Crankbait Fishing 101 Bass Fishing instruction from a Table Rock Lake Pro

www.tablerocklures.com   

Crankbait 101


There are few lures as versatile as crankbaits; the ability to cover large areas in a short amount of time in a variety of depths make crankbaits an indispensable tool to search for and catch fish. Shallow running squarebills to deep diving plugs a good selection of crankbaits is crucial to angler success throughout a fishing season.



Crankbait Types:



Crankbaits come in thousands of shapes and styles, different body types impart different action, changing the lip size or angle changes the depth the lure runs and rattles or no rattles can affect its ability to attract fish. The following are general categories to break down the basic types of crankbaits and their applications.

www.MidwestHuntingandFishingExpo.com

Shallow Divers: Short square lips are the hallmark of shallow running crankbaits, often called squarebills, these baits are designed to be used from the surface to approximately five feet deep. Generally they will have a wide body, a short square bill pointed down at a sharp angle and two treble hooks. The wide body imparts a wide wobble action as the bait is retrieved, the lip serves two functions; it makes the bait dive to the desired depth and aids in deflecting the bait off cover protecting it from hang ups. Usually fished in shallow water around heavy cover shallow running crankbaits are designed to be thrown around fallen trees, stumps and shallow rock piles. The lure deflects off of the cover enticing bass to strike an injured bait fish or crawdad. An example of a shallow runner would be a Lucky Craft RC 1.5, wide body, short, steep angled lip and a rattle to attract fish. Water clarity should dictate color selection of shallow crankbaits, most shallow water coves with cover tend to be stained or extremely dirty so bright colors like chartreuse or white are most popular. Primarily target baits, shallow divers excel when thrown multiple times to isolated pieces of shallow cover. Within the category of shallow running crankbaits are wake baits. For years anglers on Bull Shoals Lake on the Missouri / Arkansas border would modify shallow running lures to stay on or just below the surface producing a wide wake when retrieved. Commonly called “The Egg”, these baits were the fore runner of the modern wake bait. These baits will entice strikes everywhere from the shallow flats to open water when fish are schooling, primarily a dawn or dusk bait wake baits have become an important part of most tournament anglers’ arsenals.



Medium Divers: Longer bills at a shallower angle on a variety of body styles are typical of medium running crankbaits. Designed to be used in depths from five to twelve feet, medium divers excel when bouncing off of wood and rock cover. A prime example of a medium diving crankbait is a Storm Wiggle Wart, the wide body produces a wide fish attracting wobble, the medium length bill at a slight angle force the bait to the desired depth and the smaller treble hooks provide superior snag resistance with great hook up potential. Much like a shallow diver color selection of medium running crankbaits should be dictated by water clarity. Stained or dirty water requires brighter colors such as chartreuse or orange while in clear water more natural hues should be selected. Forage is another concern on medium runners; while with shallow baits the primary forage is shad or bait fish, crawfish become a more important part of the food chain in the medium depth zone. Medium diver fishing locations are varied but some of the most important areas are around steeper banks and ledges with scattered wood or rock cover. Prime locations are drop offs or ledges near spawning or feeding areas of gravel or sand, medium divers excel at catching fish holding close to but not in shallow areas. A selection of wide and tight wobbling medium running crankbaits in baitfish and crawfish hues are an important part of every angler’s tackle box.



Deep Divers: Long billed, big bodied crankbaits are a mainstay of most summertime anglers. Designed to reach depths of 20’+, these baits are employed to reach the deepest humps, rock piles and ledges in a lake or reservoir. Characterized by a long bill, oversized body and large hooks, deep divers are an outstanding lure to search out deep structure for schools of summer bass. With both wide and narrow bodies, each deep diver has its own unique wobble and fish catching allure. Pradco’s Fat Free Shad is a prime example of a deep diver, the 3.5” body mated to a 3” long diving lip will reach depths of 15’ – 20’ on a long cast, the slender body design provides a tight wobble and mimics a fleeing bait fish. Most anglers prefer shad or bait fish designs on deep diving crankbaits matching the majority of forage in these deeper haunts. Again, water clarity is key to color selection, stained and dirty water calls for brighter hues such as chartreuse or red, while clear water calls for natural patterns resembling the primary forage. Deep structure are top locations for deep crankbait fishing; off shore humps, points with deep roll offs or drops, ledges and deep brush are all areas where deep divers shine. In the heat of summer bass will school in these deeper water areas and become susceptible to a deep diver worked through their hideout. When a fish is caught it is important to work the area over with multiple casts as several fish will be in the same location. During the summer it is important for anglers to own a good selection of deep divers to insure success.



