Thread: Crankbait techniques

Since summer is upon us. I imagine the use of deep diving crankbaits is more the norm since the bass try and keep cool in the deep waters. But i can still fish the topwaters and shallows, lets say after a cold front has passed right?

Also what time of the year is it best to switch from a minnow crankbait to a shad crankbait? Fall?

Originally Posted by ChrisCarter

Since summer is upon us. I imagine the use of deep diving crankbaits is more the norm since the bass try and keep cool in the deep waters. But i can still fish the topwaters and shallows, lets say after a cold front has passed right?

Also what time of the year is it best to switch from a minnow crankbait to a shad crankbait? Fall?

Unless the waters you're fishing have no Shad species present, a Shad imitating bait is always the best bet, regardless of season. The reason being that there aren't many "minnow" species that are a mass schooling species, and are more prone to being scattered out. Shad, on the other hand, are a mass schooling species ... and offer the schooling "bass" species more opportunity to detect & feed upon them. Shad species also offer more nourishment vs effort, than do minnows or other fishes.

It's also notable to point out that White Bass & Hybrid Striped Bass are more tolerant to higher water temps, than a true Striper. Therefore, they are less dependant on staying deep to survive.

Cold fronts are more a change in atmospheric pressure, than a true "cooling effect" on subsurface waters. In that regard, they affect shallow fish more than deep fish, and usually in a negative way. Best bet is to fish "prior" to the front passing over your area's waters.

... cp