Crankbaits

Crankbaits are hard-bodied fishing lures that imitate baitfish and trigger reaction strikes. Many anglers also call them “plugs.” Because they cover water fast, crankbaits are a great way to find active fish.

Mad Scientist crankbaits are built for consistent action and reliable depth control. As a result, you can fish them confidently in a wide range of conditions.

What Is a Crankbait?

A crankbait has an extended bill on the front of the lure. It usually has two or three treble hooks under the body. In other words, the bill creates the dive and drives the lure’s movement.

Shallow Diving Crankbaits

Shallow crankbaits run just below the surface. They work best around shorelines, grass, rocks, and other cover. For example, you can bump them into structure to force quick strikes.

Deep Diving Crankbaits

Deep diving crankbaits use longer, more aggressive bills. That’s why they reach fish holding deeper in the water column. Use them on drop-offs, mid-lake structure, and suspended fish.

How Crankbait Bills Affect Depth & Action

Bill design changes both depth and action:

• Bill length and angle control how deep the lure dives.
• Shorter bills keep the lure running shallow.
• Wider bills can help the lure hunt side-to-side on the retrieve.

When to Use Crankbaits

Crankbaits shine when you need to cover water quickly. They also work well when fish are feeding on moving baitfish. However, the best choice depends on depth and activity level.

Crankbaits for Bass, Walleye & Freshwater Predators

Crankbaits catch bass, walleye, perch, lake trout, and northern pike. In many fisheries, they produce best from about two to twenty feet deep. Because of this, they’re a “go-to” lure for a lot of anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What depth do crankbaits run?
Depth depends on bill length and angle. Some run shallow, while others dive past twenty feet.

Are crankbaits good for bass fishing?
Yes. They’re one of the most effective ways to trigger reaction strikes and cover water fast.

When should I use a crankbait instead of a jerkbait?
Use a crankbait to keep moving and cover water. Use a jerkbait when a stop-and-go retrieve gets more bites.