So I've read a lot on crankbaits, but still have one question...

[Movarus]

So, like the title says, I've been reading up on crankbaits a lot lately. From what I have come across, not only are they great baits to use almost anytime, but during fall they seem to be one of the top choices.

Which leads me to reading as many of the articles I can find on crankbaits specifically here on the site. One thing all of them seem to agree on is bouncing them off of structure. That is where my question comes in...

How do you bounce a crank off of structure without getting it caught? :-?

That is the #1 reason I typically don't throw a crankbait, and it seems that may be the reason they aren't up there in my producing lures. I almost always get them caught whenever there is anything around that they could possibly get caught on. So, what should I look for, or feel for that would help me brush this by some structure without getting them caught up. Honestly, if I could lose that fear (which I know might cost me some crankbaits to get the hang of) I would throw them a lot more.

I would love to hear what you guys have to say. I have a few mid range ones and I would love to get some use out of them.

PS, I'm going to keep searching for a good article, if I have missed one that already explains it, could you point me in the right direction.  Thanks a ton.

[alger319]

just do it! really, your gonna get your bait snagged no matter how experience you are. you just have to try it and get the feel for it. one main thing to not get it stuck so often, is feeling the difference between structure and a fish. when i fisrt began throwing them every time i felt a tap i set... into structure. so when your digging the crankbait and run into something just stop it for a sec so it floats up or moves to the side and continue. most of the time the bill of the crank will make the bait bounce off the structure (especially with square-bills). now with lipless crank, no so much- but i personally dont throw those as much in fallen trees and brush piles as i do with lipped cranks...

[Muddy]

EXCELLENT ADVISE: JUST DO IT! Thats how I learned. Keeping a steady retrieve hepls, and after a while you will learn how to pull them off and your bait loss will go down.

[Movarus]

Looks like I just need to keep throwing out the "cheaper" ones till I get the hang of it.  Just another thing to start practicing with!  

[Grey Wolf]

Bouncing them off structure is the perferred way to fish them but I have caught many bass by just a steady retrieve without bouncing it off anything.

There are many ways to fish cranks.

[Brad_Coovert]

You may actually be surprised at how easily many cranks come through cover.  No doubt about it, you will get hung up now and then.  It's part of fishing cover with crankbaits.

Another thing I would reccomend is a lure retriever.  They will pay for themselves in one trip in saved baits.

Brad

[Raul]

How do you bounce a crank off of structure without getting it caught? :-?

No fear I guess.  

and a lure retriever.  

[Avalonjohn44]

Forget the lure retriever if you fish from land.  It is a waste of money.  I have two different kinds that have not retrieved one lure...

If you want to fish cranks and don't want to lose them, then either use strong braid, or learn to swim.  

Try out a few Bandit 100's before you go throwing your $20 Lucky Craft into a snarl of branches though.

[CRFisher]

I second the braid idea to stop losing them, although I have a bunch that now need new trebles.  Still cheaper than a new bait.  I've actually gained lures on snags since I switched, pulling up branches with a few cranks on them.  Also, although I know most people here hate them, learn on the cheap WalMart renegades.  For a dollar or two they're perfect to start out with and you won't care if you lose them.

[Simp]

With a crank snag simply move the boat over the crank or on the other side of the snagged crank. I usually won't throw a crank from land. The exception to that is a Rat L Trap.

[njbasser]

If (when) you get it snagged, just strum your line like a guitar string to loosen it up a little bit. Just a couple days ago i snagged in rocks and got it undone with this.  

[Simp]

This is a great tip I don't know many times I've had this work!

[atx_newbie]

I used to be like that, and the only cranks I used were shallow divers in deep open water so that I wouldn't lose them.  Then I just decided to bite the bullet and lose the baits.

I would just use a slow retrieve when you start, and when you hit something, just stop reeling and let it rise a foot or two.  I personally wouldn't worry about feeling the strike and setting the hook.  In my experience, bass normally hook themselves on cranks; so if you feel a bump, let it rise, and you'll know if it's a fish.

[Brad_Coovert]

Moving the boat or past the snag and strumming your line does not always work.

A lure retriever is a cheap purchase that will pay you back every season.

In fact, they should be a standard feature on all bass boats!  

[Grey Wolf]

Moving the boat or past the snag and strumming your line does not always work.

A lure retriever is a cheap purchase that will pay you back every season.

In fact, they should be a standard feature on all bass boats!

x2

[fishntime]

Great advise!  I also just started to throw cranks this past year, and I have had some success.  But I do have one question, What kind of reel would you guys recommend for deep diving cranks?? :-?

[iceintheveins]

You just have to overcome the fear of hanging the bait up. When your not fishing in cover to where you can bounce the crank off of it, a stop and go retrieve works best. Lots of bass hit when it's floating back up.

A telescopic and hounddog style lure retriever are a must when boat fishing. You can use the telescopic one off the bank if your snagged up close enough for the retriever to reach it.

Whenever I tick cover or structure, I just let the crank float back, and then reel till it hits the object again. Cranks will deflect pretty well off rocks and logs. Brush is a lot more likely to snag your lure.

[TournyFish001]

As soon as you feel your bait hit something stop/pause this is really good for triggering strikes plus you will keep it from fully engaging in a bigger snag- that being said if you just constant retrieve it no matter what after hitting something firm you are gunna wedge that thing in a snag more frequently. It takes a bit to get the feel for it- Cranking into structure is very rewarding-

hint check my avatar

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[Matt Fly]

Certain bills are better for deflecting away from cover.    Another good tip is to use balsa bait when probing wood.    Balsa baits deflect off wood better.     Bagley made great balsa baits.  Getting harder to find.

[roadwarrior]

Here's a new article on our Home Page:

http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/crankbait_basics.html

8-)

[SQUAREHEAD]

I generally only use floaters, and sometime if they feel snagged I'll put a little pressure on it and pop the bail open.  Works for me sometimes.