Fishing Crankbaits for Prespawn Bass

Crankbaits can be an effective lure for catching prespawn bass looking for food before spawning season begins. 

Here are some tips for fishing crankbaits for prespawn bass:

Use shallow to medium diving crankbaits: As the water is still cool but warming during the prespawn period, bass are moving from their deeper wintering areas. So, using a crankbait that allows you to reach the depth where the bass are feeding is key.

Vary your retrieve speed: Experiment with different retrieval speeds until you find what the bass are responding to. Start with a slow and steady retrieve and then gradually increase the speed until you find the sweet spot.

Target structure and cover: Prespawn bass will be looking for areas to feed and hide, so focus your efforts on areas with structure and cover such as weed lines, drop-offs, wood, and rocky points.

Pay attention to water temperature: The prespawn period can vary depending on the water temperature. When the water temperature starts to rise, the bass will begin to move shallower to feed, so adjust your fishing depth accordingly.

Match the color to the water conditions: Depending on the water clarity and sunlight, different crankbait colors will be more effective. Generally, natural colors work best in clear water while brighter colors work better in stained water.

Stay patient: Prespawn bass can be finicky, so it's important to stay patient and keep casting. Don't be afraid to try different casting angles as well as retrieve speeds and actions until you find what works.

Take a few minutes and listen to bass pro and crankbait expert Kevin Vandam as he explains his approach in selecting the best crankbaits for prespawn bassin'...