Today there are many incredible fishing lures on the market. Fishing retail stores are packed with baits ranging from presentation-specific jigs, live bait rigs, blade baits, swimbaits, jigging spoons, topwater baits, and more.

The most diverse lure category are crankbaits. Throughout the season, we use crankbaits to catch crappies, walleye, bass, musky, pike, trout — you name it. Crankbaits come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, patterns and actions. Then, some cranks are designed to float, sink, and suspend baits. Some work better for cast casting, and others, trolling.

Crankbait fishing is a popular technique for catching a variety of fish species, including bluegill, bass, walleye, and muskie. In this article, we will explore some insights and tips from experienced anglers who have had success with crankbaits in different locations. So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, read on to learn more about crankbait logic and how to improve your fishing game.

Troy Peters: Catching Bluegills

Troy Peters starts off by sharing his experience of catching bluegills. He mentions that the water is super clear, so trolling behind the boat with a slip bobber is the most effective technique. The fish are staging on gravel bars in 3 to 7 feet of water. As the water warms up, the bluegills will move into shallow water for spawning and then return to the gravel bars. Troy emphasizes that catching bluegills is simple and enjoyable, and they make for a great fish fry.

Jason Fried: Transition Time on Leech Lake

Jason Fried discusses the transition period on Leech Lake. He mentions that the water temperature and air temperatures are rising, causing the fish to slide out to primary breaks. He suggests looking for well-known areas on the lake, such as rock reefs and various areas around Pelican Islands. These transition areas, like gravel to mud or rock to mud, are key spots to find fish as the water temperature rises and bug hatches occur. Jason recommends using creature baits like crawlers, leeches, and bone spinners. On windy days, a jig and minnow can still be effective.

Billy Rosner: Canoe Trip on Lake Vermilion

Billy Rosner shares his experience of a canoe trip on Lake Vermilion. He mentions catching bass and northern pike in rivers and bays. He recommends using blue fox inline spinner baits, number seven and number nine floating Rapalas, and terminator spinnerbaits. Billy highlights that the bass are post-spawn and can be found in any of the holes in the river. He emphasizes the importance of safety and having fun while fishing on Lake Vermilion.

Cool Products: Crankbaits

The article then transitions to discussing some cool products related to crankbaits. The products include:

1. Rumble Stick from Northland Tackle: This deep-diving crankbait is great for walleye, salmon, and trout. It has bright colors and a unique design for great action.
2. Rumble Shad from Northland Tackle: This smaller-sized crankbait is versatile and can be used for bass, walleye, trout, and salmon.
3. Hybrid Treble Hook Short Shank from VMC: This inline treble hook has a unique design that allows for better swimming action. It is great for replacing treble hooks on crankbaits and jerkbaits.
4. Down Deep Hus ky Jerk from Rapala: This suspending bait is perfect for trolling deep waters. It has a great diving depth and stops on a dime, making it irresistible to fish.
5. Rip Stop Deep from Rapala: This larger version of the Rip Stop bait can dive even deeper and has a unique stopping action that entices fish to bite.
6. Plano Edge Series: These crankbait storage boxes have silicone fingers on the inside to protect and separate your baits. They are rust-resistant and easy to open and close.
7. Easy Crankbait Tuner from Offshore Tackle: This tool allows you to adjust the tension on your crankbaits to make sure they run straight and true. It is perfect for fine-tuning your baits.
8. Accu-Depth Plus Reel from Daiwa: This reel is great for trolling and has a built-in line counter. It is easy to use and offers great value for the price.
9. RG Walleye Trolling Rod from Daiwa: This medium-heavy power rod is perfect for trolling. It has a lot of backbone and flex, ensuring your crankbaits have great action.
10. Fortis Walleye Net from Clam: This net has a deep design and an extendable handle, making it perfect for shore fishing and boating. It is durable and easy to use.
11. Smooth Moves Air: This cushioned seat is a back saver, especially in rough waters. It provides support and rotates 360 degrees for added comfort.

Trolling Techniques

The article then delves into trolling techniques for catching fish. The anglers emphasize the importance of figuring out the depth at which the fish are holding and setting up a plan accordingly. They recommend using line counters to keep track of the depth and distance of your baits. Trolling with multiple lines and using planer boards can help cover more water and increase your chances of catching fish. They also mention the importance of teamwork when trolling, with one person focusing on steering the boat while others handle setting up the lines and boards.

The anglers highlight the convenience of using trolling reels with line counters, such as the Accu-Depth Plus reel from Daiwa. This reel allows for precise control and makes it easier to replicate successful setups. They also recommend using trolling rods with the right amount of backbone and flex, like the RG Walleye Trolling Rod from Daiwa, to ensure that your crankbaits have the desired action.

To enhance the trolling experience, they suggest using tools like the Easy Crankbait Tuner from Offshore Tackle. This tool allows you to adjust the tension on your crankbaits, ensuring that they run straight and true. It is especially useful for fine-tuning your baits and maximizing their effectiveness.

The anglers also discuss the benefits of using a cushioned seat like the Smooth Moves Air. This seat provides support and can be adjusted to different tension levels, offering cushioning and comfort, particularly in rough waters. It rotates 360 degrees, allowing for easy movement and adjustments while fishing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crankbait fishing is a versatile and effective technique for catching a variety of fish species. The anglers in this article have shared their insights and tips for successful crankbait fishing. They have discussed various products, including crankbaits, storage boxes, tuning tools, reels, rods, nets, and cushioned seats, that can enhance your fishing experience. By understanding the behavior of the fish, using the right equipment, and employing effective trolling techniques, you can increase your chances of success on your next fishing trip.