Mike McClelland’s Guide to Crankbait Fishing

Tips N Tricks February 3, 2025 10 views
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Crankbait fishing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. In this video, professional angler Mike McClelland shares what he believes are the best crankbait choices depending on the type of lake, primary forage, and fish behavior. Throughout the country, there are many factors and variables that differentiate one body of water to another, so selecting the right bait is key to success.

FEATURED TACKLE (retail links)
• CRANKBAIT – SPRO Mike McClelland RkCRAWLER 55: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/QjNjBY | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/49duNQK | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3Cw9n6W
• CRANKBAIT – SPRO Mike McClelland RkCRAWLER MD 55: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3UfGnXp
• CRANKBAIT – SPRO Mike McClelland RkCRAWLER 50: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/499YX7J
• CRANKBAIT – SPRO Mike McClelland RkCRAWLER DD50: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/EEzEkX | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3SAqZUh
• FLATSIDE CRANKBAIT – SPRO John Crews Little John 50: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/K0q0Va | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4heI9AS | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/4aKl4ni
• FLATSIDE CRANKBAIT – SPRO John Crews Little John MD 50: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/k0B00n | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4gyBtwX | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3LDQWyf
• FLATSIDE CRANKBAIT – SPRO John Crews Little John DD Series: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/19D9Xg | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4aKmU7x | Buy at FishUSA https://bit.ly/3Eq1P68
• SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT – SPRO Russ Lane Fat Papa 70: Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/4hBu2FC
• TACKLE BOX – SPRO Box 3700 Waterproof | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/46jVG5B

WHY CONFIDENCE AND CONDITIONS MATTER
One of the most important aspects of crankbait fishing is confidence in your lure. However, you must also match the bait to the fishing conditions. Water clarity, forage species, and lake structure all influence which crankbait will be most effective. Bodies of water like Ozark reservoirs feature clear water, rocky bottoms, and submerged timber. In contrast, lakes in the Southeast often have clay bottoms and a higher population of blueback herring, which can change fish behavior dramatically.

MATCHING BAIT SIZE TO FORAGE
Matching crankbait size to the lake’s forage is essential. If a lake has large gizzard shad, a bigger bait is the best choice. But when fish are feeding on smaller threadfin shad or crawfish, downsizing to a smaller crankbait can increase bites.

DEFLECTION AND ERRATIC MOVEMENT
Crankbaits that bounce off cover or the bottom create reaction strikes. The RkCRAWLER’s hunting action helps it deflect unpredictably, triggering bites. Meanwhile, the Fat Papa squarebill has an exaggerated wobble, making it great for banging off rocks, wood, and other structure.

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