Mastering the art of deep diving crankbait fishing in 40-degree water temperatures requires a combination of the right gear, understanding bass behavior, and strategic lure presentation. By targeting key structures and adjusting your techniques to suit the conditions, you can increase your chances of landing that elusive winter bass.
In this post, we'll explore the best types of cover and structures to fish with deep diving crankbaits when water temperatures hover around the 40-degree Fahrenheit mark.
Understanding Deep Diving Crankbaits:
Deep diving crankbaits are lures designed to reach and explore water depths ranging between 12 to 20+ feet. They typically feature a large, bill-shaped lip that helps the lure dive deep and maintain its trajectory. In colder water, bass tend to move to deeper structures, making these lures a valuable asset for anglers.
Selecting the Right Crankbait:
Choose crankbaits that are specifically designed for deep diving, typically those with a larger bill and a slender profile. The goal is to get the lure down to the bass's level while imitating the appearance and action of their preferred prey.
Optimal Water Depth:
When water temperatures hover around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, target depths ranging from 12 to 20+ feet. Select a model where the diving depth of your crankbait matches the targeted depth. This will help ensure it runs just above the underwater cover and structures where bass might be lurking during the cold water months.
Targeting Key Structures:
a. Rocky Structures and Bluffs: Bass often seek refuge around rocky structures and bluffs in colder temperatures. Crankbaits with a tight wobbling action are effective in mimicking injured baitfish around these areas.
b. Submerged Timber and Brush: Deep diving crankbaits can be worked effectively around submerged timber and brush piles. Slowly retrieve the lure through these structures, enticing sluggish bass hiding in the cover.
c. Channel Drops and Points: Bass tend to migrate to deeper channels and points during colder months. Work your crankbait along the edges and over these structures to entice strikes.
Retrieve Techniques:
In cold water, a slow and steady retrieve is often more effective. Allow the crankbait to reach its maximum depth and maintain a consistent retrieve speed to keep it in the strike zone for an extended period.
Truth be told, most anglers braving the weather conditions for wintertime bass rarely even think about probing deeper cover with crankbaits. Those that do are offering a bait and presentation that most deep water winter bass haven't seen for several months triggering a few additional strikes at a time when any bite is "warmly" received.
Need to add a few deep diving crankbaits to your winter tackle box? Check out the selection available via the folks at Omnia Fishing by clicking on the following link:
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