Deep Cranking

Hard Bait technique

A large deep-diving crankbait on light line and a long rod, cast to reach maximum depth over offshore structure.

Gear

How to fish the Deep Cranking

1. Use a long rod and thin fluoro to get maximum depth.
2. Make a very long cast over the structure.
3. Reel hard to drive the bait down, then keep steady contact with the bottom.
4. Grind it into the structure and pause when it deflects.
5. Let it load up and sweep-set.

Retrieve: Long cast, dig it to the bottom, and grind it through offshore structure with occasional pauses.

Where it shines

Cover: rock, open; structure: points, humps, ledges, roadbeds; clarity: clear, stained.

When to use it

Best seasons: Summer, Fall

Best conditions: Summer Heat / Dog Days, Wind

When Bryan reaches for it: In summer when quality fish gang up on offshore structure and I want to trigger a school with a fast-moving bait.

Lakes where it works

Lake Buchanan · Lake Marble Falls

Lures to throw

Deep-Diving Crankbait.

Common mistakes

• Line too heavy to reach depth
• Short casts that never get the bait down
• Fishing over the fish instead of at their depth

Pro tips

• Longer casts equal more time at max depth
• Use electronics to put the bait right on the school

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