Lipless Baits: Originated by Bill Lewis’ Rat – L – Trap in the 70’s, lipless crankbaits have been around for over 30 years and have accounted for thousands of fish catches. Flat sided, diamond or shad shaped baits, usually with rattles and smaller hooks these crankbaits are fish catching machines when bass are on shallow flat banks or schooling on bait fish. Lipless baits are designed to be worked quickly over shallow cover, the loud rattle and vibration will call fish in from a distance and the exposed treble hooks result in solid hook ups. While great on shallow barren flats lipless baits are just as at home when worked above weed beds and flooded brush, their narrow design imparts a tight wiggle similar to a fleeing bait fish and draw reaction strikes from even wary bass. Recently higher end versions of these baits have become available with a slightly different shape, a more snag free design and quality paint jobs these lures have become a favorite professional anglers on national tours. Regardless of skill level lipless crankbaits are a favorite of anglers in all regions and should be a part of every fisherman’s tackle box.



Locations and Seasons:



Shallow Runners: As the name implies shallow running crankbaits are designed for use in shallow water or when fish are in the upper portion of the water column. Flats, flat points and shallow coves or pockets with isolated pieces of wood or rock cover are ideal locations for shallow crankbaits. Primarily a summer or early fall bait shallow crankbaits excel when fish are holding on isolated cover less than four feet deep. Shallow baits also work well around boat docks when fish are suspended under walkways and swim platforms, casts made parallel to the dock will often produce fish hiding directly under the dock.



Medium Divers: These baits are in there prime when water temperatures are in the mid 40’s to low 60’s, both spring and summer warm ups and cool downs are top times of the year. Steep banks and ledges holding fish waiting to spawn or to move to the shallows to feed are superior locations. Long, uninterrupted stretches of bank that can be paralleled are usually best, as the lure can be worked an appropriate depth for a longer period of time.



Deep Divers: Summer time is ideal for deep diving crankbaits, bass will school on ledges, drop offs and humps and can be lured into biting deep diving crankbaits worked through these locations. Long casts are critical, as the maximum depth will only be achieved in the middle of the cast; baits should be cast well beyond the target strike zone, reel quickly to reach the maximum depth as fast as possible then worked through the target area.



Lipless Baits: While a very versatile bait, lipless crankbaits are best on shallow flats in the warmer months. Isolated wood, rock or weeds are prime cover and should be worked quickly with the bait coming close to the cover. During the summer a lipless crankbait should be at the ready at all times if schooling fish are a possibility.



Equipment



Tackle for crankbait fishing is fairly consistent across all types and depths of baits with the exception of line size. A medium heavy action rod between seven and eight feet long with a fast tip and a high speed reel will suffice for all applications. Line is the critical difference from one technique to the other; for shallow or lipless crankbaits heavy fluorocarbon line in 15 pound test or higher is needed to deal with the heavy cover, while medium and deeper divers should be fished with 8 to 12 pound fluorocarbon to reach maximum depth potential. Fluorocarbon is the line of choice over monofilament as it sinks to aid in reaching the maximum depth and it has little stretch so even the softest bite can be felt.

A good selection of crankbaits is essential to be a well prepared angler. From the surface to 20’ deep there is a crankbait for almost every depth and cover situation. By having a variety of baits on hand whenever you are on the water you can be prepared to search for, find and catch more fish.


Check Table Rock Lures for great deals on crank baits and custom paint jobs on your cranks!
                                                 
                                                        www.TableRockLures.com

                                                         Info@TableRockLures.com

Central Pro-Am Bass Tournament on Table Rock Lake

What a great weekend for fishing and hanging out with friends at the Central Pro-Am Tournament here on Table Rock Lake. I saw lots of bags of fish and heard many fishermen tell of how they were catching fish around the lake. Some were using topwater, fluke, swimming Bass Pro Shops single tail Grub. I even heard of some guys carolina rigging in 20-30 ft water. What a beautiful day and with the help of the Central Pro-Am Staff I was able to set up a table and sell as well as hand out samples of some of the new Table Rock Lures custom colors. Here are some photos from the tournament. See the Central Pro-Am website for results.

