Starting with crankbaits

[Anbelizac]

I am really getting into artificial bait fishing after fishing with live bait for a long time, I have a 7 foot baitcaster with 15 lbs braid. I put a 6 lb flouro leader on it and I want to know how to use crankbaits and jerk baits. I generally know I have to bang the crankbait into stuff but does anyone have any tips?

[roadwarrior]

We have an extensive library:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing-lures-articles

 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos

[jimmyjoe]

   oops .... too slow!

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

2 hours ago, Anbelizac said:

jerk baits.

Here Ya go, read this and you will be way ahead of the curve!

 

[papajoe222]

You don't need to bang a crank into cover, or along the bottom. What triggers a strike on a crank is most often from a quick change in direction, or speed.  I use them as search baits throughout the water column and a stop and go retrieve produces in that open water.

One suggestion; If you'll be bouncing it off rocks, bottom, wood, or whatever, you may want to up that leader to 10lb. It will hold up better. Either way you go, check your line above the bait and retie frequently.

[islandbass]

I’m with papa Joe about stepping up to 10#. Even if I was not banging on things. That is a minimum for me unless I’m throwing something like a floating rapala minnow. I might venture to 8#. Also, if it hasn’t changed, I believe rapala based their diving depths off on 10# mono. 

My philosophy is to use the lightest line I can get away with and in this case, it’s 10#. 
 

Just a question. Are you familiar enough with using 15# braid in a bc reel? Without it, you might find the thin diameter of that braid “dig” itself into the spool and potentially hinder casts and increase the potential for overruns. It is less of an issue the heavier the lure as the weight can sometimes “break through” the line dig, but it  still could be an issue.  If you are experienced, please ignore this. 

[jbsoonerfan]

16 minutes ago, islandbass said:

Just a question. Are you familiar enough with using 15# braid in a bc reel? Without it, you might find the thin diameter of that braid “dig” itself into the spool and potentially hinder casts and increase the potential for overruns. It is less of an issue the heavier the lure as the weight can sometimes “break through” the line dig, but it  still could be an issue.  If you are experienced, please ignore this. 

 

That was going to be my first question as well. But with all the new members we have been getting lately that are also experts, I didn't even know if I should ask. LOL

[islandbass]

33 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

 

That was going to be my first question as well. But with all the new members we have been getting lately that are also experts, I didn't even know if I should ask. LOL

I am so glad I sipped that last of my hot cup of broth before I read your comment or it would have gone all over my monitor. 

[jgordon]

Thanks for the question and the answers I have been trying to up my game in the crankbait and swim bait world as well.  This was very helpful.

[Dens228]

I use 20 lb braid with a short three foot mono leader for cranks........I wouldn't go thinner than that with braid.  

Also check out the following channels on Youtube

Fish the Moment

Bassresource

 

Both have numerous excellent and informative video's on crankbaits. 

[Fishes in trees]

No matter what size line I had on my bait caster, I would only use a 6 lb leader if I was throwing some one else's crank baits and they didn't care how many I lost.

 Not sure why you're using a leader for cranks, but if abrasion issues are the reason, I'd go with 20 lb fluorocarbon .

The only cranks that I throw on 15 lb braid are very light balsa baits, quarter ounce or less and I throw those on spinning gear.   I use a short (less than 2 feet) fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance purposes, and I'll use 15 or 20 lb fluorocarbon leader material for this chore.