crankbait. Known for their versatility, crankbaits can mimic the action of small baitfish, making them an irresistible option for predatory fish.
However, finding high-quality crankbait fishing lures doesn’t have to break the bank. In this guide, we’ll discuss cheap and affordable crankbait fishing lures for saltwater rivers, how to use them effectively, and where to buy them. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this article will give you the information you need to maximize your chances of landing a big catch.
What Are Crankbait Fishing Lures?
Crankbait fishing lures are hard-bodied lures designed with a built-in lip that makes the lure dive into the water as it is retrieved. They are typically designed to resemble small fish or other prey that predatory fish feed on. The key feature of crankbaits is their ability to imitate the erratic swimming action of prey as they move through the water. This makes them highly effective for catching fish that hunt based on visual and movement cues.
Crankbaits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, each designed to mimic different types of prey species, such as minnows, shad, or even crawfish. The key to success when using crankbaits lies in selecting the right type for the fish species you’re targeting, the depth of the water, and the behavior of the fish.
Why Choose Cheap Crankbait Fishing Lures for Saltwater Rivers?
When fishing in saltwater rivers, crankbaits are an essential tool for targeting predatory fish. Here are a few reasons why cheap crankbait fishing lures are an excellent choice for anglers:
Effective in Various Conditions: Crankbaits are versatile and can be used in different types of water conditions, whether you’re fishing in shallow areas, deeper pockets, or along the river’s edges. Their action and sound can attract fish even in murky water or under low light conditions.
Affordable Option: You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality crankbait. Many budget-friendly options are available that provide excellent performance. Crankbaits are durable and can last through multiple fishing trips, offering great value for money.
Easy to Use: Crankbaits are user-friendly, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced anglers. A simple retrieve with occasional pauses is often enough to entice fish. This simplicity makes crankbaits accessible to anyone looking to improve their chances of success on the water.
Variety of Options: With numerous styles, colors, and diving depths available, cheap crankbait fishing lures offer a wide range of options for targeting different species. Whether you’re after bass, pike, or even coastal species, there’s a crankbait designed to suit your needs.
Attractive to Predatory Fish: The erratic motion and vibrations of crankbaits are irresistible to many types of fish, especially those hunting for baitfish or other small prey. Their ability to mimic the natural movement of prey makes them highly effective.
Types of Crankbait Fishing Lures for Saltwater Rivers
To ensure you get the best results when fishing in saltwater rivers, it’s important to understand the different types of crankbait lures available. Each type serves a specific purpose, and choosing the right one for your fishing conditions will increase your chances of success.
1. Shallow-Diving Crankbaits
Shallow-diving crankbaits are designed to fish in waters less than 6 feet deep. These lures have a smaller lip and are great for fishing along shallow riverbanks, rocky areas, and submerged structures.
Best for: Bass, redfish, and other species that feed near the surface.
How to Use: Cast the shallow-diving crankbait toward the bank or structure and retrieve it with a steady motion. Its shallow diving action mimics the movement of baitfish near the surface.
Pro Tip: Use these lures in the early morning or late evening when fish are actively feeding closer to the surface.
2. Deep-Diving Crankbaits
Deep-diving crankbaits feature a larger lip and are designed to reach depths of 10 feet or more. These lures are ideal for targeting fish in deeper sections of rivers where the water is more than 6 feet deep.
Best for: Larger fish like pike, muskie, and walleye.
How to Use: These lures can be retrieved slowly or with intermittent pauses to make them mimic wounded baitfish moving through the water.
Pro Tip: Use deep-diving crankbaits when fishing deep pools or holes where fish are likely to be holding.
3. Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits lack the diving lip that most crankbaits have, allowing them to sink and sink quickly. These lures are often used for horizontal presentation, making them great for targeting fish that are feeding mid-water.
Best for: Bass, walleye, and pike.
How to Use: Lipless crankbaits can be retrieved quickly or slowly. Their vibration and noise attract fish from a distance.
Pro Tip: Use these lures in areas with a lot of cover, like grass beds or submerged rocks, to provoke strikes from fish hiding in these structures.
4. Jointed Crankbaits
Jointed crankbaits feature a segmented body that creates a more lifelike, erratic swimming action in the water. These lures are designed to mimic larger prey fish and are particularly effective when targeting larger predatory fish.
Best for: Larger species like muskie, pike, and trophy bass.
How to Use: Retrieve the jointed crankbait with a slow, steady pace. The segmented body will create a natural, unpredictable action that drives larger fish into a feeding frenzy.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different retrieve speeds to see what works best for the fish species you’re targeting.
How to Use Cheap Crankbait Fishing Lures Effectively
Now that you have a better understanding of the types of crankbait fishing lures, it’s time to learn how to use them effectively in saltwater rivers. Here are some tips and techniques that will help you get the most out of your crankbait lures:
Choose the Right Crankbait for the Conditions Different crankbaits work best in different water depths and conditions. Shallow-diving lures are great for fishing along the riverbank or in shallow waters, while deep-diving lures excel in deeper areas. Make sure to match the right type of crankbait with the area you’re fishing.
Retrieve Techniques The key to effective crankbait fishing is mastering the retrieve. You can experiment with a steady retrieve, stop-and-go, or a jerky motion to make the lure mimic struggling prey. A steady retrieve works well for shallow or lipless crankbaits, while a stop-and-go retrieve is effective for deep-diving crankbaits.
Work the Structure Crankbaits are highly effective when fished near structures such as submerged rocks, fallen trees, or vegetation. Fish often congregate around these areas to seek shelter and prey, so targeting structures increases your chances of success.
Use Color Wisely Color selection plays a crucial role in crankbait fishing. Choose natural colors, such as shad or brown, for clear water, and brighter colors, such as chartreuse or orange, for murky water. The right color can help attract fish from a greater distance.
Vary Your Speed If you’re not getting bites, try varying your retrieve speed. Fish sometimes prefer a faster retrieve, while other times they might be more interested in a slower, more deliberate presentation. Experiment with different speeds to find the rhythm that works best.
Where to Buy Cheap Crankbait Fishing Lures
When it comes to buying cheap crankbait fishing lures for saltwater river fishing, it’s essential to choose a reliable retailer that offers high-quality products at affordable prices. At Lurebolt.com, we offer a wide range of crankbait fishing lures designed to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced anglers. Our lures are made from durable materials and feature realistic designs that make them highly effective in attracting fish.
Visit Lurebolt.com today to browse our collection of affordable crankbait lures for saltwater fishing in rivers. Our lures come in various sizes, colors, and styles to suit different fishing conditions, and we offer great deals to help you stock up for your next fishing adventure.
Conclusion
Cheap crankbait fishing lures are an excellent choice for saltwater river fishing. These lures provide great value while offering a versatile and effective way to attract predatory fish like bass, pike, and muskie. Whether you’re fishing in shallow or deep waters, crankbaits offer the right action to entice a bite.
At Lurebolt.com, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, affordable fishing lures that help you land the big catch. Visit us at to find the perfect fishing lures