March Articles - 2010
1) The Devil's Horse - A Propbait Served Southern Style - Part I - Florida bass angler and custom crankbait painter Barry Weaver explains why the classic Devil's Horse propbait is his "go to" topwater bait. He explains the right lake and weather conditions, and the proper equipment necessary to throw this topwater bait. His favorite size and color is described in detail.
2) The Devil's Horse - A Propbait Served Southern Style - Part II - Barry Weaver discusses propbait modifications, and then explains where and how to fish the famous Devil's Horse. The proper rod angle, and hookset are explained, as well as the best way to fight the bass back to the boat. Boat control and other tips are shared to increase an angler's success in using the Devil's Horse propbait.
February Articles - 2010
1) Springtime (Tidal Water) Cranking on the Potomac River - Part I - Frank Karl describes the Potomac in the springtime as a crankbait gold mine. Explore the unique challenges of the tidal system, and how water movement and feeding stations lead to “running the tide”. Study tidal bass behavior, the biology of new weedbeds, and why making constant adjustments to changing river conditions is key.
2) Springtime (Tidal Water) Cranking on the Potomac River - Part II - Our Potomac River expert, Frank Karl, explains the pattern and location transitions from winter to springtime, and the role that new grass fields play in finding fish. The proper rods, reels, and lines are explored, and Frank Karl's favorite two crankbaits, colors, and techniques are discussed.
3) Springtime (Tidal Water) Cranking on the Potomac River - Part III - A third favorite crankbait is discussed, and more tidal secrets are discussed. The impact of weather, (including wind, waves, and confronts), upon shallow water environments are explored, and some final important advice is given to those desiring to fish tidal water rivers for lunker bass.
4) The SPLIT-RING Decision: Why Catching or Losing Trophy Fish Can Pivot on an Overlooked Piece of Coiled Wire - Let's explore the often overlooked but critically important split-ring. Terry Trattner of Wolverine Tackle helps us understand the differences between low and high quality split-rings, and describes the various materials, colors, and sizes available. We explore the "Pull Strength" data that is a primary factor in catching or losing a trophy fish.
5) Ripping the Grass for Bass-Part I - Bass Pro, Bernie Schultz, discusses the technique of "ripping". In Part I we look at the technique, the lures, rods, reels, lines, and crankbait colors that make ripping a highly effective technique when fishing stranding grasses and weed beds.
6) Ripping the Grass for Bass-Part II - Bass Pro, Bernie Schultz, explains how to find the 'sweet spots' in a large weed bed, discusses "ripping" in detail, and the need to experiment with the technique. We take a closer look at Rapala's DT series of crankbaits, and discuss some of the common mistakes beginners make as they attempt this form of power fishing. Wind, light conditions, water temperature and boat control are explored before getting Bernie's final tip to learning the technique of ripping.
7) Cranking Kentucky and Barkley Lakes - A Primer For Seasonal Shad Patterns - Part I - Captain Dave Stewart describes Kentucky and Barkley lakes; their structure, cover, current and other unique features. He then goes on to explain how a shad-forage lake works, and how seasonal crankbait patterns should be centered around the movement of shad. We take a detailed look into the spring patterns in Part I.
8) Cranking Kentucky and Barkley Lakes - A Primer For Seasonal Shad Patterns - Part II - Captain Dave Stewart takes us through the summer, fall, and winter patterns, explaining how each is based on shad behavior. We’ll explore the environmental factors that affect shad behavior, and what crankbaits best take advantage of that knowledge. Captain Dave finishes with some great tips, and offers some unbelievable resources.
9) Florida's Stick Marsh/Farm-13 Lakes - An Untapped Crankbait Opportunity - Florida guide Dean Herdman gives tips on fishing the famous trophy bass lakes of the Stick Marsh and Farm-13. The unique structure and cover of the lakes are discussed, along with the influence of moving water, the seasonal weather patterns, and his favorite crankbaits to catch monster bass.
January Articles - 2010
1) Trolling Crankbaits for Lake Erie Walleye - Part II - Captain Ken Nulph explains some of the basics effects of wind and waves on trolling, proper boat control, and discusses the correct rods, reels, and line to use. We explore how to set multiple rods up on planer boards, how to set line lengths, and select crankbait colors. We'll dive into how light conditions affect fish activity, how to add weight to flat-lining, when and how to use Dipsy Divers, and how to determine boat speed and D.O.T. - direction of travel. (Part I is found in December 2009)
2) Trolling Crankbaits for Lake Erie Walleye - Part III - Captain Ken Nulph shares with us his favorite crankbaits, discusses the importance of Crankbait profiles, and shares detailed instructions for fine tuning trolling baits. We'll explore color selection, the importance of confidence, when to downsize, and the effects of various weather conditions on fish activity. Our guide will discuss the effects of moon, wind, and light conditions on walleye fishing, and give some solid advice to those desiring to visit Lake Erie to fish for walleye on their own.
