Cam Fishing - Guide to freshwater lures

by Cameron Jones.

PART 4 CRANK BAITS

In the world of diving lures, many important characteristics exist. Knowing which ones to use can be a perplexing task to anglers not familiar a target species habits. The shape, size and placement of the bib and its towing point will inevitably determine the action of the lure. A long wide bib will produce more noise and vibrations via its wider action under the water, thus attracting the attentions of less active fish. A larger acutely angled bib will also enable the lure to dive sharply and swim deeper. In contrast a smaller or shorter bib will exhibit a tighter action and produce less noise.

Built in rattles are features also available in many lures today, and are handy additions when fishing dirty water or when the action has shut down. Fish that are reluctant to move far from a holding spot can often be aroused to take a swipe at a noisy alternative. Even the subtle vibrating sounds emitted from a treble colliding or hitting against the sides of an actively swimming lure is often all that is necessary. Certainly these can be an important part of any lures make up, but there are other considerations to look at.

Often the type of retrieve used can offer more appeal. Ranging from a small twitch, to a stop and go, or a more determined straight line retrieve. Each has its place in enticing a fish to strike.

Twitching a lure causes it to make a sub surface dive, which is productive on shallow water feeders, or those that are feeding high in the water column. A stop and go works by pausing the lure during a straight retrieve. From this the lure will either suspend or float upward, thus giving the impression of a startled or wounded food item. A more deliberate straight-line retrieve will enable the lure to attain its maximum depth capabilities. This is a great method for tempting deep lying fish.

Most crankbaits these days like the Halco “Poltergeist”, Custom Craft “Fish Stick”, Legend Lures “Outback”, Bennet’s “Merlin” and Lively Lures “Mini Mullet” are buoyant, which allows an angler the ability of floating lures up off structure whenever they make contact. Mastering the drop back technique is a must when casting or trolling around heavy cover. The skilled angler will be able to crawl over and through the tips of snags whilst limiting the possibility of getting snagged. In more open water lures like the Suspending Rapala “Shad Rap” can be paused for long periods during the retrieve to provoke even the wariest of fish.