Deep-Diving Crankbait
Crankbait — deep diver
The deep-diving crankbait has a long lip that reaches 12-20+ feet to catch offshore bass on points, humps and ledges. On clear Central Texas lakes in summer and fall it reaches fish most anglers never touch.
Why: Get to the offshore fish.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Deep Cranking · Offshore / Ledge Fishing · All bass lures
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
Why it works
It puts a fast-moving reaction bait at the depth of offshore fish, triggering whole schools on deep structure.
Brands that make this style: Strike King 6XD, Rapala DT-16, Norman DD22
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Deep-Diving Crankbait at a glance
- Family
- Crankbait
- Sizes
- 3 in
- Weights
- 3/4-1 oz
- Water temp
- 55-88°F
- Skill level
- ●●●○○
- Bryan's confidence
- ●●●●○
Catches: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
When to throw it
Best conditions: Summer Heat / Dog Days, Wind, Current / Generation
Where to throw it
Depth: 12-22 ft; cover: Rock, Open; structure: Points, Humps, Ledges, Roadbeds.
How to fish it
Rig it with: Deep Cranking, Offshore / Ledge Fishing.
Retrieve: Long cast, dig it to the bottom, and grind it through offshore structure with occasional pauses.
Color selection
By water clarity — Clear: shad, chartreuse-shad · Stained: chartreuse
By forage — Shad: sexy shad, citrus shad
Lakes where it produces
Lake Buchanan · Lake Marble Falls
Common mistakes
- Line too heavy to reach depth
- Short casts
- Fishing over the fish instead of at their depth
Pro tips
- Thin fluoro and long casts maximize depth
- Use electronics to put it on the school
Keep exploring
All bass lures · Deep Cranking · All techniques · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Want to catch 'em on a Deep-Diving Crankbait? All tackle is provided on a guided trip. See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.