Gary Groman "The Ole Seagull" Was on hand to document the tournament on camera and in print. Look out for an article or blog from him on www.1Branson.com or www.Branson.com/Fishing   
He is a great guy and friend who is all over Branson going to the different shows, lodging properties interviewing entertainers and posting great content.  If you want to learn more about Branson go to www.Branson.com or visit our friends at www.BransonTourismCenter.com where they can book airline tickets car rental, lodging, tickets to shows and attractions with no hassles, no service fees! One call does it all!


We are getting in new lures and looking forward to seeing some spinnerbaits hit the shelves soon. I did talk to a supplier so we will be putting up soft plastics soon. Please check back as I will be posting a Crank Bait Article by Eric Prey of Focused on Fishing

Topwater Fishing is so exciting, read up and sharpen your skills!

My friend Eric Prey at Focused Fishing writes articles on fishing and is one of the best guides out here in the Tri-Lakes Area. He submitted this article for Branson's newest fishing website www.Tablerocklures.com where you can purchase custom painted lures and get area fishing reports, maps, fishing tips etc.

Eric Thanks for the extra time you spend reaching out to help other fisherman enjoy the sport.

Top Water Baits
 

      One of the most exciting moments in fishing is a topwater strike, a bass hits a topwater bait can be a heart stopping experience. From post spawn through summer suspended bass take advantage of schools of bait fish shallow in the water column and become susceptible to topwater lures mimicking injured bait fish or terrestrials.
Types of lures:
      Topwater lures come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. From poppers to walkers to jointed wake baits every design has an application and a purpose. All of these baits are lumped into the broad category of topwater lures or plugs.
      Walkers: One of the most effective and commonly used types of topwater lures are walkers. Spooks, Sammys, Pencils, Spittin’ Images and many others are all examples of walking plugs. These lures get their name from the walking action imparted by the angler to entice a strike. The walking action comes from short jerks or twitches of the rod tip as the lure is reeled in. Walkers are extremely effective under all conditions but shine brightest when fish are suspended, particularly during post spawn.
      Poppers: Loud and splashy best describe poppers. With a concave face, poppers attract fish from a distance, the splash and popping sound created by a popper mimics an injured bait fish or frog struggling on the surface. This popping sound is a result of quick jerks and twitches of an anglers rod tip. Poppers are effective in a variety of locations and conditions but are most effective on flats and shallow areas where fish are roaming in search of forage. The loud popping sound and violent splash of a popper will draw fish in from hundreds of feet away on a shallow flat.
      Jointed Wake Baits: For decades anglers in the Ozarks modified jointed minnows to create lethal topwater baits. Jointed Red Fins, Rapalas and a host of other baits were modified by changing bill angles and line tie locations to create baits that would swim on the surface with a snaking, waking action that perfectly mimicked a wounded gizzard shad swimming on the surface. Recently, several bait companies have recognized the effectiveness of this bait and created “out of the box” lures that have the same action and allure of the modified baits. Mickey Jr., BBZ 1 and Sebile Minnows all have been created to mimic this action. These baits are easy to fish, simply cast and retrieve at a moderate fast pace keeping the bait on the surface through out the retrieve. Jointed wake baits are most effective on suspended post spawn bass, known as big fish bait they account for some of the biggest fish caught every spring.
      Prop Baits: The loudest group of topwater lures are prop baits; Boy Howdys, Torpedos, Nip – I –Didees and Crazy Shads are all members of this clan. Usually a slender walking type bait with a propeller on the front, back or both ends these lures churn the surface as they are retrieved. Ripping these lures across the surface in quick short bursts will draw violent strikes from a variety of game fish including bass, pike and musky. This family of topwaters is most effective in the low light hours of the early morning and evening; the loud noise and vibration created attract fish from a distance even in the dark.
Locations:
