The Best Crankbait For Summer Bass

Introduction

Crankbaits are one of the most popular lures in bass fishing, as they are versatile and can be used in a variety of fishing environments. However, choosing the right crankbait is crucial for successful fishing in the summer months when bass behavior changes and water temperature increases. In this article, we’ll cover the factors to consider when selecting a crankbait for summer bass, the top crankbaits for summer bass fishing, and tips for successful summer bass fishing with crankbaits.

Crankbaits are one of the best lures to fish during the summer, but there are many more good lures and also much more to understand about catching bass in the heat of the summer. Check out our complete guide to summer bass fishing to load the boat in the heat.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Crankbait for Summer Bass:

Water Temperature

Water temperature is a key factor in selecting the best crankbait for summer bass. As the water temperature increases, the metabolism of the fish also increases, making them more active and hungry. When the water temperature is warm, bass prefer to chase fast-moving prey, and the best crankbaits to use are those that can be retrieved quickly, such as squarebill or lipless crankbaits.

Water Clarity

Another important factor to consider is water clarity. In clear water, fishing with a more natural-looking crankbait is preferred, such as a natural shad color, as it resembles the baitfish in the water. On the other hand, in murky water, brighter and bolder crankbaits are best as they are more visible to the fish, who rely on their sense of sight to locate their prey.

Fishing Location

The location of fishing is also crucial in selecting the right crankbait. In areas with rocks, logs, or other underwater obstacles, using a squarebill crankbait is a good option, as its square-shaped lip allows it to deflect off the objects easily and attract the fish. Conversely, in a weed bed, using a lipless crankbait that can move freely through the vegetation can be more effective.

Species of Bass

Different types of bass have different feeding habits and preferences, so it is essential to choose the right crankbait depending on the type of bass in your fishing environment. Largemouth bass are more likely to be found in shallow waters and can be targeted with squarebill crankbaits or deep diving crankbaits when water temperature is hot. Meanwhile, smallmouth bass are more likely to be found in deeper water, and deep diving crankbaits are most effective for catching them.

Depth of the Water

Water depth is another important factor to consider in crankbait selection. If the water is shallow, using a squarebill or lipless crankbait works well as they are designed to be retrieved at a fast pace. For deeper water, using a deep diving crankbait allows the lure to reach the desired depth and be retrieved slowly.

Top Crankbaits for Summer Bass Fishing

Squarebill Crankbaits

One of the most effective crankbaits for summer bass fishing is the squarebill. Squarebill crankbaits have a square-shaped lip, which allows them to deflect off underwater objects such as rocks, logs, or brush. This action creates a disturbance in the water that attracts the fish, making them a prime target for bass fishing. Squarebill crankbaits are designed to be retrieved quickly, making them effective in warm waters where bass are more active.

Here are some of the most effective square bill crankbaits to use in the summer:

1. Strike King KVD 1.5 Hard Knock: This square bill crankbait has a unique “knocking” sound that can attract fish from a distance.
2. Rapala DT6: This crankbait is designed to dive quickly and stay at the desired depth, making it perfect for targeting fish at deeper depths during the summer.
3. Lucky Craft LC 1.5 Square Bill: With a realistic appearance and tight wobbling action, this crankbait is a favorite among many anglers.
4. Berkley Squarebull: Featuring a compact design and high pitch rattle, this square bill is great for targeting bass in shallow water.
5. Spro Little John MD: Designed to dive deeper than most square bill crankbaits, this lure is perfect for targeting fish in deeper waters during the summer.
6. Megabass S-Crank: Known for its tight wobbling action, this crankbait can be effective for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
7. 6th Sense Crush Flat 75X: This crankbait has a unique flat shape that mimics crawfish, making it a great option for bass feeding on bottom-dwelling prey.
8. Bomber B06 Square A: With a lifelike action and durable construction, this square bill crankbait is a reliable option for summer fishing.
9. Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle JR: This lure features a built-in electronic fish attracting sound, making it an ideal option for fishing in murky water or low light conditions.
10. Bandit Footloose: With a subtle action and realistic appearance, this square bill can be effective for targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass during the summer.

