Crankin' For Bronzebacks - Ethan

When Jordan and I go fishing, all ties of friendship are off and we're at each other's throats trying to catch more and bigger fish that the other person. With Jordan, this is never an easy feat. So what lures should I choose to have all the bragging rights? The jig, spinnerbait, spinner, all of these are good ideas, but one of my old favorites always pulls through. The crankbait. This easy-to-use "beginners" bait will get bass for one reason, attraction. If a bass is holding anywhere near, the crankbait won't go un-noticed. A crank's flash, rattle, vibration, and sometimes scent will put in bass like a magnet.

There are many things to consider when selecting a crankbait, such as shape, size, colour or flash, action (vibration) and rattle. I would suggest that a 11/2 to 3" bait is used (not including the lip). It's colour should be brighter and its body fatter when fishing later at night or in stained/muddy water. The opposite is true when fishing during the day or in clear water. A narrower-bodied, more realistic looking crankbait is better for these conditions. The reason that the crankbait should be either fat or skinny is because of, once again, action. The fatter a crankbait is, the more vibration and vibration and wobble it has. This of course gives it the ability of attracting fish in certain conditions where the less vibration, quick retrieve, of a skinny crankbait just won't provide. But why, if fat cranks have so much action, aren't they used all the time? For one, their action doesn't look as realistic, and secondly, their colour and shape doesn't usually portray a bait fish as well. 12' or shallower is the best running depth, but it depends on other variables of where you fish, what time you fish, and what the weather is like to get the completely correct depth.

With my crank combin' the lake, I'm sure to beat Jordan for the most and biggest fish, if only he didn't have some too.

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