3) Cold-water Cranking with Kevin VanDam - By Steve Price. Michigan's most successful professional bass angler, Kevin VanDam, explains why he still uses crankbaits when others have switched to jigs and plastics in the winter. Kevin shares his methods and the lures that can make cold-water cranking a highly productive presentation.
4) Casting Crankbaits In Rivers For Kings, Coho, and Steelhead - Part I - Guide and TV host, Tim Roller, explains the advantages of casting crankbaits in rivers for Kings, Cohos, and Steelhead. Tim shares how this technique was developed and used successfully in the Manistee River in Michigan. He then proceeds to discuss his favorite rods, reels, lines, and lures as he casts for trophy salmon and steelhead.
5) Casting Crankbaits In Rivers For Kings, Coho, and Steelhead - Part II - Tim Roller discusses how to present crankbaits in moving current, casting patterns, and the proper retrieve. The proper hookset, rod position, and fighting techniques are next. Weather patterns and their effects on fish activity will be discussed. Finally, Tim shares the appealing characteristics of casting cranks in rivers for migratory fish.
6) Cranking California Delta Stripers - Part I - Pro-angler and expert guide Bobby Barrack reveals how easy it is for largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers to make the transition to striper fishing. Our guide shares the basic information concerning striper behavior, seasonal locations, and insights concerning the most productive techniques to catch them. The proper rod, reels, and lines are also discussed.
7) Cranking California Delta Stripers - Part II - In our conclusion, Bobby Barrack gives us the lowdown on crankbaits, both topwater and diving. He shows us how to locate and present the proper baits when fishing either the shallow bays or the submerged ridges near deeper water. We'll explore the proper hookset, the correct fighting technique, how wind and weather affect stripers, and get some great tips for our first trip to the California Delta.
8) The Bone-Jarring Muskies of Lake Chautauqua - Part I "Professional muskie guide, Mike Sperry, describes both the make up of a great muskie lake and the character of the muskellunge that live in it. He explains why casting with jerkbaits and diving crankbaits is the best way to experience muskie magic, and shares his favorite baits, colors, and sizes. After helping us to pick the proper rods, reels, line and leaders, he begins to teach the best ways to use this equipment to elicit muskie strikes."
9) The Bone-Jarring Muskies of Lake Chautauqua - Part II "Our guide, Mike Sperry, shares how to elicit strikes from followers, how and where to cast jerkbaits and diving crankbaits, and the intricacies of using the figure-eight at the boat. He discusses the reasons for lost fish, how to use electronics properly, and the effects of light, wind, and weather on the behavior of muskie.
December Articles - 2009
1) Crankbaits and Balance in the Universe - Editor/writer Chuck Bailey humorously pokes fun at his non-fishing son-in-law, and the fight for converting future grandchildren from the darkside of the non-fishing world.
2) Ozark Angler, Japanese Crankbaits - Part I - Professional bass tournament Randy Blaukat is a true convert and enthusiastic supporter for Japanese crankbaits, and he's eager to explain why. In Part I of our two part series, our pro explains why success is found in the "details" and why Japanese crankbaits have the clear advantage when chasing fish on highly pressured lakes.
3) Ozark Angler, Japanese Crankbaits - Part II - In this final segment of our series, Randy Blaukat discusses crankbait size. rattles, basic profiles, and suggests 6 "gotta-have" crankbaits. Our pro shares tips on selecting the proper line, rods, making hook modifications, and how to fight fish. And then Randy does something to new crankbaits that will make many anglers raise an eyebrow in disbelief.
4) Fred C. Young's Hidden Treasure - A Lost Prototype Gives Birth to "Legacy Lure Balsa Baits" - When the grandson of legendary lure designer and craftsman Fred C. Young ran across a box of his granddad's never before seen prototypes - he knew he had stumbled upon a "hidden treasure". Read how the discovery brought about a new handcrafted balsa bait company and a new lure called "The Mo".
5) Creating Crankbait Confidence via Custom Colors - Have you ever wondered why an angler might want to consider sending baits to a custom bait refinisher? Find out as we highlight Dutch Forks Custom Baits in Claysville, PA. The owner, Keith Eshbaugh, discusses traditional and non-traditional patterns, chroming, and glow baits. He also discusses several of his theories concerning the role color plays in crankbait selection and success.
6) Square-billed Crankbaits - Myths and Truth - Part I - Are you ready to explore the myths and truth concerning square-billed crankbaits? In Part I, David Ryan, of Dave's Custom Lures, helps us explore the history of square-billed baits focusing mainly on the Bagley Balsa B. Myths are examined, truth is revealed, and we begin to discover what makes a square-bill crankbait unique."
7) Square-billed Crankbaits - Myths and Truth - Part II - In Part II Dave Ryan unpacks the confusion and misunderstanding centered around square-billed "deflection" (verses round-billed baits). From split-rings to hooks, rods to reels, from line to rod-position - all the secrets to the proper use of square-billed baits are examined. We also look at "premium" baits and ask the question: are they worth the high price?"
