Crankbait Central Hopes To Hook Anglers On Crankbaits
Why another fishing website? The creator of Crankbait Central explains why anglers will benefit by the information found on it's pages. A self-confessed crankbait addict, Chuck Bailey, wants to offer fellow anglers "the edge" that only comes from accumulating specific knowledge and applying it on the water.
Chuck, there are host of fishing websites out there, what made you choose to throw your hat in the ring?
“I think Crankbait Central is the natural evolution of several components in my life; a long teaching background, an obsessive passion for fishing, and the tremendous joy I receive when I get to share my blessings with others. For decades I've been picking the brains of fishing masters, collecting articles from outdoor magazines, clipping out a tip or two from the outdoor section of the newspapers, and taking down notes from TV fishing shows and seminars. That information has been accumulating in a folder that is now overflowing. Over the years, applying that knowledge out on the water has paid off big time.”
“As the decades are passing by, I realize that I've been blessed to learn a thing or two, and it’s time to give back to a sport that has truly blessed my life. As a member of a fishing club, I have observed that angling newbie’s have a tremendous hunger for information on the sport. They need help cutting through all the marketing hype, and assistance in finding practical and honest information that can help them grow their skills and put more fish in the boat. Crankbait Central’s goal is to do just that.”
But why a site about crankbaits only? Isn’t that a bit limiting in its scope?
“Well, I agree it is very specific in its focus on hardbaits. There is no doubt about it – this is a “niche” website, and is in no way trying to compete with those generalized websites that try to cover every aspect of the fishing experience. Some sites cover everything from plastics, to spinnerbaits, rods, reels, boats, etc... As a result the information tends to remain very general and basic. I applaud those who do it well – there always be a need for such websites.”
“But there comes a time in an angler’s development when general principles and basic information are not enough. In today’s tournament-oriented environments, hungry competitors want more. They want an edge. Any revelation that can put an extra fish in the live-well, is a coveted possession. If I’m going to help the angler grow from beginner to seasoned pro, I can’t stay generalized and basic, I have to get specific in my focus in order to provide the additional details that ensure continuing maturity in the sport.”
“I chose crankbaits because I’m addicted to them. I’d rather throw a crankbait than any other lure on the market. But that wasn’t always the case. Crankbaits started out a mystery. Thousands of colors, shapes, and sizes can overwhelm any angler. While it is just one tool in an angler’s toolbox, it is one of the most misunderstood and under-utilized baits today. I hope to assist in rectifying that.”
How do you plan on doing that?
“By continuing to pick the minds of angling experts across the country who have discovered the secrets of crankbait fishing, and then sharing those findings with my readers. Naturally, there is a section aimed at educating beginning anglers - I call that Crankbait ABC’s – and it is a great place to start. But the weekly “Feature articles” will be designed for the growing angler who wants to explore the finer points of crankbaits. They’re looking for ‘more meat!’ to feed their insatiable appetite for fishing know-how.”
“I also plan on listening to my readers, and catering to their needs. Though I feel I have a good sense of what anglers may be seeking, I am not a mind reader, and I’m excited to know that the site may evolve in ways I never expected.”
If I am correct, you are an avid bass fisherman; is that to whom the website is targeted?
“Heavens no. No doubt, I will speak from my experience, which is bass fishing. But the exciting thing about focusing on crankbaits is that a large number of fresh water species can be caught on them. From crappie and panfish, to strippers and muskies – the intent is the same: imitate natural forage or prey with a hardbait in such a way as to convince our favorite fish to strike in an attempt to consume it. For example of crossover; whether you are trolling for lake trout or walleyes, the principles of trolling crankbaits carry over to a multitude of species. And that includes trolling for bass!”
“Naturally, in the beginning, bass and walleye conversations will dominate the articles because that’s what I know. As time goes on, I hope to locate and interview crankbait experts on all species and expand the site’s scope. But in the meantime, anglers should recognize that there is tremendous ‘cross over’ to their favorite fish species. In most cases, a technique, retrieve, or tip given by a pike or trout fisherman, can be adapted and applied by bass, walleye, crappie, or stripper fishermen too.”
“Crankbaits are a multi-species tool, and Crankbait Central will be a multi-species website.”
Does your start-up budget provide you with the staff and resources you need to succeed?
“Budget? I grasp the meaning of the word, but this site is built upon passion, sweat, and prayer. The staff consists of me, myself, and I. And the three of us seem to be working well towards the same goal. That’s not to say we don’t have a plan for growth.”
“Naturally, a new site needs to attract a large concentration of readers before we can entertain the idea of advertising. Once the numbers have grown, I’m confident the crankbaits industries will see the advantage of supporting and partnering with a site that specifically caters towards crankbait enthusiasts.”
“Luckily, the costs of providing ‘content’ on the web is relatively inexpensive – my time is my greatest expenditure, and that I provide gladly. Having said that, I am confident that anglers who see the potential of the site will be patient as this fledgling bird learns to fly. And... as we grow, comments and suggestions are always welcome and appreciated.”
How, specifically, can the readers support Crankbait Central’s goals of providing expert crankbait advice?
I am presently accumulating a network of people, (pro-staffers, guides, professional tournament anglers), with whom I can regularly interview. What a blessing it would be if anglers “in the know” might pass on to me the names of ‘crankbait experts’ in their region through an e-mail. (See "Contact us" page). I’d love to get some messages that went like this:
“Hey Chuck, in my part of the country, when you mention crankbaits, the first name that pops into everyone’s head is ________________. The species of fish this expert is passionate about and extremely successful in catching is _____________. And the fishing world could surely learn something from this angler’s knowledge. Here’s how to find or contact them…”
“After interviewing them, a rough draft of an article is sent back to the expert to allow any corrections or additions, and then the updated results are submitted on line, becoming the latest addition to Crankbait Central’s community library. It’s a win-win situation.”
I can imagine the learning curve is high for such a project.
“Yes, but learning ‘new things’ charges my battery. Like many anglers, I love researching fishing facts, and then sharing what has been learned. For example, I now have a greater appreciation for those people who design and produce websites. Learning HTML (website code) this summer was a challenge, but fun, and I’ve managed to rough out a basic website that accomplishes the first stage of my plan. It isn’t fancy, but what fisherman value most is the content.”
“Next on the agenda is the desire to create a ‘forum’ - for asking and answering questions, as well as developing a community for crankbait enthusiasts. Back to the books!”
What do you want to say to those who have just discovered your site?
“My hope is that first time anglers will bookmark this site’s address and keep checking back with us regularly. I hope to start with one new feature article a week and ramp that up over time.”
“Above all, I would ask new visitors to this site to partner with me by sending their thoughts and questions to Crankbait Central so I can provide an informational menu that satisfies their hunger for fishing knowledge. It is my sincere desire that Crankbait Central becomes a resource that provides anglers with new skills and elevated confidence in crankbaits. Knowledge applied to time on the water are the keys to 1) increasingly producing fishing success, and 2) prompting my favorite three words - ‘Get the net!’”
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(Note: Article Reprint Permission info is found on CONTACT US page.)