Fishing is a fantastic outdoor activity for kids, providing them with a chance to connect with nature, develop patience, and learn essential skills. One of the best types of lures for young anglers is the crankbait. Known for its ease of use, reliability, and effectiveness, crankbait is an excellent choice for kids who are just starting their fishing journey.
In this tutorial, we will explore top-rated crankbait fishing lures suitable for kids in Canada. We will cover everything from the basics of crankbait fishing, the best crankbaits for beginners, and tips on how to make the fishing experience enjoyable and successful for kids. Whether your child is new to fishing or looking to improve their skills, this guide will provide all the information needed for a fun and rewarding fishing adventure.
Why Choose Crankbait Lures for Kids?
1. Ease of Use
Crankbaits are designed to be easy to use, making them perfect for children. These lures have a built-in action that mimics the movement of baitfish, so there’s no need for complicated retrieval techniques. When reeled in, crankbaits wiggle and wobble, making them effective at attracting fish without requiring much effort from the angler.
2. Effectiveness in Various Water Conditions
Crankbaits are versatile and work in a variety of conditions, which makes them suitable for fishing in different types of waters in Canada. Whether you’re fishing in a pond, lake, or river, crankbaits are effective at attracting fish such as bass, pike, and walleye. This versatility means kids can enjoy fishing in various environments and still have a great chance of landing a fish.
3. Durability
Since crankbaits are often made from hard plastic and other durable materials, they can withstand the rough and tumble of being used by kids. Whether it’s getting caught on rocks, submerged logs, or being dropped on the ground, crankbaits are built to last, making them an excellent choice for young anglers.
4. Fun and Interactive
The action of a crankbait in the water is incredibly exciting to watch, especially when a fish strikes. The visuals of the lure moving through the water and the anticipation of a bite make crankbait fishing a fun and interactive experience for kids. It’s a great way to keep them engaged and excited about fishing.
Best Crankbait Fishing Lures for Kids in Canada
1. Rapala Original Floating Minnow
The Rapala Original Floating Minnow is a classic choice for beginners, especially for kids. This versatile crankbait is effective in both shallow and deeper waters, making it an excellent all-around option for Canadian lakes and ponds. Its realistic action and wide range of colors help attract a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and pike.
Key Features:
- Size: 3-5 inches (ideal for kids)
- Action: Floating with a wobble that mimics a wounded fish
- Best For: Bass, pike, and walleye in ponds and lakes
Why It’s Great for Kids:
The Rapala Original Floating Minnow is easy to cast and retrieve, which makes it perfect for younger anglers. Its ability to attract fish with minimal effort and its durable construction makes it an excellent choice for kids starting out.
2. Cotton Cordell Super Spot
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot is a fantastic crankbait for kids due to its smaller size and strong action. It is designed to mimic the movement of smaller baitfish, making it attractive to a wide variety of freshwater species. It works well in shallow to mid-depth water, making it a great option for fishing in ponds and smaller lakes.
Key Features:
- Size: 2-4 inches
- Action: Vibrating and wobbling action that mimics baitfish
- Best For: Bass, trout, and panfish in shallow waters
Why It’s Great for Kids:
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot is easy to use and provides a lot of action in the water. It’s lightweight and compact, making it manageable for younger kids to cast and retrieve without getting tired. Plus, it comes in a variety of vibrant colors that make it fun for kids to choose from.
3. Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait
The Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait is a top-rated lure that’s perfect for kids due to its ability to deflect off cover like rocks and submerged logs. This feature makes it a great choice for fishing in ponds with a lot of structure. The square bill creates a wide wobbling action that is irresistible to fish.
Key Features:
- Size: 2-3 inches
- Action: Tight wobble with a deflecting square bill
- Best For: Bass and pike in ponds and shallow lakes
Why It’s Great for Kids:
The square bill design helps prevent snagging, which is particularly helpful when fishing in areas with a lot of underwater structures. The KVD Square Bill Crankbait is easy for kids to control, and its effective action ensures that young anglers will have a good chance of catching fish.
4. Rapala X-Rap Crankbait
The Rapala X-Rap Crankbait is another excellent choice for kids, thanks to its reliable action and durability. This lure is designed to imitate distressed baitfish, making it highly effective for a variety of fish species. It works particularly well for pike and bass in deeper ponds and lakes.
Key Features:
- Size: 3-4 inches
- Action: Erratic swimming action that mimics an injured fish
- Best For: Bass, pike, and walleye in deeper waters
Why It’s Great for Kids:
The Rapala X-Rap Crankbait has an easy-to-use, high-action design that kids will love. It’s perfect for slightly deeper ponds where fish are lurking below the surface. Its durability ensures it can withstand plenty of use, making it a long-lasting option for young anglers.
How to Use Crankbaits for Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choosing the Right Crankbait for the Situation
Before heading out to fish, it’s important to choose the right crankbait for the pond you’ll be fishing in. Consider factors like water depth, clarity, and the species you’re targeting. For shallower waters, choose a floating crankbait, while deeper ponds might benefit from a sinking or diving crankbait.
2. Casting and Retrieving the Crankbait
- Casting: Begin by casting the crankbait out into the water. Encourage kids to aim for areas where fish are likely to be, such as near submerged structures, along the edges of vegetation, or near drop-offs.
- Retrieving: Once the crankbait hits the water, start reeling it in slowly and steadily. Kids can experiment with different speeds to see what works best for attracting fish. For crankbaits with an erratic action, kids may also want to pause the retrieve occasionally to mimic an injured fish.
3. Setting the Hook
When a fish bites, it’s crucial to set the hook quickly. Teach kids to make a quick upward motion with the rod to set the hook in the fish’s mouth. This action ensures that the fish won’t escape.
4. Reeling in the Fish
Once the hook is set, kids can begin reeling in the fish. Remind them to maintain steady pressure on the fish and avoid jerking the rod too hard. Reeling steadily will help land the fish without causing the line to break.
Tips for Successful Crankbait Fishing with Kids
1. Keep it Fun
Fishing with kids should be fun and engaging. Allow them to choose their crankbait colors and experiment with different retrieval techniques. The more involved they feel, the more likely they are to stay engaged and enjoy the experience.
2. Focus on Safety
Always ensure that kids are safe while fishing. Use child-friendly rods, reels, and lures that are easy for them to handle. Be mindful of the environment, and remind kids to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
3. Be Patient
Fishing can sometimes be slow, but encourage patience. Celebrate every catch, no matter how small, and make sure to keep the experience positive.
Conclusion: Start Your Kids’ Fishing Journey with Crankbaits
Crankbait fishing is an excellent choice for introducing kids to the sport of fishing. With their ease of use, durability, and effectiveness, crankbaits are the perfect tool for young anglers looking to catch pike, bass, and other fish species in Canadian ponds and lakes. By following the tips and techniques in this guide, kids can quickly learn how to fish successfully and have fun while doing it.
For high-quality crankbait fishing lures, visit lurebolt.com to explore a wide selection of lures that will make your child’s fishing experience unforgettable.