Fishing in Florida offers some of the best opportunities for young anglers to learn the ropes, with its diverse freshwater and saltwater environments. For kids, finding the right fishing lure is crucial for building their interest in the sport. One of the most effective and exciting types of fishing lures is the crankbait, known for its realistic action that mimics small baitfish. Crankbait lures can be highly effective for beginners, especially for kids, thanks to their ease of use and ability to attract a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about realistic crankbait fishing lures for kids in Florida. From understanding why crankbaits are a great choice for kids, to selecting the best options, rigging, and retrieval techniques, this guide will help you get started with the best crankbait fishing lures for kids.
What Are Crankbait Fishing Lures?
Crankbait fishing lures are hard-bodied lures designed to imitate the movement of prey, such as small fish or invertebrates. These lures typically have a plastic or balsa wood body with a diving lip at the front. The lip causes the lure to dive and wobble when retrieved through the water, mimicking the natural swimming motion of baitfish. This realistic action is what makes crankbaits incredibly effective for attracting fish.
Crankbaits are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. For kids in Florida, crankbaits provide a simple and engaging way to fish, making them a great choice for beginners.
Types of Crankbaits
There are several types of crankbaits available, each designed to produce a different action in the water. Some of the most popular types include:
- Shallow-Diving Crankbaits: These lures are designed to dive to a shallow depth and are perfect for fishing in ponds, lakes, and rivers where fish are near the surface.
- Medium-Diving Crankbaits: These lures dive to moderate depths, making them suitable for fishing in deeper parts of lakes or rivers.
- Deep-Diving Crankbaits: These lures dive to deeper depths and are ideal for fishing in deep water areas where fish are likely to be feeding.
- Lipless Crankbaits: Unlike traditional crankbaits, lipless crankbaits don’t have a diving lip. They are great for targeting fish in open water or around structures.
- Jerkbaits and Squarebill Crankbaits: These lures create more erratic actions and are designed to mimic injured baitfish.
Why Crankbait Lures Are Perfect for Kids in Florida
When it comes to fishing in Florida, crankbaits are an excellent choice for kids for several reasons. Here are the key benefits of using crankbaits for young anglers:
1. Easy to Use
Crankbaits are simple for kids to use, making them ideal for beginners. Kids can cast the lure, retrieve it, and let the lure do the rest. The diving lip on the crankbait causes it to wobble and attract fish, so there’s no need for advanced techniques or complex rigging. This makes crankbaits an excellent option for young anglers who are still learning the basics of fishing.
2. Realistic Action
One of the most exciting aspects of crankbait fishing is the realistic action. Crankbaits mimic the movements of real prey, such as small fish, which naturally attracts predatory fish like bass, trout, and even pike. The ability to see fish strike the lure is thrilling for kids and can create an engaging and rewarding experience.
3. Attracts Various Fish Species
Florida’s waters are home to a wide variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, trout, and more. Crankbait lures can be used to target all of these species, making them a versatile choice for kids fishing in Florida. The wide range of colors and actions allows kids to experiment and learn which lures work best for different fish.
4. Durable and Low Maintenance
Kids can be tough on fishing gear, but crankbaits are designed to withstand rough handling. These lures are made from durable materials like plastic or balsa wood, which means they can handle the wear and tear of regular use. This durability makes crankbaits a reliable choice for young anglers who might not yet be careful with their fishing tackle.
5. Exciting Visual Action
Watching a fish strike a crankbait is one of the most exciting parts of fishing, especially for kids. With crankbait fishing, kids can see the lure moving through the water and watch as a fish takes the bait. This visual feedback helps kids stay engaged and motivated during the fishing process.
How to Choose the Best Crankbait Fishing Lures for Kids in Florida
When selecting crankbait fishing lures for kids in Florida, there are a few factors to consider. The right lure depends on the fish species you are targeting, the water depth, and the conditions in the area. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:
1. Size of the Crankbait
For kids, it’s important to choose a crankbait that is easy to handle and cast. Smaller crankbaits, ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, are ideal for young anglers because they are lightweight and easy to cast. Larger crankbaits may be too heavy for kids and may require more strength to cast and retrieve effectively.
