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Fishing Term: Crankbait

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Definition

A crankbait is a type of fishing lure that is designed to imitate the swimming motion of a baitfish. It typically features a fish-like body, diving lip or bill, and treble hooks. Crankbaits are widely used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing to target a variety of predatory fish species, including bass, pike, walleye, muskie, and others.

Key features of crankbaits include:

  • Body Shape: Crankbaits come in various body shapes, including thin and elongated minnow shapes, shad shapes, or fat-bodied profiles. The body shape often determines the diving depth and the swimming action of the lure.
  • Diving Lip or Bill: One of the distinctive features of crankbaits is the diving lip or bill located near the front of the lure. This bill creates resistance in the water, causing the lure to dive or wobble when retrieved.
  • Hooks: Crankbaits typically have one or more sets of treble hooks attached to the belly and, in some cases, the tail. The hooks are designed to catch fish that strike the lure.
  • Lip Length and Angle: The length and angle of the diving lip influence the depth to which the crankbait dives. Longer lips and steeper angles generally result in deeper diving actions.
  • Lipless Crankbaits: Some crankbaits are designed without a diving lip and are known as lipless crankbaits. These lures sink and are often used in situations where a deeper presentation or a different action is desired.
  • Rattles: Many crankbaits have built-in rattles or chambers that create noise and vibrations, attracting fish by mimicking the sound of prey.

Crankbaits can be categorized into two main types based on their diving depth:

  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits: These are designed to dive to shallower depths, typically less than 6 feet. They are effective for fishing in shallow water, near the surface, or over submerged vegetation.
  • Deep Diving Crankbaits: These are designed to reach greater depths, often exceeding 10 feet or more. Deep-diving crankbaits are used to target fish in deeper water or along underwater structures.

Crankbaits are versatile lures that can be used in various fishing scenarios, including casting, trolling, and retrieving. Anglers often experiment with different crankbait colors, sizes, and diving depths to match the prevailing conditions and the preferences of the target species.

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