      The best location to fish a topwater lure is wherever predator fish swim. From shallow ponds to pools on a river to deep tree lines or shallow flats on a reservoir there is are topwater plugs for every location and almost any fishing situation. Primarily a warm water lure, topwaters become effective as water temperatures rise and fish move to spawning locations. Post spawn females will move away from bedding areas and suspend in and around available cover recovering from the riggers of the spawn by feeding on bait fish in the upper portion of the water column. During the post spawn tree rows, boat docks, and ledges become very important, females will use the available cover as shelter and an ambush point to feed. Jointed wake baits and walking baits usually shine during this time frame.
      As water temperatures continue to rise bass will move from spawning areas to deeper summer haunts close to shallow flats and points. During the warmth of late spring and early summer bass will move from deep haunts into these shallow areas in early morning and evening hours to feed on bait fish. During these hours fish can be seen chasing both individual and schools of shad at or near the surface. Poppers and prop baits are great selections when the fish are up on these shallow locals. Hungry bass will swim great distances to investigate the sound and vibration caused by poppers and prop baits looking for an easy meal of an injured bait fish.
      The dog days of summer can be some of the toughest days on the water for a bass angler. Those that get out of bed before day break or stay until dusk are often rewarded with some of the finest topwater action of the year. Looking for the security and comfort of cooler deep water bass will stay as deep as the thermocline will allow through out the heat of the day only moving shallow during low light hours to feed. Bass become very active during low light chasing shad in the upper portion of the water column either close to the bank or open water depending where the bait fish are located.
Retrieves:
      Retrieving a topwater correctly is critical to angler success. Each type of lure must be retrieved correctly depending on its design:
      Walkers: Working a walking bait requires some practice and skill, short jerks or pulls while reeling make the bait dart from side to side, coordinating the jerks while reeling will make the bait walk across the water in a zig – zag pattern. Once a cadence is achieved pauses and “slides” enhance the retrieve and draw more strikes.
      Poppers: Retrieving a popper is fairly simple; make short jerks with the rod tip low pausing between jerks to allow the bait to settle. The jerks will cause the bait to spit and pop on the surface and most strikes will come as the bait is stopped. A cadence of two thre or even four jerks can draw strikes so it is important to pay attention to how the lure was being worked before each strike. Much like fishing a jerkbait it is critical to keep slack line at a minimum to insure a solid hook set.
      Jointed Wake Baits: Jointed wake baits are the easiest to retrieve; simply hold the rod tip high and make a constant moderately fast retrieve, maintain speed and direction even when a fish is following the bait.
      Prop Baits: This style of topwater can be one of the most difficult to fish, the propellers on the lure need to be churning the surface to draw strikes and are most effective when “ripped” across the water in short sporadic bursts. With the rod tip held close to the water make short, hard jerks causing loud busts of noise, splash and flash to draw strikes. Much like a popper don’t allow slack to build up in the line or strikes will be missed
      With all topwater baits it is important to understand the strike and when to set the hook. A topwater strike can be violent and heart stopping, it is critical to wait until you feel the bite before setting the hook, if the hook is set on the initial strike the bait will be pulled away from the fish.
Equipment:
      Tackle should be matched to the size of lure and fish being targeted. Spinning tackle or casting tackle will both work well for any style of topwater lure as long as the equipment is rated for size of lure being used. The only critical issue of note is line type; fluorocarbon is not recommended for topwater lures as it sinks and will impair the action of the lure. Either monofilament or braid will work well, remember that many topwater strikes are violent and heavier line should be used to absorb the impact.

      Catching a fish on a topwater lure is one of the most exciting aspects of fishing, from strike to landing there are few experiences in fishing that match it. Learning the proper retrieve for each type of topwater is critical to success, but the investment is well worth it. Choosing quality, well designed and manufactured lures will insure that when the topwater bite is on you are ready to take full advantage. 