2. Color Selection
The color of the crankbait is essential for attracting fish. In Florida’s waters, the type of fish you’re targeting will determine the best color. For example:
- For Bass: Natural colors like shad, silver, or brown are ideal for bass fishing. Bright colors like chartreuse and orange are also effective for attracting fish in murky water.
- For Trout: Soft colors like brown, silver, or gold work well for trout, especially in clearer waters.
- For Bluegill and Panfish: Smaller, brightly colored crankbaits in hues like yellow, blue, or red are great for attracting smaller fish.
3. Diving Depth
Florida’s rivers, lakes, and ponds vary in depth, so choosing the right crankbait that dives to the appropriate level is crucial. For kids fishing in shallow areas, a shallow-diving crankbait is perfect. In deeper water, medium to deep-diving crankbaits work best. The depth at which the fish are feeding will help determine which crankbait to use.
4. Fish Species
Different fish species respond to different actions and sizes of crankbaits. Here’s a quick guide to matching crankbaits with the species you want to target:
- Bass: Medium to large-sized crankbaits with a tight wobble or erratic action.
- Trout: Small, subtle crankbaits with tight-wobbling action that imitate small baitfish.
- Panfish: Tiny, soft-action crankbaits or lipless crankbaits in bright colors.
Best Realistic Crankbait Fishing Lures for Kids in Florida
Now that you know how to choose the best crankbait fishing lures, here are some of the top options for kids in Florida:
1. Lurebolt Shallow Diver Crankbait
The Lurebolt Shallow Diver Crankbait is perfect for fishing in shallow waters around Florida’s lakes and rivers. Its natural colors and tight wobble make it irresistible to bass and trout. This lightweight crankbait is easy for kids to cast and retrieve.
2. Lurebolt Mini Lipless Crankbait
The Lurebolt Mini Lipless Crankbait is a great choice for targeting smaller fish like bluegill and panfish. Its small size and bright color options make it perfect for young anglers. The lipless design creates a unique action in the water, attracting fish from a distance.
3. Lurebolt Deep Diver Crankbait
For deeper waters or larger fish like pike, the Lurebolt Deep Diver Crankbait is an excellent option. Its durable construction allows it to dive to greater depths, making it suitable for targeting fish in deeper sections of Florida’s ponds and lakes.
4. Lurebolt Squarebill Crankbait
The Lurebolt Squarebill Crankbait is designed to move in an erratic, side-to-side motion, mimicking an injured baitfish. This makes it ideal for attracting aggressive fish like bass. Its durable construction and easy-to-use design make it perfect for young anglers.
How to Use Crankbait Fishing Lures for Kids
Teaching kids how to use crankbait fishing lures effectively involves mastering a few basic techniques:
1. Casting
Kids should start by learning to cast short distances near the shoreline, where fish are likely to be feeding. Encourage them to practice their casting skills to improve their accuracy and distance.
2. Retrieving
Once the crankbait hits the water, teach them to retrieve it steadily, maintaining a consistent speed. For crankbaits with a wobbling action, a steady retrieve is key to mimicking the movement of prey.
3. Varying the Retrieve
For more experienced kids, experiment with different retrieval speeds. Slow, steady retrieves are great for a more natural presentation, while faster, jerky retrieves can trigger a predatory strike.
4. Patience
Fishing requires patience, so remind kids that it may take a few tries before they catch anything. Teach them to keep their focus and stay excited, even if they don’t get a bite immediately.
Conclusion
Realistic crankbait fishing lures are an excellent choice for kids fishing in Florida. They are easy to use, effective, and exciting, making them perfect for young anglers. By choosing the right size, color, and depth for the fishing conditions, you can ensure a successful fishing experience for kids. Whether they are fishing for bass, trout, or panfish, crankbaits will help them enjoy the thrill of fishing while learning new skills.
For top-rated crankbait fishing lures designed for kids in Florida, visit Lurebolt.com. Our durable, realistic lures are perfect for young anglers looking to have fun and succeed in their fishing adventures.