Fishing with kids can be an incredibly rewarding experience, fostering both a love for the outdoors and a valuable skill set. However, to keep kids engaged and excited, it’s important to equip them with tools that are easy to use, effective, and fun. Crankbait fishing lures are a fantastic choice for young anglers, especially when fishing in lakes, as they are easy to cast, provide a lot of action, and work for a wide variety of fish species like bass, trout, and bluegill.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about using crankbait fishing lures for kids in lakes, including the best lures to use, how to cast and retrieve effectively, and tips to ensure a fun and successful fishing trip.
Why Crankbait Fishing Lures are Ideal for Kids in Lakes
When it comes to introducing kids to fishing, crankbaits are an excellent choice due to their user-friendly nature and effectiveness. Here’s why crankbaits are perfect for children fishing in lakes:
1. Easy to Use and Versatile
Crankbait lures are simple to use, which makes them ideal for young anglers who are just getting the hang of casting and retrieving. These lures don’t require complex techniques like other types of lures, and they often produce immediate action in the water, which keeps kids engaged.
- Benefit: Kids don’t have to worry about perfecting their technique; they just need to cast and reel in at a steady pace.
2. Effective for a Wide Range of Fish Species
Crankbaits are highly effective for catching a wide variety of fish species, including bass, trout, bluegill, and even pike. They are versatile and can be used in different lake conditions, from shallow to deeper waters. This makes crankbaits an excellent choice for lakes with diverse fish populations.
- Benefit: Kids can catch different types of fish, making the experience more exciting and rewarding.
3. Action and Movement
Crankbaits have a built-in mechanism that makes them wiggle and dive as they are retrieved through the water. This action mimics the movement of small baitfish, which is exactly what predatory fish are looking for. The continuous action of the crankbait keeps kids interested as they see fish responding to the movement.
- Benefit: The built-in action of crankbaits provides immediate feedback, making the fishing process more interactive and enjoyable for children.
4. Durable and Reliable
Crankbaits are typically made from hard plastic or metal, which makes them durable and able to withstand repeated use. They can handle the wear and tear that comes with being used by younger anglers, which means they will last longer.
- Benefit: Durable lures are essential for fishing with kids, as they can be a little less careful with their gear.
Choosing the Best Crankbait Fishing Lures for Kids in Lakes
When selecting crankbait fishing lures for kids, it’s important to choose options that are easy to use and appropriate for the lake conditions. Here are the key features to consider:
1. Size of the Crankbait
The size of the crankbait should match the size of the fish you’re targeting. For kids, it’s best to start with smaller-sized crankbaits, as these are easier to handle and cast.
Small Crankbaits (2-3 inches): These are ideal for bluegill, small bass, and trout in shallow lake waters. They’re also easier for kids to cast and retrieve.
Medium Crankbaits (3-4 inches): These work well for larger bass and other predatory fish. They provide a larger profile for bigger fish to target but are still manageable for kids to use.
2. Depth of the Crankbait
Crankbaits come in various designs for different depths:
Shallow-diving crankbaits are great for lakes with little underwater structure, where fish tend to stay near the surface.
Deep-diving crankbaits are more suited for deeper lakes or for fishing near drop-offs and submerged structures.
Tip: For beginners and children, shallow-diving crankbaits are the best starting point as they allow for easier control and are more likely to attract fish in shallower lake environments.
3. Color and Finish
Crankbaits come in a wide range of colors and finishes, so it’s essential to select a color that matches the natural prey in the lake or stands out in the water.
Natural Colors (like silver, shad, and brown) work well in clear water and for matching the local fish population.
Bright Colors (like chartreuse, yellow, or orange) are better for murky or stained waters, where fish need help locating the lure.
Tip: For kids fishing in lakes with clear water, try natural colors. In murky water, bright colors will increase visibility.
