Fishing in the ocean is an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when you’re using the right tools to catch big fish. One of the most popular and effective tools for ocean fishing, especially for beginners, is the crankbait fishing lure. Crankbaits are designed to mimic the movement of baitfish, and they can attract a variety of species, from bass to more aggressive ocean predators like tuna and grouper.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore handmade crankbait fishing lures for beginners in the ocean, compare different types, and help you understand why these lures are such an excellent choice for those new to ocean fishing. Whether you’re just starting or want to refine your technique, this guide has everything you need to know.
What Are Crankbait Fishing Lures?
Crankbaits are artificial fishing lures with a hard body that typically features a lip or bill, which causes the lure to dive to a specific depth when retrieved. The action of the crankbait is designed to imitate the swimming motion of baitfish or other prey that larger ocean fish like to hunt.
What makes crankbaits effective is their ability to move in a controlled, realistic manner in the water, creating vibrations and subtle movements that attract predatory fish. Depending on the size, shape, and depth at which they are designed to operate, crankbaits can target different fish species, making them versatile tools in any angler’s tackle box.
Why Choose Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures?
Handmade crankbaits offer several key advantages over mass-produced models, particularly for beginners:
1. Quality Craftsmanship
Handmade crankbaits are often crafted with attention to detail, resulting in superior quality in terms of materials, finishes, and design. For beginners, using high-quality lures means better durability and performance, reducing frustration when learning the ropes of ocean fishing.
2. Unique Designs
Unlike mass-produced lures, handmade crankbaits often feature unique patterns, colors, and designs, which can be customized to suit specific fishing conditions or preferences. This customization allows beginners to experiment with various options until they find what works best for their targeted fish species.
3. More Realistic Action
Handmade crankbaits can provide more lifelike movement and better water action, which is essential for attracting fish. Many handmade lures use specialized techniques to create more fluid and realistic movements, improving their effectiveness in the ocean.
4. Sustainability
Since handmade lures are typically produced in smaller quantities, they are often made with more environmentally conscious materials and methods. Beginners who are passionate about sustainability may find that handmade crankbaits offer an ethical fishing solution.
Types of Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Beginners in the Ocean
There are various types of crankbaits, and each serves a different purpose depending on the fishing conditions and target species. Below are some of the most popular and effective handmade crankbait fishing lures for beginners in ocean fishing.
1. Shallow-Diving Crankbaits
Shallow-diving crankbaits are designed to operate at or near the surface of the water, making them ideal for targeting fish species that are feeding in shallow areas. These lures typically have a short lip that allows them to dive just a few feet below the surface, mimicking injured or fleeing baitfish.
Best For: Beginners fishing in shallow coastal waters, targeting species like bass, bluefish, and snook.
Example: A handmade shallow-diving crankbait in bright, visible colors like chartreuse or orange is effective for attracting aggressive fish in murky or sunny conditions.
2. Deep-Diving Crankbaits
As the name suggests, deep-diving crankbaits are designed to dive deeper into the water, where they can mimic the movement of baitfish that are hiding in deeper, cooler areas. These lures typically have a longer lip and are ideal for targeting species like grouper, tuna, and wahoo, which tend to hunt at greater depths.
Best For: Beginners fishing in deeper waters or targeting fish species that stay below the surface, such as grouper or tuna.
Example: A handmade deep-diving crankbait with a realistic fish profile and natural colors, such as silver or blue, is a great choice for attracting predatory fish in deeper water.
3. Suspending Crankbaits
Suspending crankbaits are designed to remain at a specific depth when paused during the retrieve. These lures don’t float to the surface, nor do they dive deeper; instead, they “suspend” in place, mimicking injured baitfish that are struggling. This action is especially effective in areas with variable water depths or when fish are feeding on injured prey.
Best For: Beginners fishing in areas with varying depths, where fish might be looking for injured prey in the middle of the water column. Effective for targeting snook, redfish, and mackerel.
Example: A handmade suspending crankbait with a subtle shimmy or flash is perfect for attracting fish when they are less aggressive but still willing to chase down easy prey.
4. Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits are designed without a traditional lip, allowing them to move with a tight, rapid action that is perfect for mimicking the frantic movement of fleeing fish. These lures are great for fast-moving water and are ideal for beginners who want a lure that works well in all types of conditions.
Best For: Beginners fishing in fast-moving waters, or those who need to cover large areas quickly. Effective for targeting species like striped bass, redfish, and black sea bass.
Example: A handmade lipless crankbait with a rattling sound and reflective finish is highly effective for drawing attention and triggering aggressive strikes.
How to Set Up for Using Crankbait Fishing Lures in the Ocean
Using crankbait fishing lures in the ocean requires the right setup to ensure you can cast, retrieve, and attract fish effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal setup for beginners fishing in ocean conditions:
1. Fishing Rod and Reel
For crankbait fishing in the ocean, a medium-action rod with a fast tip is ideal. A rod in the 7-8 foot range gives you enough control and casting distance. Pair this with a spinning reel that has a smooth drag system, which is important for fighting larger fish species.
Recommended Gear:
- Rod: Medium-action, 7-8 feet
- Reel: Spinning reel, 2500-4000 size
- Line: 12-20 lb test braided line for durability and sensitivity
2. Leader Line
A strong leader line (typically 30-50 lb test) is crucial to prevent the crankbait from being bitten off by sharp-toothed predators like mackerel or kingfish. Fluorocarbon leader line is also preferred for its low visibility underwater.
3. Crankbait Size and Color
Selecting the right size and color for your crankbait depends on the species you’re targeting and the water conditions. Larger crankbaits work well for bigger fish like tarpon and grouper, while smaller ones are ideal for targeting bluefish and snook. As for color, bright and flashy colors work best in murky waters, while more natural colors like silver and green work better in clear water.
4. Retrieval Techniques
The technique you use will depend on the type of crankbait you’re fishing with. For shallow-diving crankbaits, use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses to mimic an injured fish. For deep-diving crankbaits, a slow, consistent retrieve is often most effective, allowing the lure to dive to the desired depth.
Comparing Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Beginners
Here’s a quick comparison of different types of handmade crankbait fishing lures and their suitability for beginners:
| Type of Crankbait | Best For | Target Species | Depth | Retrieve Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shallow-Diving Crankbaits | Shallow coastal waters | Bass, bluefish, snook | 0-6 feet | Steady with occasional pauses |
| Deep-Diving Crankbaits | Deeper waters or aggressive fish | Grouper, tuna, wahoo, mackerel | 6-20 feet | Slow and consistent |
| Suspending Crankbaits | Varying water depths or calm conditions | Snook, redfish, mackerel | 3-10 feet | Erratic with pauses |
| Lipless Crankbaits | Fast-moving water, covering large areas | Striped bass, redfish, black sea bass | Variable | Fast and consistent |
Conclusion
Handmade crankbait fishing lures are a fantastic option for beginners venturing into ocean fishing. These lures offer a combination of realistic action, durability, and customization that can improve your chances of attracting fish. Whether you are fishing for redfish, tarpon, snook, or grouper, the right crankbait can make all the difference.
To explore high-quality handmade crankbait lures and other fishing gear for beginners, visit lurebolt.com. Happy fishing!