8) Trolling Crankbaits for Lake Erie Walleye - Part I - In Part I we begin by exploring Lake Erie, and studying the seasonal behaviors of its migratory walleye population. Captain Ken Nulph discusses many topics including the importance of finding the proper running depth, the seasonal techniques for pulling crankbaits, sonar usage, and the effects of wind and current on proper presentation.
November Articles - 2009
1) The Small-jerkbait Advantage - Gord Ellis, (distinguished outdoor journalist, broadcaster and professional angler), tells Muskie anglers why 'bigger' is not always 'better' when selecting jerkbaits.
2) Cranking Bass on Deep-water Structure - The Paul Elias Way - (Part I) - Paul Ellias, (1982 Classic Champion, and record holder for total weight in a 4 day tournament), accepts a Crankbait Central challenge: Take a novice bass fisherman to the tackle store, outfit them with the proper equipment, and then coach them in the fundamentals of deep-water structure fishing for bass.
3) Cranking Bass on Deep-water Structure - The Paul Elias Way - (Part II) - In our conclusion, our crankbait master Paul Elias explains the techniques for discovering and catching schools of large bass around a single piece of deep cover, when to use the "Kneel-n-reel" method of gaining extra depth, the importance of boat positioning, how to walk a bait over cover, how to pick crankbait colors (and when to change them), how to prevent losing fish, using the proper hooks, whether to use rattles or not, and much more!
4) Trolling Crankbaits for Bass by Gord Ellis. Our guest author encourages all bass fishermen to step out of their casting routines and give trolling a chance. Discover why trolling crankbaits is the best way to find active, open-water bass in the shortest time. "
5) CRANKBAIT INSURANCE – How A Little Piece of Nickel Titanium Can Help You Get a Snagged Bait Back- Professional guide and tournament bass fisherman Don Yeager reveals the advantages of using The Ultimate Smartlink release system. These high-tech Nickel Titanium links replace conventional split-rings and help to get snagged crankbaits back.
6) Using the Three-way Rig for Deep-Down Winter Fishing - Part I - Whether a fisherman is chasing bass, walleye, trout, or perch... there is a deep-water technique that allows anglers to use crankbaits throughout the winter months. In Part I, the advantages and basic components of the "three-way rig" are discussed.
7) Using the Three-way Rig for Deep-Down Winter Fishing - Part II - In Part II we'll explore crankbait selection, alternatives to using a three-way swivel, the stop-n-go approach to triggering strikes, where to fish, how to "scout" for fish using the boat's electronics, and how to assure fish survival when fish are taken from deep water.
8) High Speed Trolling for Pike - Expert multi-species tournament angler and guide Doug Pirila reveals the secrets to high speed trolling with crankbaits for pike - and it works all year long. From equipment to techniques, our guide provides the information that will bring every angler who enjoys the thrill of fishing for "toothy-critters" up to speed.
October Articles - 2009
1) Out West Crankin’ – Its Just Plain Different! (The Secrets to Fishing the Clear Deep Reservoirs of Arizona) - PART I - Bill Garcia, prostaffer for Net-Pro Lures, shares some hard earned bass fishing secrets to unlocking the clear deep reservoirs of Arizona, including the proper line, how to deal with the dramatic water level drops, the importance of shade and shad, as well as a couple of excellent shallow water crankbaits and how to fish them.
2) Out West Crankin’ – Its Just Plain Different! (The Secrets to Fishing the Clear Deep Reservoirs of Arizona) - PART II - In this concluding portion of our article on the uniqueness of Arizona's deep canyon lakes, Bill Garcia, prostaffer for Net-Pro Lures, continues to help anglers fish crankbaits successfully for bass in the gin-clear water. Having already helped us grasp an effective shallow water crankbait pattern, Bill now explores what to do when the bass move a little deeper.
3) Four-Wheel Drive Crankbaits that go... ANYWHERE! - Let's focus on a couple of crankbaits that don't use treble hooks. The Termite and the Hotback from Meat and Potato Tackle Co, come with a snagless single Sickle hook molded into the body, protected by a stainless steel wire guard. JR Ince's new crankbaits allows anglers to fearlessly throw cranks into the brush, laydowns, or submerged tree tops."
4) So You Want To Start Your Own Crankbait Company? First, Count the Cost! - Dusty Moulton, lure designer and owner of Intruder Baits, gives us a rare glimpse into what it takes to break into the crankbait industry. If you have ever wondered about the process or the type of individuals it takes to bring us our favorite lures, then sit back and enjoy as Dusty shares openly and honestly the ups and downs of starting a crankbait company.
5) Why Crankbaits? - Guest outdoor writer Johnnie Crain shares some crankbait revelations discovered in his 30 years of fishing bass tournaments. He'll discuss a host of topics, including when he prefers to use wood over plastic crankbaits, and what equipment he prefers to use to throw his favorite crankbaits.
September Articles - 2009
1) Crankbaits For All Depths - Bonita Staples. professional tournament angler and host of "Lady On The Lake Fishing & