Section: ontario-bassin
Bill RiversBest Bass BaitsRattling Crankbaits |
| No matter the type, rattling crankbaits catch plenty of bass, especially in open water near cover or structural features (shoals, breaklines, sunken weedbeds). Because they are "fished fast", they make excellent search baits, and easily substitute for spinnerbaits except that they are anything but weedless or snag-free. Because they more closely resemble natural forage / prey and can be fished deeper, crankbaits will sometimes catch fish that were not tempted by a spinnerbait. The noise created by BB implants may also trigger aggressive and / or territorial bass into striking. | |
| Available in a range of sizes and weights, rattling crankbaits can be cast and fished easily on any type of gear, but baitcasting gear gets the nod. Since the lure neither spins nor rotates, tie crankbaits directly with a proven knot (or with a simple snapif naits are changed often) on stout line. To fish a crankbait effectively, simply throw it near bass - it seems almost irresistible. At normal retrieve speeds, most crankbaits track between 6 and 12 feet, but can be fished slower, as deep as 20 feet. Pull-and-flutter retrieves occasionally work well, and fish are notorious for following these baits, nose to the hooks, so reel the bait all the way back to the boat, keeping an eye open for "stalkers". |  |
| Choosing rattling crankbaits is simple - mid-depth divers in a couple sizes, 2 or 3 colours. Hi-vis colours, including orange / craw, fire tiger / perch, chartreuse and natural shad finishes will do the trick. For baitcasting gear, the 3/4-oz. size is the ideal crankbait, while the 1/4 or 3/8-oz. sizes are better suited for softer, spinning outfits. | |
| Even though crankbaits sport treble gangs, fast hooksets and needle-sharp hook points are needed to stick and hold thrashing, aerial bass. The weight and design of these lures make them relatively easy for bass to shake free, and those many hook points dig into just about everything else, increasing the chances that the hooks will be pulled free of the fish's mouth should it be able to retreat into any nearby cover. |  Jig 'n Pig |