The largemouth bass angler has dozens of tactics and hundreds of bait styles at his disposal. Most fill a useful niche but the choices can be overwhelming.
The shallow running crankbait is one lure that stands out from the pack; specialized in design to pull skinny water largemouth off of structure and into the waiting landing net. This easy-to-work bait is a proven producer throughout the seasons, making it one of the top choices for consistently putting fish in the boat.
Add this bait to the tackle box this year. One warning, though. Shallow cranking can be highly addictive.
Why They Work
Shallow crankbaits appeal to largemouth bass on many levels. Foremost, they replicate a readily-available and preferred food source, both in size, colour, and action. It is also this latter trait—a slow, methodical, and tantalizing motion—that allows fish to easily spot, hone in on, and strike.
Sound also comes into play. Rattles call fish in from afar (especially when water clarity is stained) while ‘silent’ versions offer a natural approach when fish are skittish and water is clear.
True shallow bass cranks are designed with a square lip. This serves two purposes. It provides the back and forth wobble that is key for attracting strikes. A lip of this style also allows the bait to easily deflect off any underwater structure it may come into contact with. This is an important concept to understand. Largemouth bass key-in on changes in bait behaviour. A sudden rise, turn, or stop often triggers a strike reflex. When a shallow crankbait connects with a wood stump and is rapidly deflected away and off to the side, it is this change in direction—as well as the audible sound created—that will result in a strike.
The fact that shallow crankbaits run just below the surface is another key triggering point. Bait often school up in numbers. This is a protective trait that ensures survival. Solitary bait near the surface is often a result of sickness—or a wayward fish that has become disorientated and separated from the pack. As a top predator, largemouth bass seek out these easy meals. The shallow crankbait you are tossing plays into this scheme perfectly.
The Finer Points
Tackle store shelves have a large selection of shallow water crankbaits. Most work well but a few selling points should be taken into consideration.
Start with a crankbait that dives down two feet or less. The body should be a ‘fat’ profile and measure between 2.5 and 2.75-inches long. Look for baits that are well constructed with rigid square bills. Premium treble hooks should also be part of the equation.
I carry a selection of rattle and silent baits. It is often best to let the fish dictate what they prefer that day, as conditions and fish behaviours change frequently . I have witnessed fish shy away from a rattle bait on multiple occasions, only to smash a silent bait on a subsequent cast. Try to match the forage base when selecting colour. Shad is a top producer, as are those hues that represent sunfish and perch. If working rock areas, a crayfish-coloured bait often gets the nod.
Where To Throw
Shallow cranks can be tossed virtually anywhere, but key structure areas are more conducive for holding and catching largemouth bass.
Downed Trees and Stumps
Shallow crankbaits excel when fishing wood cover. Cast directly over trees—keeping your rod tip high—and bring your bait through branches and across trunks. When contact is made with wood, pause your retrieve, and allow the crankbait to rise up from the snag. It is this deflection and rise that will often trigger strikes.
Keeping your rod tip up and directly in front of you will make it easier to steer your bait around obstacles. Cover the tree from various angles, paying attention to both the outside and inside sections.
It is important to fight fish quickly when caught from trees. Keep their head up and coming towards you, lessening the chance of them burying within snags and working lures loose. Bumping the stump is a proven tactic for enticing strikes. Depending on the mood of the fish, I will either pause when contact is made, or continue to reel, causing my bait to crash and deflect with exaggerated movement. Both will trigger a feeding reflex in fish.
Sub-Surface Vegetation
Largemouth bass are opportunistic feeders, concealing themselves within cover for covert and quick ambush strikes. Shallow cranks are tailor-made for sub-surface vegetation, traveling easily over the tops while tickling the green stuff from time to time.
Work large expansive flats that bottom out at less than six-feet deep. Depending on the height of vegetation, alter the diving depth of baits you throw. Seek out areas with weed pockets, holes, and pronounced lines. These will hold concentrations of fish. When making contact with vegetation, a quick wrist flick will free your bait clear, and will often trigger a strike from a following fish.
Docks
Docks will hold largemouth bass under their safe and shaded canopy. Although unable to work the area directly beneath, tossing shallow crankbaits along the sides of docks is a productive pattern. Cast up tight to shore and parallel to the edges of the structure itself. Since largemouth often use docks as ambush concealers, a wayward bait wobbling along the perimeter will be perceived as an easy meal.
Boulders and Slab Rock
One of my favourite spots to find largemouth bass—especially during the fall—is around boulders and slab rock. These areas attract heat during the colder months, while also coughing up crayfish—a high protein delicacy that largies love.
Rock is more attractive to largemouth when found in transitional areas. Mixed weed, sand, and wood all add to the attributes of rock and work as magnets to draw fish in.
When fishing rock, purposely let your crankbait make contact with the hard stuff when working productive looking areas. Instead of pausing your retrieve as with wood, keep reeling your bait, allowing it to deflect and shoot out to the side. The square lip is designed for this very purpose.
Watch Your Retrieve
The retrieve you impart is key to getting bit. A no-frills, medium speed retrieve straight back to the boat is your best bet. Let the side-to-side wobble of the lure trigger strikes. There is no need to impart jerks or twitches when working a shallow crank. The only time I do vary the action at all is when making contact with structure, allowing the bait to naturally deflect or rise up from the snag. Simple and straightforward works best with this bait.
Give shallow crankbaits a water workout this year. They are guaranteed to put a bend in the rod when working the skinny stuff, making them a valuable addition to your lure line up.