Fishing is more than just a sport; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, test your skills, and, of course, land some fantastic catches. For anglers targeting freshwater fish in rivers, using the right fishing lure is crucial. One of the most versatile and effective options is the handmade crankbait fishing lure. Handmade crankbaits offer superior quality and can be a game-changer for those serious about freshwater fishing in rivers.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the ins and outs of using handmade crankbait fishing lures in freshwater rivers. From understanding how crankbaits work, to choosing the best one for your fishing conditions, we’ll cover everything you need to know to succeed. Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, walleye, or pike, this guide will ensure you make the most out of your fishing trips.
What is a Crankbait Fishing Lure?
A crankbait is a type of artificial fishing lure designed to mimic the movement of small fish or prey in the water. It features a hard, often plastic body and a lip on the front. When retrieved, the lip causes the crankbait to dive to a specific depth and creates a wobbling or vibrational action, imitating the movement of a struggling fish.
Handmade crankbaits are crafted with high attention to detail, using premium materials and fine-tuned designs to create lifelike action. These lures are available in different sizes, shapes, and colors, making them highly customizable for specific freshwater species and river conditions.
Why Choose Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Freshwater Rivers?
Handmade crankbaits offer several key advantages over mass-produced lures, especially when fishing in rivers. Here’s why handmade crankbaits are ideal for freshwater fishing:
1. Realistic Action
The primary appeal of crankbaits lies in their ability to mimic the movement of injured or fleeing fish. Handmade crankbaits are crafted with a high level of precision to ensure that the action and movement closely resemble natural prey. This realistic presentation can increase the likelihood of attracting predatory fish like bass and pike, which are actively hunting for food in the river.
2. Durability and Quality
Handmade crankbaits are often made from superior materials like high-grade plastics, stainless steel, and custom finishes. These high-quality materials not only enhance the lure’s action but also ensure it can withstand the rough conditions often found in river environments. Whether you’re fishing in fast-moving currents or around rocky structures, a handmade crankbait can endure and continue to perform.
3. Customization for River Conditions
Handmade crankbaits often come with customization options. Whether it’s color, size, or the angle of the lip, you can select a crankbait that is perfectly suited to the water clarity, current, and species you’re targeting. Customization ensures that you’re using a lure that matches the specific needs of your fishing environment, increasing your chances of success.
4. Effective for a Variety of Species
Handmade crankbaits are effective for catching a wide range of species, from bass and trout to walleye and pike. This makes them an excellent all-around tool for anglers fishing in rivers with a variety of fish species.
Types of Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Freshwater Rivers
When choosing a handmade crankbait for freshwater rivers, it’s important to understand the different types and how they perform in various river conditions. Below are the main types of crankbaits and their ideal uses:
1. Shallow Diving Crankbaits
Shallow-diving crankbaits are designed to dive to depths of 2 to 6 feet. These are perfect for shallow rivers or rivers with low water levels where fish are typically found near the surface. Shallow-diving crankbaits create a subtle wobble and are great for mimicking small, fleeing fish.
- Best For: Shallow rivers, surface-feeding fish, trout, and bass.
- Features: Quick action, light vibrations, great for clear or slightly murky water.
2. Medium Diving Crankbaits
Medium-diving crankbaits can reach depths of 6 to 12 feet, making them perfect for fishing in deeper river pools or areas with structures like submerged rocks, drop-offs, and deep holes. These crankbaits offer a balanced action, creating a moderate wobble to attract fish in the middle to bottom layers of the water column.
- Best For: Deeper sections of the river, walleye, bass, and pike.
- Features: Moderate action, great for targeting fish that are not at the surface but still relatively shallow.
3. Deep Diving Crankbaits
Deep-diving crankbaits are designed to reach depths of 12 feet or more, making them ideal for deep river pools or areas with slower current. These lures create a significant wobbling action and can target fish that are positioned deep in the water column, such as large bass, pike, and walleye.
- Best For: Deeper river pools, larger species like pike and walleye.
- Features: Deep diving, large vibrations, effective for targeting fish in fast-moving currents or deep water.
4. Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits do not feature a diving lip but instead have a streamlined body that provides an erratic, side-to-side movement when retrieved. This type of crankbait is especially effective in fast-moving rivers with heavy current.