4. Material and Durability
Look for crankbaits made from durable materials such as hard plastic or metal, which can withstand the rigors of fishing. Metal crankbaits are generally more durable and resistant to corrosion, while plastic crankbaits are often more affordable and lightweight.
- Tip: If the lure is being used by kids, choose one with high durability and a rust-resistant hook to avoid replacements after a few uses.
How to Use Crankbait Fishing Lures for Kids in Lakes
Now that you’ve chosen the right crankbait fishing lure, it’s time to focus on the setup and techniques that will make your fishing experience enjoyable and successful. Here’s how to use crankbait fishing lures for kids in lakes:
1. Choosing the Right Rod and Reel
For kids, it’s important to select a light to medium-action rod with a spinning reel. A spinning rod is easy for kids to handle and allows for more control when casting and retrieving. It’s best to choose a rod that is not too long or heavy to avoid tiring the child out.
- Tip: A 6 to 7-foot spinning rod with a 3-6 lb test monofilament line is a good all-around setup for crankbait fishing with kids.
2. Casting the Crankbait
Casting is one of the most exciting parts of fishing for kids. When casting the crankbait, make sure to instruct the child to hold the rod firmly with both hands and make smooth, controlled casts. It’s helpful to teach kids to use a two-handed grip on the rod for more control.
- Tip: Cast the crankbait near underwater structures, drop-offs, or shallow areas where fish are likely to be hiding.
3. Retrieving the Crankbait
After casting the crankbait, the next step is retrieving it. Here are a few methods that are easy for kids to manage:
Steady Retrieve: Instruct the child to reel in at a steady pace, maintaining a consistent speed. The lure’s built-in action will create the “popping” effect that attracts fish.
Stop-and-Go Retrieve: Encourage the child to reel for a few seconds and then stop briefly before continuing. This gives the impression of a struggling or injured fish, which is highly attractive to predators.
Tip: Start with a steady retrieve, and once the child gets comfortable, introduce the stop-and-go method for added variety.
4. Handling the Fish
Once the child feels a tug or a strike, help them by setting the hook with a quick upward motion of the rod. When reeling in the fish, encourage them to keep tension on the line and reel steadily without jerking.
- Tip: If the fish is large, teach the child how to let the fish tire out before reeling it in completely.
Best Crankbait Fishing Lures for Kids in Lakes
Now that you know how to use crankbait lures, here are some of the best options for kids fishing in lakes:
1. LureBolt Mini Crankbait (2-Inch)
This mini crankbait is perfect for smaller fish species like bluegill and trout. The compact design makes it easy for kids to handle, while the realistic swimming action mimics small baitfish that trout and bass love to chase.
Best For: Small bass, trout, bluegill.
Key Features: 2-inch size, natural colors, ideal for shallow waters.
2. LureBolt Shallow Diving Crankbait (3-Inch)
A great option for largemouth bass and pike, the 3-inch shallow-diving crankbait provides excellent action in both shallow and moderately deep waters. It’s easy for kids to cast and retrieve, making it ideal for learning.
Best For: Largemouth bass, pike.
Key Features: Shallow diving action, bright colors for visibility.
3. LureBolt Floating Crankbait (2.5-Inch)
The LureBolt Floating Crankbait is designed for clear-water lakes where fish are more cautious. The floating design ensures that it stays at or near the surface, perfect for targeting fish that are feeding near the top.
Best For: Trout, smaller bass.
Key Features: Floating action, natural color patterns, ideal for clear water.
Conclusion
Using crankbait fishing lures for kids in lakes is a great way to introduce young anglers to the excitement of fishing. With their easy-to-use design, realistic action, and versatility, crankbaits provide an engaging and fun fishing experience. By selecting the right size, color, and style of crankbait, and employing simple casting and retrieval techniques, you can ensure that your fishing trips are not only productive but also enjoyable for kids.
For high-quality fishing lures, including crankbaits and more, visit LureBolt.com. We offer a wide range of lures designed to meet the needs of every angler, from beginners to experts.