Few moving baits allow you to fish fast and cover the water column on a single cast as efficiently as a lipless crankbait. MLF pro Edwin Evers breaks down when, where, and how to fish lipless crankbaits to catch bass throughout the year, emphasizing the fall and spring cold water periods.
Here are Evers 5 lipless crankbait tips for catching more bass:
- Match bait size to the forage. Understanding forage type and size is a critical piece to lure selection. Bass often key in on a particular size and species of baitfish. Matching your lure will improve your odds of getting bit.
- Match bait size to the depth. Unlike most moving baits, lipless crankbaits single fast and can be fished at a range of depths from shallow grass to deep ledges. When targeting bass relating to shallow grass or feeding on small shad, a 1/4-ounce lipless is the go-to. Step up to a 1/2- or 3/4-ounce bait when baitfish size increases or you need to get deeper with the bait.
- Make the bait do something different. Evers stresses NOT to get into a cast and retrieve routing. Instead, manipulate the bait action with a mix of rod tip actions (pulls and snaps) and retrieve speed changes.
- Focus efforts on wind-blown shorelines and pockets. Wind concentrates plankton and baitfish. When you get to the lake, make a quick note of wind direction and consider starting your search around wind-exposed areas.
- Change rod angle to control running depth. Keep your rod tip high when you want the bait to run shallow such as burning over a grass flat. Lower your rod tip in conjunction with slowing the retrieve speed when a deeper running depth is desired.
TACKLE USED
- LURE – Berkley Warpig Lipless Crankbait, 1/4-ounce
- ROD – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting Rod, 7’1″ Medium
- REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting Reel, 8.3:1
- LINE – Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon, 12-pound
