Fly fishing is a timeless outdoor activity, with enthusiasts enjoying the serenity of nature and the thrill of catching fish. When it comes to fishing lures, one of the most versatile options for fly fishing in lakes is the crankbait. Crankbaits are popular for their lifelike action and ability to target fish at various depths, making them an essential part of any angler’s tackle box.
While high-end crankbaits can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable crankbait lures that perform just as well, especially for beginners or those on a budget. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the best cheap crankbait fishing lures for fly fishing in lakes, discussing their features, advantages, and how to effectively use them. Whether you’re targeting trout, bass, or pike, you’ll find that the right crankbait can make all the difference in your fishing success.
1. What is a Crankbait Fishing Lure?
A crankbait is a type of hard-bodied fishing lure with a distinctive diving lip that causes the lure to dive to a specific depth when retrieved. Crankbaits are designed to mimic the movement of an injured or fleeing fish, and their realistic action makes them highly effective for attracting predatory fish like trout, bass, and pike.
Crankbaits come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, making them suitable for various fishing conditions. Their ability to dive at different depths allows them to target fish in shallow or deep waters, depending on the angler’s needs.
How Crankbaits Work
The key feature of a crankbait is the lip at the front, which causes the lure to dive and wobble as it’s retrieved. The diving depth is determined by the size and angle of the lip. The lure’s wobbling action mimics a fish in distress, which naturally attracts predators.
2. Why Choose Crankbait Lures for Fly Fishing in Lakes?
While fly fishing is traditionally associated with using flies and casting techniques, crankbait lures offer an excellent alternative that can be just as effective, particularly in lakes. Here’s why crankbaits are such a great choice for lake fishing:
Versatility
Crankbaits can be used in various types of water conditions, including both shallow and deep lakes. Whether you’re fishing in clear or murky waters, crankbaits provide consistent results by imitating the natural movement of fish prey.
Targeting Specific Depths
One of the most significant advantages of crankbaits is their ability to target fish at different depths. Beginners can start with shallow-diving crankbaits and work their way to deep-diving options once they get the hang of the technique.
Affordable Option for Beginners
While premium crankbaits can be costly, there are plenty of cheap crankbait fishing lures that perform excellently. These budget-friendly lures allow beginners to learn without breaking the bank. Additionally, cheaper crankbaits often require less maintenance and last longer than their expensive counterparts.
Attracts a Variety of Fish
Crankbaits are effective for a wide range of fish species, such as bass, trout, and pike. This versatility makes them a fantastic option for fly fishing in lakes, where anglers might be targeting different types of fish.
3. Top-Rated Affordable Crankbait Fishing Lures for Fly Fishing in Lakes
When searching for cheap crankbait lures for fly fishing in lakes, it’s essential to focus on lures that are not only affordable but also durable and effective. Below are some of the top-rated budget crankbaits that are perfect for fly fishing in lakes:
1. Lurebolt Classic Crankbait
The Lurebolt Classic Crankbait is a highly affordable and versatile option that offers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price. It is well-suited for fishing in a variety of lake environments and can be used for catching bass, trout, and pike.
- Material: Durable plastic body.
- Size: Available in 2.5 to 4-inch sizes.
- Diving Depth: Shallow diving (3-5 feet).
- Best For: Bass, trout, and panfish.
- Action: A smooth wobble with a slight flash.
Why it’s Great for Beginners: The Lurebolt Classic Crankbait is easy to use and works well in shallow waters, making it a perfect choice for anglers who are just getting started with fly fishing.
2. Lurebolt Flutter Crankbait
The Lurebolt Flutter Crankbait is another great budget-friendly option for anglers looking to target trout and bass in lakes. The fluttering action of this lure creates a natural, erratic movement that attracts fish from a distance.
- Material: Lightweight metal body.
- Size: 3 to 5 inches.
- Diving Depth: Medium depth (4-7 feet).
- Best For: Trout, bass, and pike.
- Action: Slow, fluttering action that mimics injured prey.
Why it’s Great for Beginners: The fluttering action of this crankbait makes it highly effective in attracting fish, even in deeper parts of the lake. It’s also easy to retrieve, making it a perfect choice for beginners.
3. Lurebolt Jointed Crankbait
The Lurebolt Jointed Crankbait features a unique design that offers increased movement in the water, making it highly effective for attracting predatory fish. The segmented body mimics the natural swimming motion of prey, which can be highly appealing to trout and bass.
- Material: High-quality plastic with reinforced joints.
- Size: 4-6 inches.
- Diving Depth: Shallow to medium depth (3-6 feet).
- Best For: Larger bass, trout, and pike.
- Action: Smooth, realistic swimming motion due to the jointed body.
Why it’s Great for Beginners: The added realism of the jointed crankbait provides a more lifelike action, making it easier for beginners to attract larger fish in lakes. Its straightforward retrieve technique also makes it simple to use.
4. Lurebolt Vibration Crankbait
The Lurebolt Vibration Crankbait is designed with a vibrating tail that increases its appeal in murky waters or when fish are less likely to see the lure. The vibrations and natural action make it an excellent option for fishing in lakes where water visibility is low.
- Material: Durable soft plastic with a vibrating tail.
- Size: 3.5 inches.
- Diving Depth: Shallow to medium depth (2-5 feet).
- Best For: Trout, bass, and pike in murky waters.
- Action: Vibrating tail with a subtle wobble.
Why it’s Great for Beginners: The vibrating tail makes this crankbait an effective option for murky waters, and its simplicity makes it easy for beginners to use in various lake environments.
4. How to Use Crankbait Fishing Lures for Fly Fishing in Lakes
Using crankbait fishing lures effectively requires the right setup, casting technique, and retrieve method. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started with crankbait fishing in lakes.
Step 1: Choose the Right Gear
- Fly Rod: A 7-9 weight fly rod is ideal for crankbait fishing. The rod should have enough power to handle the casting distance and fight larger fish, while still offering sensitivity.
- Reel: Choose a reel with smooth drag, as you may be targeting larger fish like bass and pike.
- Leader Line: Use a monofilament leader that’s around 10-15 lbs in strength, depending on the size of the fish you’re targeting.
Step 2: Select the Right Crankbait
Choose a crankbait based on the depth and conditions of the lake:
- For shallow lakes, use a shallow diving crankbait.
- For deeper lakes, opt for a medium or deep diving crankbait.
Step 3: Cast the Crankbait
Cast the crankbait out and let it sink. Depending on the depth you want to target, wait for the lure to reach the desired depth before starting the retrieve.
Step 4: Retrieve the Crankbait
- Steady Retrieve: Use a steady, consistent retrieve for a simple, lifelike action.
- Stop-and-Go: Occasionally pause the retrieve for a second before continuing to mimic a struggling fish.
- Fast Retrieve: Use a fast retrieve when targeting active fish or fishing in warmer waters.
Step 5: Set the Hook
When you feel a bite, set the hook quickly and firmly by jerking the rod upward. Keep the line taut as you reel in the fish.
5. Conclusion
Cheap crankbait fishing lures are an excellent choice for fly fishing in lakes, offering affordability, versatility, and effectiveness. Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, or pike, crankbaits provide a simple yet powerful tool for attracting fish at various depths. By choosing the right crankbait, understanding how to use it, and adjusting your fishing techniques based on lake conditions, you can greatly improve your chances of success.
For high-quality fishing lures, including crankbaits perfect for lake fishing, visit us at lurebolt.com. We offer a range of lures designed to help you make the most of your fishing adventures.
Happy fishing!