Summer is a prime time for bass fishing, and one of the most effective lures to use during this season is a crankbait. Crankbaits mimic the movement and appearance of baitfish, making them irresistible to hungry bass. Here are some tips to help you maximize your success with crankbaits when targeting bass in the summer.
1. Vary Your Depths: Bass tend to move to different depths depending on the time of day and water temperature. Experiment with different crankbait depths to find where the bass are holding. Start with shallow-running crankbaits in the morning and evening when bass are more likely to be near the surface. As the day progresses and the water heats up, switch to deeper-running crankbaits to reach bass that have moved to deeper structures and cover.
2. Pay Attention to Water Clarity: The clarity of the water can greatly influence the type and color of crankbait you should use. In clear water, opt for natural colors such as shad patterns or translucent hues. If the water is murky or stained, go for brighter and more vibrant colors like chartreuse or firetiger. Matching the crankbait color to the water conditions will increase your chances of attracting bass.
3. Vary Your Crankbait Speed: Bass have different preferences when it comes to the speed at which they want their prey to move. Experiment with different retrieval speeds to figure out what the bass are responding to on a particular day. Start with a moderate retrieve speed and then try speeding up or slowing down until you find the right tempo that triggers strikes.
4. Target Structure and Cover: Bass love to hang out near structure and cover during the summer months, as it provides shade and ambush points. Crankbaits are excellent for fishing around structures like submerged trees, rocks, and docks. Make accurate casts near these areas and work your crankbait through the cover to entice strikes.
5. Use a Pause-and-Go Technique: Sometimes, bass prefer a crankbait that imitates a wounded or dying baitfish. To simulate this, use a pause-and-go technique during your retrieve. After a few steady cranks, pause the retrieve for a few seconds, allowing the crankbait to suspend momentarily before resuming the retrieve. This pause can often trigger a reaction strike from nearby bass.
6. Change Your Crankbait Action: Crankbaits come in different shapes and styles, each with its own unique action. Some crankbaits have a tight wobble, while others have a wide, erratic action. If one type of crankbait isn’t producing bites, switch to a different one with a different action. Changing up the crankbait’s action can often trigger a reaction from finicky bass.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to fishing with crankbaits. Spend time on the water experimenting with different techniques, depths, and colors until you find what works best for the bass in your area. With patience and persistence, you’ll be reeling in summer bass using crankbaits like a pro.
Get started today with the SPRO John Crews Little John DD 60 Deep Diving Crankbait. The SPRO Little John DD Crankbait is 2 1/3 inch, 5/8 ounce small profile deep diver designed by B.A.S.S. Elite Series Pro John Crews. It dives 9-12 feet and comes stock with two premium Gamakatsu size 3 treble hooks. The weight transfer system has soft tungsten balls that provide it with a softer sounding subtle presentation.