Remember visit www.focusedfishing.com and www.TablerockLures.com 

Bass fishing is great on Tablerock

Yesterday we caught fish up in Piney Creek on the James River arm of Tablerock Lake and in Flat Creek. We threw Gene Larew Salt Craws early and switched to the Tablerock Lures Pop-Rock Jr in the small mouth version with a Gitzkirt trailer. The new lures are shown on Tablerocklures.com and the gitzkirt is a trailer created from the lower portion of a tube bait. Its an amazing way to create a life like trailer that is in the colors Bass regularly hit on.  I caught 8 large mouth 2 of which were keepers over 15 inches going over 3lbs each and the rest of them right at 14 inches.  One small mouth came from the back of a cove. The topwater bite is early and late, as the water temperature was right at 65.6 degrees. Its turning on and Bass are biting throughout the day and we are really close to seeing some heavy feeding. The males are up on the bank and the sows are still out in deeper water right now. Check out the new bates as I took pictures last night and am selling them in the Central Pro-Am offices at the Branson First Stop and online. I will be posting pictures of the new lures tonight.

TOPWATER Action is coming soon!

Okay Ive been hiding out in the workshop trying to crank out a bunch of new Mega Popx colors for Tablerock topwater fishing this spring. This post is just a break in the madness of working all day trying to finish our house to sell and getting lures ready for the great spring fishing here on Tablerock Lake.

Ill be out on Tablerock this weekend fishing with my buddy Al and trying out some of the new colors. I have a watermelon and a new Tablerock Shad in a DT Rapala style bait as well as some Top Secret Lures we are going to be trying out on this stained water. I cant wait and I will post some more information soon on when and where you can get the new lures. www.TablerockLures.com will be carrying lures and a few locations in Branson Missouri. Happy Fishing! See you on the Lake!

FLW Boats on the lake

I got up yesterday and brewed some coffee, before I knew it there were boats screaming up the James River Arm of the Lake. I was running late so didnt get a chance to take any pictures. This morning I went out and was ready so here are some images of the first boats coming up into the James River arm of Tablerock Lake. Ive heard of 7 and 8 pound Bass caught on practice days and stick baits and crankbaits being used.

I did hear a roar of boats that werent coming up this side. I know that there may have been some of the earlier boats headed up the White River arm of Tablerock about 10 minutes earlier as I could hear the roar of engines far before the time I saw boats.

The weigh ins at the Convention Center are Fri and Sat so if you can get down there to check out the Kids Zone and all the neat stuff they have on display get out and do it. ITS FREE> Also you can meet the pros that didnt make it to the final days as they are there promoting their sponsorships.

Have a great day! Catch you later!    www.BransonTourismCenter.com 800-978-1999

TRL not what you think

TRL..... Tablerock Lures yeah ..not the MTV's Total Request Live hosted by Carson Daly. Its just me and getting started building the shopping site for Tablerocklures.com last night. I havent got it up yet as I sure have alot of work to do before it is. I think I should have the shell done so I can post it sometime this weekend. Thats my goal anyways, although I do go back to work Monday and that might mean it gets posted later in the week or next weekend.

Some people know but not many that my dad had a bait company and we made spinner baits, worms, Bass Jigs and a lure referred to as the Muskogee Mule. The Muskogee mule was a lure that resembled the Lil'George. It was an amazing lure for catching white bass(sandbass).

I am currently making cork Bass Flies like the old timers did when I was a kid in Branson. I went to church with one of the Ozark Mtn Fly masters Rev McAdams and spent alot of time around the Main Street Trout dock in downtown Branson. I got to see specimens of some of the flies that would entice the laziest backwater Bass you could imagine.

Most people arent aware but Taneycomo holds some of the most beautiful and agressive Largemouth Bass in the state of Missouri. We spent many many days in the summer in john boats or canoe's fishing Roark, Turkey and Bee Creeks. Many of the old timers and I mean old timers like Jim Owen used fly rods and cork flies. As a youngster I would go into the museum on the Main Street Boat Dock and oogle over the old flies and lures that were used by the late great Jim Owen. A friend of mines uncle lived in Rockaway and he was known as one of the other master fly men of the Ozarks. G'pa Meador had pictures of the fish, specimens of the flies and stories of all the hay day of the Whiteriver fishing that was the big attraction before the damns were built. at

I have found an old film that im sure some people will be bored to tears with if they watch it but it really is the root of the history that makes up the Branson Tourism Business. Here is a link to that film and I look forward to posting some of the old stories and new stories of fishing with handmade/homemade lures of the Ozark Mountains.

http://bransonvacatio.ning.com/video/jim-owen-float-trip

Happy fishing, Wet a line or catch you back here soon!