Deep Diving Crankbaits

Deep diving crankbaits are another popular choice for summer bass fishing. These lures can reach depths of up to 20 feet, providing an opportunity to catch bass that have retreated to deeper water during the hot summer months. The slower retrieval of these lures gives the bass time to study the bait, increasing the chances of a successful strike.

Here are some of the most effective deep diving crankbaits to use in the summer:

1. Strike King 10XD: This is a popular crankbait for deep diving, it can retrieve to depths of up to 25 feet.
2. Rapala DT20: This crankbait has a unique action that works well for triggering strikes from deep-dwelling fish.
3. Megabass Deep-X 300: This impressive crankbait offers a diving depth of 20 feet and is known for its realistic action and high-quality construction.
4. Spro Fat John 60 Deep: This crankbait has a diving depth of 16-20 feet with a realistic action and wide wobble.
5. Lucky Craft LC 6.5XD: This high-end crankbait has become a popular choice for tournament anglers and has a diving depth of up to 19 feet.
6. 6th Sense Cloud 9 C25: This crankbait has been popular for years, and the Cloud 9 C25 is specially designed for deep diving.
7. Strike King 6XD: This affordable crankbait has a diving depth of nearly 20 feet and is a great option for deep summer fishing.
8. Yo-Zuri Deep Crank: This crankbait has a diving depth of up to 24 feet and is designed to attract big fish with its unique sound and swimming action.
9. Norman DD22: Norman lures have a reputation for producing high-quality crankbaits, and their DD22 is no exception. The bait offers a diving depth of up to 22 feet and is a great option for summer fishing.
10. Zoom WEC E-III: This unique crankbait has a diving depth of up to 18 feet and is designed to mimic forage fish such as shad and bluegill.

Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits are effective in a variety of fishing environments and are a popular choice for summer bass fishing. These lures are great for fishing in weed beds, as they can move freely through the vegetation and create a vibration that attracts the fish. The lipless nature of these lures also makes them versatile in the water and allows for them to be retrieved at varying speeds.

Here are some of the most effective lipless crankbaits to use in the summer:

1. Rapala Rattlin’ Rap – This classic lipless crankbait has been a favorite among anglers for decades. It produces a loud rattling sound that attracts fish from a distance.
2. Strike King Red Eye Shad – Another popular lipless crankbait, the Red Eye Shad features a unique shad-shaped body with 3D eyes and a free-floating rattle. It also has a realistic texture and color options.
3. Yo-Zuri Rattl’n Vibe – The Rattl’n Vibe is a versatile and durable lipless crankbait that features a unique weight transfer system that allows for longer casts and better accuracy. It also has a strong vibration and rattling sound that trigger strikes.
4. Lucky Craft LV-500 – The LV-500 is a premium lipless crankbait with a realistic design, high-quality construction, and a unique sound profile. It produces a tight wobble, and its long-cast design makes it perfect for covering larger areas.
5. Spro Aruku Shad – The Aruku Shad is a highly versatile lipless crankbait designed for fish of all sizes. It features a tight wobble and a built-in rattle that produces plenty of sound. Its realistic scale pattern and color options make it a favorite among anglers.
6. Megabass Vibration-X – The Vibration-X is a premium lipless crankbait with a unique shape and profile. It has a high-pitched sound and a tight vibration that mimic the movements of a live baitfish. Its realistic finish and 3D eyes add to its impressive design.
7. Bomber BSWV – The BSWV is a durable and reliable lipless crankbait with a realistic profile and sound. It has a tight wobble and produces a loud rattle that attracts fish from a distance. Its long-cast design and tough construction make it a great choice for summer fishing.

Tips for Successful Summer Bass Fishing with Crankbaits

Retrieve Speed and Techniques

In the summer months, it’s best to use crankbaits that can be retrieved quickly as they match the bass’ increased metabolism. Different types of crankbaits require different retrieval techniques, so it’s important to experiment with different methods and find what works best for the particular lure. For squarebill crankbaits, a steady and speedy retrieve with intermittent pauses can be effective. For lipless crankbaits, a rip-stop style retrieval paired with a few seconds of break can be effective, while for deep diving crankbaits, a slower, steady retrieve with occasional pauses works well.

