Fishing with crankbaits is an exciting and rewarding way to catch fish. Crankbaits are artificial baits that can be cast from shore and retrieved in a variety of ways. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, which makes them a great choice for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran angler, learning how to fish crankbaits from shore can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
What is a Crankbait?
A crankbait is an artificial lure designed to imitate the swimming action of a small fish. When retrieved properly, it will dive below the water’s surface, creating the illusion of a baitfish or other prey. The motion of the lure attracts predators such as bass, walleye, and pike. Crankbaits can be fished in both fresh and saltwater, making them a versatile and popular choice among anglers.
Types of Crankbaits
There are many different types of crankbaits available to anglers. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of the most popular types of crankbaits include:
- Flat sided crankbaits – These are designed to “walk the dog” and create a wide, erratic wobbling action when retrieved.
- Shallow diving crankbaits – These are designed to dive shallow and are typically used for fishing in shallow water.
- Deep diving crankbaits – These are designed to dive deep and are typically used for fishing in deep water.
- Jerkbaits – These are designed to imitate a wounded baitfish and create a jerking action when retrieved.
Selecting Crankbaits
When selecting crankbaits, it is important to consider the type of fish you are targeting. Different types of crankbaits are designed to imitate different types of prey, so it is important to choose a crankbait that is appropriate for the species you are fishing for. Additionally, it is important to consider the size, color, and action of the lure. Different sizes, colors, and actions can attract different types of fish, so it is important to experiment with different types of crankbaits to see which ones are the most effective.
How to Fish Crankbaits from Shore
Once you have selected the appropriate crankbaits for the type of fish you are targeting, it is time to begin fishing. To fish with crankbaits from shore, you will need to cast the lure out into the water. This can be done using a spinning rod and reel, or a baitcasting rod and reel. Once the lure is in the water, you will need to begin retrieving it. This can be done by simply reeling it in, or by using a jerking or twitching motion.
When retrieving the crankbait, it is important to pay attention to what type of action the lure is displaying. Different types of crankbaits, such as flat sided crankbaits or jerkbaits, will display different types of action. It is important to experiment with different types of retrieves to see which ones are the most effective.
Using Crankbaits in Different Situations
Crankbaits can be used in a variety of situations. They can be used in shallow water, deep water, around structure, and in open water. When fishing with crankbaits in shallow water, it is important to select a shallow diving crankbait. When fishing with crankbaits in deep water, it is important to select a deep diving crankbait. When fishing around structure, it is important to select a crankbait that can dive deep and imitate the prey that the fish are feeding on. When fishing in open water, it is important to select a crankbait that can dive deep and imitate the prey that the fish are feeding on.
Tips for Fishing Crankbaits from Shore
When fishing with crankbaits from shore, there are a few tips that can help you be more successful. First, it is important to select the appropriate size and color of crankbait for the species you are targeting. Second, it is important to experiment with different types of retrieves to see which ones are the most effective. Third, it is important to pay attention to the action that the lure is displaying and adjust the retrieve accordingly. Finally, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature, as this can affect the action of the crankbait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crankbait?
A crankbait is an artificial lure designed to imitate the swimming action of a small fish. When retrieved properly, it will dive below the water’s surface, creating the illusion of a baitfish or other prey.
What types of crankbaits are available?
There are many different types of crankbaits available to anglers. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of the most popular types of crankbaits include: flat sided crankbaits, shallow diving crankbaits, deep diving crankbaits, and jerkbaits.
How do I select the appropriate crankbait?
When selecting crankbaits, it is important to consider the type of fish you are targeting. Different types of crankbaits are designed to imitate different types of prey, so it is important to choose a crankbait that is appropriate for the species you are fishing for.
How do I fish crankbaits from shore?
To fish with crankbaits from shore, you will need to cast the lure out into the water. This can be done using a spinning rod and reel, or a baitcasting rod and reel. Once the lure is in the water, you will need to begin retrieving it. This can be done by simply reeling it in, or by using a jerking or twitching motion.
What tips should I follow when fishing crankbaits from shore?
When fishing with crankbaits from shore, there are a few tips that can help you be more successful. First, it is important to select the appropriate size and color of crankbait for the species you are targeting. Second, it is important to experiment with different types of retrieves to see which ones are the most effective. Third, it is important to pay attention to the action that the lure is displaying and adjust the retrieve accordingly. Finally, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature, as this can affect the action of the crankbait.
Can I use crankbaits in different types of water?
Yes, crankbaits can be used in a variety of situations. They can be used in shallow water, deep water, around structure, and in open water. When fishing with crankbaits in shallow water, it is important to select a shallow diving crankbait. When fishing with crankbaits in deep water, it is important to select a deep diving crankbait. When fishing around structure, it is important to select a crankbait that can dive deep and imitate the prey that the fish are feeding on. When fishing in open water, it is important to select a crankbait that can dive deep and imitate the prey that the fish are feeding on.
Do I need to use a spinning or baitcasting rod and reel when fishing with crankbaits?
Yes, when fishing with crankbaits from shore, you will need to use a spinning rod and reel, or a baitcasting rod and reel. This will allow you to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it properly.
What type of action should I look for when retrieving a crankbait?
When retrieving the crankbait, it is important to pay attention to what type of action the lure is displaying. Different types of crankbaits, such as flat sided crankbaits or jerkbaits, will display different types of action. It is important to experiment with different types of retrieves to see which ones are the most effective.
What type of retrieve should I use when fishing with crankbaits?
When fishing with crankbaits, it is important to experiment with different types of retrieves to see which ones are the most effective. This can be done by simply reeling it in, or by using a jerking or twitching motion.
Do I need to vary my retrieve when fishing with crankbaits?
Yes, it is important to vary your retrieve when fishing with crankbaits. Different types of crankbaits, such as flat sided crankba