Fishing in freshwater lakes can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you’re using the right fishing lures to attract the fish you’re targeting. Among the most popular and effective lures for lake fishing is the crankbait. Crankbaits are known for their versatility, realistic action, and ability to reach different water depths, making them a top choice for targeting a variety of fish species in lakes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about crankbait fishing lures for freshwater lakes—from their design and function to the top-rated options available on the market. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, this guide will help you make an informed decision about which crankbait to use on your next fishing adventure.
1. What is a Crankbait Fishing Lure?
A crankbait is a type of artificial fishing lure designed to mimic the movements of a small fish or prey. Typically made of plastic or wood, crankbaits feature a distinctive diving lip at the front. This lip is what causes the crankbait to dive and wobble as it’s retrieved through the water, creating a lifelike swimming motion that fish find irresistible.
Key Features of a Crankbait:
Lip Design: The shape and angle of the lip determine how deep the crankbait will dive and how fast it will move.
Size and Shape: Crankbaits come in various sizes and shapes to mimic different types of prey, such as baitfish, crawfish, or other aquatic creatures.
Hooks: Most crankbaits are equipped with one or more treble hooks to secure the fish once it strikes.
Crankbaits are typically used for casting and retrieving but can also be employed for trolling when fishing in larger lakes.
2. Why Crankbaits Are Perfect for Freshwater Fishing in Lakes
Crankbaits are widely considered one of the best lures for freshwater fishing in lakes for several reasons:
1. Depth Control
Crankbaits can be designed to reach various depths. Whether you’re fishing in shallow or deep parts of a lake, there’s a crankbait that will suit your needs. By adjusting your retrieve speed and selecting the right crankbait, you can effectively target fish at specific depths.
2. Realistic Action
The diving lip and natural wobble of a crankbait create a lifelike swimming action that mimics the behavior of real prey. This makes them especially effective at catching predatory fish that rely on sight to hunt, such as bass and pike.
3. Versatility
Crankbaits are versatile and can be used to target various species of fish, including bass, trout, pike, walleye, and panfish. Whether you’re fishing in a shallow bay or along the deeper edges of a lake, crankbaits can be adapted to different conditions.
4. Easy to Use
For beginners, crankbaits are relatively simple to use. The casting and retrieving techniques are straightforward, and even novice anglers can start catching fish with crankbaits right away. They are a great option for those just starting to learn the art of fishing.
3. Different Types of Crankbaits for Freshwater Lakes
When it comes to crankbaits, there are several types to choose from, each designed for different fishing conditions. The two primary categories of crankbaits are shallow diving and deep diving crankbaits. Below, we’ll explore the different types and their specific applications in freshwater lakes.
1. Shallow Diving Crankbaits
Shallow diving crankbaits are designed to swim at depths of 1 to 5 feet, making them ideal for fishing in shallow parts of a lake, such as near the shore, weed beds, or submerged rocks.
Ideal for: Shallow lake areas, feeding bass, and panfish.
Action: These crankbaits create a subtle, shallow wobble that mimics small baitfish swimming near the surface.
Best Used For: Casting in areas where fish are near the surface or in shallow cover.
2. Medium Diving Crankbaits
Medium diving crankbaits generally reach depths of 5 to 10 feet, making them perfect for fishing in deeper areas of the lake, but not as deep as those requiring deep-diving crankbaits.
Ideal for: Areas where the water is not too deep, but fish tend to reside beneath the surface.
Action: These crankbaits create a more pronounced wobble than shallow divers and are great for covering mid-level water columns.
Best Used For: Fishing around drop-offs, submerged structures, and under ledges.
3. Deep Diving Crankbaits
Deep diving crankbaits are designed to dive deeper than their shallow and medium counterparts, typically reaching depths of 10 to 20 feet or more. They are ideal for targeting fish that dwell in deeper waters, such as walleye or larger bass.
Ideal for: Deeper lake areas where fish are located below the surface.
Action: These crankbaits generate a strong wobble that mimics larger prey, and they’re often used to target species that prefer deeper waters.
Best Used For: Fishing deep channels, drop-offs, and underwater ledges.
4. Jointed Crankbaits
Jointed crankbaits feature a segmented body that provides additional movement in the water, creating a more natural and erratic swimming action.
Ideal for: Larger fish such as pike and musky.
Action: The jointed body provides a more lifelike movement, imitating struggling or injured fish.
Best Used For: Fishing around deep, murky waters or when targeting large predatory fish.