Lipless Crankbait Retrieves

1. Steady retrieve: Keep a constant retrieve speed and depth for a steady action. This works best when fish are active and aggressive.
2. Yo-yo retrieve: Cast the bait and let it sink to the bottom. Then, lift the rod tip to make the bait rise and lower it back to the bottom. Repeat the process, varying the intervals between lifts and drops.
3. Rip and pause: Rip the bait off the bottom using a fast retrieve, then pause for a few seconds before starting the retrieve again. This action mimics a fleeing baitfish, and can trigger reaction strikes.
4. Burn and kill: Use a fast, continuous retrieve, then abruptly stop the bait and let it sink to the bottom. This action mimics a dying baitfish and can trigger aggressive strikes.
5. Pump and wind: Use a fast retrieve and periodically twitch or “pump” the rod tip to make the bait bounce off the bottom. This action mimics a baitfish feeding on the bottom, and can trigger strikes.
6. Helicopter retrieve: Cast the bait and let it sink to the bottom. Reel the bait in slowly while also rotating the rod tip in a circular motion. This action simulates a wounded or disoriented baitfish, and can trigger strikes.

Remember, no single retrieve method works for all situations, so experiment and switch up your retrieves until you find what works best for the fish and conditions you are targeting. Good luck and happy fishing!

Squarebill Crankbait Retrieves

1. Steady retrieve: Simply reeling in the crankbait steadily without any permanent pauses can be effective when fishing around cover such as grass and docks.
2. Stop-and-go retrieve: This retrieve involves jerking the rod tip, pausing for a few seconds, and then reeling in the slack. Repeat this process throughout the retrieve to make the square bill crankbait dart in erratic movements.
3. Slow-roll retrieve: The slow-roll retrieve involves reeling in the crankbait at a slower pace than normal, allowing it to bump and deflect off of rocks and other structures.
4. Burn retrieve: This retrieve involves reeling in the square bill crankbait as fast as possible, which can mimic the actions of fleeing baitfish and trigger predatory fish to strike.
5. Twitch and pause retrieve: This retrieve involves quickly jerking the rod tip to make the square bill crankbait twitch, then pausing for a moment to allow the bait to sink. This retrieve is particularly effective when fishing around submerged trees and brush.

Deep Diving Crankbait Retrieves

1. Pause and jerk: Pause your crankbait for 2-3 seconds, then give it a sharp jerk before reeling in again. This can mimic a wounded prey and trigger a strike from a predator fish.
2. Burn and pause: Retrieve your crankbait at a fast pace and then pause it abruptly for a few seconds. This can imitate a fleeing baitfish and attract aggressive fish.
3. Sweep and pause: Sweep your crankbait left or right in short, sharp movements, and then pause it for a moment before resuming your retrieve. This can simulate a baitfish swimming erratically and can trigger a strike.
4. Slow crawl: Retrieve your deep diving crankbait at a slow and steady pace, making sure it stays close to the bottom. Occasionally pause and let it sit for a moment before resuming the crawl. This can imitate a slow moving baitfish and attract fish looking for an easy meal.
5. Twitch and swim: Twitch your crankbait with small, sharp movements while reeling it in slowly. This can create a darting action that can entice fish to strike.

Time of Day to Fish with Crankbaits

The best time for fishing with crankbaits in the summer months is early in the morning or late in the evening, as this is when the water temperature is cooler and the bass are more active. Mid-day can be challenging as the water temperature is at its highest, and bass tend to seek refuge in deeper areas.

Tackle and Equipment Recommendations for Summer Bass Fishing

Choosing the right tackle and equipment is also crucial for successful summer bass fishing with crankbaits. A medium-light to medium-heavy rod with fast action and a reel with low line capacity is a good option, as it allows for smooth, fast retrieves. A braided fishing line with a strength of 30-50 pounds is also recommended. It has less chance of breaking, and the thin diameter of braid allows for longer casts. Additionally, a fluorocarbon leader can be used for better visibility in clear water conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best crankbait for summer bass fishing requires several considerations. Water temperature, water clarity, fishing location, species of bass, and depth of water are important factors to consider when selecting a crankbait. Squarebill crankbaits, deep diving crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits are the top choices for summer bass fishing. Additionally, retrieve speed and techniques, time of day, and tackle and equipment recommendations are other important considerations for successful summer bass fishing with crankbaits. With these tips, you can select the right crankbait for your fishing environment and increase your chances of catching more fish this summer.