Micro Crankbaits: When Less is More for Bass

Micro crankbaits are compact fishing lures that range from 1 to 1 3/4 inches in length and weigh around 1/16 to 3/16 ounce. 

They're designed to mimic the size and action of small baitfish, making them ideal for tempting bass, especially when they're pressured or feeding on forage fish. Even bass pros like Rick Clunn and Matt Stefan have noted many instances where micro cranks helped fill the livewells and cash checks in tournaments over the years.

Setting Up to Fish Micro Crankbaits

Ultralight or light spinning tackle: Choose a rod with a moderate fast action and light line (4- to 8-pound test) to cast the lightweight baits and feel subtle bites. Newer light power BFS casting combos can also work great when fishing these lightweight baits.

Preferred line types: Though each major line type may be used, each one has certain properties that may make it more suitable depending on conditions. Fluorocarbon line offers lower stretch and  almost complete invisibility in the water; monofilament and copolymer lines tend to be easier to work with and offer more stretch if needed while braid provides better sensitivity for feeling the most subtle strike.

Here are several tips on how to fish micro crankbaits for bass:

Cast to shallow water. Micro crankbaits are most effective in shallow water, up to 5+ feet deep. Bass often ambush prey in shallow areas, so casting your crankbait near cover, like weeds, rocks, or logs, is a good strategy.

Retrieve slowly. Since many micro crankbaits have a tight wobble action, so you don't need to retrieve them quickly. A slow, steady retrieve is usually the most effective way to fish them.

Vary your retrieve. Try pausing the retrieve occasionally, or twitching the rod tip to make the crankbait erratically. This can trigger strikes from bass that are following the lure.

Experiment with different colors. Bass can be picky about the color of lures, so experiment with different colors to see what works best in the water you're fishing.

Here are some popular micro crankbaits for bass:

Strike King Bitsy Minnow: This is a classic micro crankbait that has been around for years. It's available in a variety of colors and has a tight wobble action that bass love.

Rapala Ultra Light Crank: This is another good option for bass. It's a little bit bigger than the Bitsy Minnow, but it still has a tight wobble action and dives up to 8 feet deep.

Bill Lewis Gnat (New in 2023/24): This compact powerhouse (1.5”, 1/8 oz) delivers precision throws and dives into the strike zone at 3 feet. With stunning finishes, mesmerizing action, and a rainbow of 8 fish-tempting colors, the GNAT makes catching a breeze.

Micro crankbaits can be a great way to catch bass, especially from the post spawn through early fall when bass are often feeding on fry and small baitfish. In addition to being great options for bass, micro crankbaits will also catch just about anything that swims including perch, crappie, sunfish and even trout!

With the right tackle and technique, you can have a lot of fun fishing with these tiny baits.