Crankbait fishing is a useful technique throughout the year but selecting the right bait can be challenging. To think that even a slight change in color, size, or direction can deter a bass from biting is crazy. But, it happens. These factors can really come into play when fishing crankbaits.

There are virtually endless crankbaits on the market today. They vary in size, shape, and color. So, how do you know which to buy? A lot of times bass hone in on the wobble of a crankbait and not so much the color or exact running depth of the bait. So, your primary choices are a wide wobbling bait or a tight wobbling bait.

Crankbait Fishing With Wide Wobbling Lures

Wide wobble crankbaits are typically more popular than tight wobbling baits. The average crankbait will have a medium-wide wobble and displace quite a bit of water. These more aggressive crankbaits are generally better for warmer water (above 70 degrees). In this temperature range, bass are more willing to chase down an erratic bait.

Wide wobblers are also great for current. Given the increase in sound that a wide wobbling crank produces, current is the perfect place to fish these baits. There are so many sounds associated with running water. The wide wobble of a crankbait helps to push more water than smaller, thinner cranks and garner the attention of more fish, even amongst all the noise.

Although great for irritating fish into biting in clear water, wobblers are also great baits for dirty water. In low clarity situations, fish rely on their lateral line to hunt prey. This line picks up movements and vibrations in the water. By using a wider wobbling bait, you increase your odds of the fish finding your lure. A wide wobble and quick retrieve can also cause bass to bite out of reaction rather than hunger.

Crankbait Fishing With Tight Wobbling Lures

Although many anglers will automatically reach for an aggressive, wide-wobbling crankbait, this isn’t always the best idea. A thinner, tight wobbling crank (like a Berkley Flicker Shad or Rapala Shad Rap) shines in cold water (below 70 degrees) or anytime the bite is slow. The tight side-to-side action of these lures mimics smaller baitfish that aren’t as quick and strong as their grown-up brethren. If bass are not in the mood for a large, fast-moving meal, the tight wobbling crankbait can be the ticket.

These crankbaits also typically come through certain types of cover better because the fishing hooks tend to stay in line with the body of the bait. A wide wobbling bait typically doesn’t have this luxury as its wide, erratic action flings its treble hooks side to side, grabbing anything it grazes.