depending on your preference. Choose a reel that matches your rod and line setup.

Conclusion

Don’t overlook the power of the lipless crankbait when targeting walleyes. Its versatility, ability to fish at different depths, and triggering action make it a dynamite tool for catching not only walleyes but also other fish species. Whether you’re fishing in clear or dirty water, during any season, the lipless crankbait can be a game-changer.