Crankbaits

[hooksetter2]

What are the best color crankbaits to use in each season? Also what is the biggest difference in a lipless crankbait and a regular crankbait?

[mkmsports41]

Dont go crazy with the color selections of a crankbait. Basically all you need is three colors. A red or crawfish color in the spring. A shad color and a Chartruesse or Chartruesse Blue Color for the rest of the time. Many anglers, like myself, have boxes of crankbaits but always go back to those basic colors.

Lipless crankbaits are just that, no lip, typically called rattle traps. They will not deflect off of cover as well. You have to control the depth you fish with them. Lipless crankbaits for me are best in fall and spring. When fish are feeding on shad before the spawn, or when fish are feeding on shad in the fall getting ready for winter.

[mtn lures]

I like crawfish colors early spring. Then as the water warms I switch to natural colors or something with chartreuse. A lot depends on water color and the lakes forage base. A lipless crankbait has a tight vibration and does not have a lip that controls it's depth.

[hooksetter2]

Thanks guys. This helps a lot. I have quite a few crankbaits and just wasn't sure which times were the right time to use some of them.

[MetalFish513]

I personally base everything on water color. If it's clear I go with natural colors to "match the hatch". If it's stained or muddy I go with something a little brighter so it's more visible at a greater distance.

[hooksetter2]

Thanks. That helps