Many would say, "Crankbait!" And they're not wrong. Designed for easy cast-and-retrieve action, it's a straightforward choice that often yields results.But what's the lure type often underutilized?If you said "Crankbait!" again, you're not off the mark. While "chunk and wind" works, a nuanced approach can elevate your game and keep you consistently catching fish.Ready to level up? Here are some tips.

Experienced crankers understand that using small diameter line, executing long casts, and utilizing a low gear ratio reel such as the Abu Garcia Revo Winch can enhance crankbait depth, reaching areas typically out of range for diving lures. However, to gain an edge over other anglers, consider employing the "kneeling and reeling" technique, a tactic dating back to the early 1980s but often overlooked. To execute kneeling and reeling, cast from your knees and submerge your rod tip into the water. For each foot the rod tip is underwater, you gain an additional foot of diving depth by eliminating surface tension on the line.

Match Your Bait Action to the Bass' Metabolism
While each crankbait boasts its own distinct action, we can draw some helpful generalizations. Rounded-sided baits typically exhibit a wider wobble compared to their flat-sided counterparts, offering us an advantage to exploit. Given that bass are cold-blooded, their metabolism accelerates as water temperatures rise. In colder conditions, opt for a more subdued lure action, making flat-sided crankbaits like the Berkley Frittside and Bad Shad ideal choices when water temperatures dip below 55ºF. Conversely, as temperatures climb beyond 60ºF, lures such as the Berkley Digger, Dredger, and Wild Thang tend to attract more attention and induce strikes.

Trigger strikes with a directional change
While each crankbait boasts its own distinct action, we can draw some helpful generalizations. Rounded-sided baits typically exhibit a wider wobble compared to their flat-sided counterparts, offering us an advantage to exploit. Given that bass are cold-blooded, their metabolism accelerates as water temperatures rise. In colder conditions, opt for a more subdued lure action, making flat-sided crankbaits like the Berkley Frittside and Bad Shad ideal choices when water temperatures dip below 55ºF. Conversely, as temperatures climb beyond 60ºF, lures such as the Berkley Digger, Dredger, and Wild Thang tend to attract more attention and induce strikes.