- Best For: Fast rivers, targeting smallmouth bass, trout, and walleye.
- Features: No diving lip, excellent for high-speed retrieves and strong current conditions.
How to Choose the Right Handmade Crankbait for River Fishing
Selecting the right handmade crankbait for river fishing is critical to success. Here are the key factors to consider when making your choice:
1. Water Depth
The depth at which you are fishing is one of the most important factors in choosing a crankbait. For shallow rivers, choose a shallow-diving crankbait. For deeper sections, opt for medium or deep-diving crankbaits. The depth of the water determines how far the crankbait will travel and how effectively it can reach fish at different levels in the river.
2. Water Clarity
The clarity of the river water will affect the visibility of the crankbait. In clear water, use natural colors like silver, gold, or shad to mimic the appearance of local baitfish. In murky water, go for brighter colors like chartreuse or fire tiger, which are more visible and attract fish through flash and vibration.
3. Species Targeted
Different species respond to different types of crankbaits. Bass are attracted to a wide range of crankbaits, including shallow and medium-diving lures. Walleye prefer a slower presentation, so medium and deep-diving crankbaits work best. For pike, use larger crankbaits with strong vibrations to mimic large prey.
4. Current Speed
The speed of the river current will also impact the performance of the crankbait. In fast-moving water, use lipless crankbaits or deep-diving crankbaits with larger blades that can handle the current. In slower-moving water, lighter, shallow-diving crankbaits will perform well.
Techniques for Using Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures in Rivers
Once you’ve selected the right crankbait, it’s important to use the proper techniques to maximize your chances of success. Here’s a breakdown of effective retrieval methods:
1. Casting and Retrieving
- Cast to likely fish-holding areas, such as near drop-offs, submerged rocks, or undercut banks.
- Retrieve steadily to keep the crankbait at the right depth. For shallow water, use a faster retrieve. In deeper water, slow it down to ensure the crankbait dives to the right depth.
2. Jerking the Rod
Occasionally, jerk the rod tip to create an erratic, wounded prey movement. This works well in areas where fish are holding near structures or in the deeper parts of the river.
3. Varying Speed
If you’re not getting bites, try varying your retrieval speed. If the fish aren’t responding to a steady retrieve, try twitching or pausing occasionally to see if the fish react to the erratic action.
4. Fishing Near Structures
Fish are often found near underwater structures such as rocks, fallen trees, or weed beds. Cast your crankbait near these structures and retrieve it slowly. The crankbait’s wobble will attract fish that are hunting for prey around these areas.
Best Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Freshwater in Rivers
Here are some of the best handmade crankbait fishing lures that are perfect for freshwater rivers:
1. Lurebolt Custom Handmade Crankbait
This high-quality handmade crankbait is perfect for freshwater river fishing. It offers a realistic wobble and comes in various sizes and colors to suit different species and river conditions.
- Best For: Bass, trout, and walleye.
- Size: Available in 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 3/4 oz.
- Features: Custom design, durable materials, effective in both shallow and deep water.
2. Rapala Original Floating Crankbait
The Rapala Original Floating Crankbait is a classic choice that works well in both fast and slow-moving rivers. It has a natural swimming action that attracts bass, pike, and trout.
- Best For: Trout, bass, and walleye.
- Size: Available in 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 3/4 oz.
- Features: Lifelike action, perfect for shallow and medium water.
3. Heddon Super Spook Crankbait
The Heddon Super Spook is known for its amazing wobbling action and long-lasting durability. It is a great choice for targeting larger freshwater species in rivers.
- Best For: Pike, trout, and bass.
- Size: 1/2 oz to 1 oz.
- Features: High-quality construction, great for deeper water, high flash.
Conclusion
Using a handmade crankbait fishing lure in freshwater rivers can significantly improve your chances of success. By selecting the right type of crankbait for the specific river conditions and target species, you can increase your chances of landing a big fish. Handmade crankbaits offer exceptional durability, realistic action, and customization options that can make a real difference in your fishing experience.
For high-quality, handmade fishing lures, including crankbaits, jigs, and softbaits, visit Lurebolt.com. Our carefully crafted lures are designed to meet the needs of both beginner and expert anglers.