Crankbait Fishing

Hard Bait technique

Written by — professional Central Texas bass fishing guide since 2000. 50+ years fishing these waters, 26+ years guiding, thousands of trips across all 16 lakes he personally fishes. More about Bryan →

· · Knowledge base v2026.07

Crankbait fishing uses diving hard baits that wobble and deflect off rock, wood and grass to draw reaction strikes. It is one of the fastest ways to cover water and catch active, shad-feeding bass, from shallow squarebills to deep divers.

Why: Cover water and trigger reaction strikes.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Squarebill Crankbait · Medium-Diving Crankbait · All bass techniques

Verified Answered by , Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026

89% confidenceSources: Bryan Cotter's first-hand experienceUpdated Jul 12, 2026

A lipped hard bait, chosen by the depth it dives, cranked so it bumps cover and triggers strikes.

Crankbait Fishing at a glance

Category
Hard Bait
Skill level
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Bryan's confidence
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Target depth
1-18 ft

Best for: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass

Gear

Rod
7' M (moderate)
Reel
Baitcast 5.4:1
Line
fluoro — 10-15 lb

How to fish the Crankbait Fishing

  1. Pick a crankbait that dives to the depth you want to fish.
  2. Make a long cast to reach maximum depth.
  3. Reel at a steady pace so the bait bumps bottom or cover.
  4. When it deflects off cover, keep reeling — that is when they hit.
  5. Let the moderate rod and reel do the hook-setting.

Retrieve: Steady wind with occasional pauses or speed changes; the key is contact with cover for deflection strikes.

Where it shines

Cover: rock, wood, grass; structure: points, riprap, flats, ledges; clarity: stained, clear.

When to use it

Best seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter

Best conditions: Wind, Warm Front, Shad Spawn

When Bryan reaches for it: When fish are active and feeding on shad, or when I need to cover water fast and let the fish tell me where they are.

Lakes where it works

Lake Travis · Lake Buchanan

Lures to throw

Squarebill Crankbait, Medium-Diving Crankbait, Deep-Diving Crankbait, Lipless Crankbait.

Common mistakes

  • Using a bait that won't reach bottom or cover
  • A stiff, fast rod pulling the bait away on the strike
  • Not making contact with cover for deflection

Pro tips

  • A moderate-action rod keeps fish pinned on trebles
  • Bang the bait into cover on purpose to trigger bites

Keep exploring

All bass fishing techniques · Squarebill Cranking · Deep Cranking · All bass lures · Central Texas bass fishing guide

Want to learn the Crankbait Fishing on the water? I'll put it in your hands on a guided trip. See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.