4. Top-Rated Crankbait Fishing Lures for Freshwater in Lakes
Now that we’ve covered the different types of crankbaits, let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated crankbait fishing lures for freshwater lakes.
1. Lurebolt Classic Shallow Diving Crankbait
The Lurebolt Classic Shallow Diving Crankbait is designed for anglers who prefer fishing in shallow areas of the lake. Its balanced design and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for catching fish near the surface.
Diving Depth: 3 to 5 feet
Target Species: Bass, bluegill, trout, and panfish
Action: Subtle, steady wobble ideal for shallow waters
Pros: Affordable, effective for beginners, great for shallow-water fishing
Cons: Limited depth range, not suitable for deep-water fishing
Why It’s Great for Beginners: This crankbait is easy to use, and its shallow-diving action makes it perfect for learning how to fish in various shallow lake environments.
2. Lurebolt Deep Diving Crankbait
The Lurebolt Deep Diving Crankbait is perfect for targeting fish in deeper waters, reaching depths of up to 15 feet. It’s a must-have for anglers fishing in larger lakes where fish may be found at greater depths.
Diving Depth: 10 to 15 feet
Target Species: Walleye, bass, pike
Action: Strong wobble with a noticeable splash
Pros: Excellent for deep-water fishing, reliable construction
Cons: Best used in deep areas, not ideal for shallow fishing
Why It’s Great for Targeting Deeper Fish: Its deep-diving capability makes it perfect for larger lakes or fishing in areas where fish stay near the bottom, such as drop-offs or deep channels.
3. Lurebolt Jointed Crankbait
The Lurebolt Jointed Crankbait features a unique jointed design that increases its action and realism. It’s ideal for attracting larger fish like pike and muskie in lakes.
Diving Depth: 6 to 8 feet
Target Species: Pike, muskie, large bass
Action: Erratic, lifelike swimming motion due to its segmented body
Pros: Highly realistic, ideal for larger fish, durable design
Cons: May not be effective for smaller fish, requires more skill to use
Why It’s Great for Big Game Fishing: Its lifelike action and ability to mimic larger prey make it perfect for targeting aggressive fish species like pike and muskie.
4. Lurebolt Realistic Crankbait
The Lurebolt Realistic Crankbait is designed with a lifelike finish and reflective features that attract fish from a distance. Its realistic action and durability make it one of the top choices for experienced anglers.
Diving Depth: 6 to 12 feet
Target Species: Bass, trout, walleye
Action: Moderate wobble with reflective shine that attracts fish
Pros: High-quality design, great for clear water
Cons: Higher price point, best for experienced anglers
Why It’s Great for Clear Water Conditions: Its realistic finish makes it perfect for fishing in clear lake waters, where fish rely on visual cues to locate prey.
5. How to Use Crankbait Fishing Lures in Lakes
Using a crankbait effectively requires the right techniques and setup. Here’s how you can use crankbait fishing lures for the best results:
1. Choose the Right Rod and Reel
Rod: A 6 to 7-foot medium to medium-heavy action rod is ideal for crankbaits. This allows for accurate casting and proper hook-setting.
Reel: A baitcasting reel or spinning reel with a smooth drag system works well for retrieving crankbaits.
Line: Use braided line (10-20 lb test) for sensitivity and strength, especially when fishing for larger fish like bass and pike.
2. Cast and Retrieve
Cast: Cast your crankbait out toward structures or areas where fish are likely to be hiding.
Retrieve: Retrieve at a steady pace, varying the speed based on the type of fish and depth you’re targeting. For deeper fish, slow down the retrieve to allow the crankbait to reach the desired depth.
3. Adjust Your Technique
Vary Speed: Speed up or slow down your retrieve to see what works best for attracting fish.
Erratic Action: Occasionally twitch the rod to create an erratic motion that mimics an injured fish.
Pause: For more active fish, try pausing the retrieve briefly to give fish time to strike.
6. Conclusion
Choosing the right crankbait fishing lure for freshwater lakes is crucial to a successful fishing trip. Whether you’re targeting bass, walleye, or pike, crankbaits offer versatility, realistic action, and great results. By selecting the right depth, size, and color of crankbait, you can effectively catch fish in lakes, no matter the season.
For top-rated fishing lures, including crankbaits designed for lake fishing, visit lurebolt.com. We offer a wide variety of lures to meet all your fishing needs.
Happy fishing!