Fishing in the ocean offers an exciting and rewarding experience, but for beginners, it can feel overwhelming with the variety of fishing lures available. Among the most versatile and effective lures for ocean fishing, crankbait fishing lures stand out. These lures are designed to mimic the movement of baitfish or other prey, making them irresistible to predatory fish. For newcomers, selecting the right handmade crankbait fishing lure is essential for success.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at handmade crankbait fishing lures and why they’re perfect for beginners fishing in the ocean. We’ll compare the various types of crankbaits, discuss how to use them effectively, and highlight the best lures to get you started. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently choose the best crankbait for your ocean fishing adventures.
1. What Are Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures?
Crankbaits are hard-bodied fishing lures that are designed to imitate the movement of small fish or prey in distress. These lures are typically made from durable materials like wood, plastic, or metal, and they come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. When retrieved through the water, crankbaits create a “wobbling” or “vibrating” action that mimics the movement of a struggling or fleeing fish, attracting predatory species such as bass, tuna, and snapper.
1.1 Key Features of Crankbaits:
- Diving Bills: Crankbaits often have a bill or lip at the front, which helps them dive into the water and create a more natural swimming action.
- Wobbling Motion: The body design of the crankbait allows it to swim with a distinctive side-to-side motion, mimicking baitfish behavior.
- Variety of Colors and Sizes: Crankbaits come in a range of colors to match different types of prey in the ocean, such as sardines, anchovies, or other small fish species.
- Deep or Shallow Diving: Depending on the bill size and angle, crankbaits can dive shallow or deep, making them effective in various ocean fishing depths.
1.2 Why Handmade Crankbaits Are Special
Handmade crankbaits are crafted with attention to detail, often using high-quality materials and custom finishes. While factory-made lures can be effective, handmade lures offer a unique advantage. They are often finely tuned to create a more natural action in the water, and they tend to be more durable and customizable. For beginners, these lures provide an edge in terms of both reliability and performance.
2. Why Choose Crankbait Fishing Lures for Ocean Fishing?
Crankbaits are not just great for freshwater fishing; they are incredibly effective in ocean fishing as well. Here’s why crankbait fishing lures are an excellent choice for beginners in the ocean:
2.1 Attracts a Wide Range of Species
Crankbaits can be used to target a variety of ocean fish species, making them a versatile tool in your fishing arsenal. From snapper and grouper to bluefish and tuna, crankbaits are effective at attracting predatory fish across the ocean’s ecosystem. Their action simulates the natural movement of prey, enticing fish from a distance.
2.2 Effective in Both Shallow and Deep Waters
Whether you’re fishing near the coastline in shallow waters or in deeper parts of the ocean, crankbait lures can be adapted to suit both. The type of crankbait you choose—whether it’s a shallow-diving or deep-diving model—depends on the depth at which the fish are feeding.
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits: Great for fishing near the surface or around structures like rocks, reefs, or drop-offs.
- Deep Diving Crankbaits: Ideal for targeting fish that are located in deeper waters, where prey is less abundant at the surface.
2.3 Perfect for Beginners
Crankbaits are relatively easy to use, which makes them ideal for beginners. The only skill needed is to cast the crankbait into the water and retrieve it with a steady motion. Unlike more complicated lures that require specialized techniques, crankbaits are straightforward and effective, making them perfect for newcomers to ocean fishing.
3. Types of Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Ocean Fishing
Choosing the right handmade crankbait is crucial for success in ocean fishing. Below, we’ll compare different types of crankbaits and how to use them:
3.1 Shallow-Diving Crankbaits
Shallow-diving crankbaits are designed to stay near the surface and are ideal for fishing in shallow waters, especially around structures like rocks, sandbars, or coral reefs. These lures are perfect for snappers, bluefish, and other species that feed near the water’s surface.
- Best For: Fish feeding on surface prey or around shallow structures.
- How to Use: Cast the crankbait near the shore, drop-offs, or submerged structures, and retrieve it slowly or with short, jerking motions. The key is to make the lure imitate the natural action of a baitfish near the surface.
3.2 Deep-Diving Crankbaits
Deep-diving crankbaits are designed to dive deeper into the water column, allowing anglers to reach fish that feed at greater depths. These lures are excellent for species like grouper or tuna that hunt in deeper waters.
- Best For: Deeper waters, especially in open ocean or deep sea fishing.
- How to Use: Cast the crankbait and retrieve at a steady speed to maintain a consistent depth. If fishing in deeper water, you can let the crankbait sink before starting the retrieve to get to the right depth.
3.3 Suspending Crankbaits
Suspending crankbaits are designed to suspend in the water when the retrieve is paused. This is particularly useful when fishing for species that are hesitant or less aggressive. Suspended crankbaits are great for snapper or sea bass.
- Best For: Fish that are suspended in the water column, especially in colder or cooler waters.
- How to Use: Retrieve the crankbait slowly, allowing it to suspend and hover when you pause your retrieval. This allows the lure to mimic a vulnerable prey item that may trigger a strike from nearby predators.
3.4 Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits don’t have a diving bill, which allows them to sink straight down and cover a wide range of depths. These lures are effective for deepwater species and can be used to fish in both shallow and deep water.
- Best For: Snapper, bass, and species that prefer prey close to the bottom.
- How to Use: Use a fast retrieve to make the crankbait move erratically and simulate the movement of struggling prey at different depths.
4. How to Use Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures in the Ocean
Now that we know about the different types of crankbaits, let’s explore the best practices for using them effectively in the ocean:
4.1 Choosing the Right Gear
To use handmade crankbait lures effectively, you need the right rod, reel, and line setup. Here’s what you should use:
- Rod: A medium to medium-heavy action rod around 6 to 7 feet is ideal for casting crankbaits. The medium action allows for better control and flexibility.
- Reel: A spinning reel with a smooth drag system is perfect for crankbaits, as it helps control the retrieval speed.
- Line: Use braided line for its strength and sensitivity, paired with a fluorocarbon leader for invisibility in the water.
4.2 Retrieval Techniques
The technique you use for retrieving your handmade crankbait will depend on the type of fish you’re targeting and the water conditions. Here are some common techniques:
- Steady Retrieve: For shallow and deep-diving crankbaits, use a steady retrieve to maintain a consistent depth and wobbling action.
- Jerking Motion: For more aggressive species like bluefish, use short, sharp jerks to create an erratic, distressed movement that mimics an injured prey item.
- Pause and Go: For suspending crankbaits, pause your retrieve to allow the lure to hover, creating a more natural presentation that’s perfect for wary fish.
4.3 Targeting the Right Locations
Fish in the ocean are often found around structures like reefs, drop-offs, submerged rocks, and sandbars. These areas are prime feeding grounds for many ocean species. Cast your crankbait near these structures to increase your chances of attracting fish.
5. Where to Buy Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Ocean Fishing
If you’re ready to try out handmade crankbait fishing lures for your next ocean fishing adventure, look no further than Lurebolt.com. We offer a wide variety of top-quality fishing lures, including handmade crankbaits, that are perfect for targeting different species in both shallow and deep ocean waters.
- Why Choose Lurebolt?
- High-Quality Products: Our crankbaits are crafted with precision for optimal performance.
- Affordable Pricing: Get premium fishing lures at competitive prices.
- Expert Guidance: We provide expert recommendations and tips to ensure you get the best lures for your fishing needs.
Visit Lurebolt.com today to browse our collection of handmade crankbait lures and other fishing gear perfect for your ocean fishing trips!