Crank Baits

Crank Baits

Deep summer fishing can be all about crank baits, especially if you love to find deep schools of fish.  One of the problems we all encounter when we fish deep crank baits is the fact that you can easily loose a big fish trying to get it to the top.  I know it drives many fishermen crazy because they get a good fish on a crank bait, the fish gives one jump or pull and its gone.

The question should be what could you have done to prevent this from happening; while there is no solid solution there are many things you can do in preparation to give yourself the best shot at keeping that fish on the hook. First, drag is over rated when your using a crank bait; I know you listen to the reel experts and they will define the drag setting as a necessary element when fishing a crank bait. I disagree, set your drag as tight as you can get it so when the fish hits your crank bait the hook set is immediate forcing the bass to hook itself initially. If the drag is loose there is a short delay in the impact to hook set causing the fish to be loosely hooked. Fishing rods can be key, a soft rod tip is where your flex should be combined with a tight drag will get you the flex you need to keep the fish on the hook.

I also believe that technique has a lot to do with keeping hook-ups connected and crank bait hook set should be initiated with a pull side-ways not up-wards; you’re not worm fishing where the hook rotates and sticks into the top of the mouth. Think about a crank bait there are no hooks on the top side of the bait so if you pull up ward you’re forcing the slick hook-less side of the bait into the upper part of the fish’s mouth just asking for it to slide out unhooked. Lastly, there is no hurry to get the bass in the boat, play the fish some let it tire, don’t horse the fish this just puts tension on every part of the catching process. Work the fish to the boat keep a tight line and you will get it in the boat.