Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 01/02/2010: Deep Cranking for Bigger Bass

The largemouth bass can be caught on a variety of lures and by using many different methods. My personal experience has shown me that deep diving crankbaits will often produce bigger fish than a Carolina rig while fishing deeper waters. The difference in individual weight has often been a pound or more for each fish caught on a crankbait versus a Carolina rig.

The key to catching these larger fish with crankbaits is to locate underwater structure such as timber, shellbeds or vegetation. A good depth finder as well as probing with a Carolina rig can help in locating this structure. Once found work the area thoroughly until a fish is caught. Mark the exact location of the hookup with a marker buoy.

Use a deep diving crankbait such as a DT series Rapala. Make sure you use one that can make contact with bottom. For instance if you are fishing a 12 foot ledge with underwater timber use at least a DT12 but preferably a DT14 or deeper diving bait. Fluorocarbon line in the lighter test such as 10 to 12 pound range will also add additional depth to your crankbait.

Cast the bait well beyond the marker buoy such that the buoy is approximately the halfway point of your retrieve. Crank quickly for the 1st 10 to 20 feet to get the lure down then slow down slightly and retrieve at a medium rate. This will allow you to get into the strike zone quickly and enable you to make contact with the bottom. If you are not reaching the bottom either switch to a deeper diving lure or change your retrieval speed to ensure you are not cranking to rapidly and not allowing the bait to reach it's maximum depth.

Try to bump the lure into cover and as you make contact let off the retrieve so that the bait hesitates and clears the cover then start your retrieve quickly. This often involves a reaction strike from those lunkers.

Rinse and repeat and note any specific retrieve speed that results in hookups. This is very important as the speed controls the depth as well as what the fish will react to.

If you get snagged, try to maneuver the boat to the opposite side of the hang up and pull from the opposite direction. If this is unsuccessful break out your handy dandy lure retriever and save that lure.

If the fish seem to have given up on the crankbait, breakout your favorite Carolina rig and work the area slowly.

So next time you're out tossing your Carolina rig in deep water, give the deep diving crankbait a shot and you may be surprised at the size of bass that you bring in.

I hope these tips will enable you to do more catching with less fishing and bring you much success on the water.

Tight Lines!

The Largemouth Herald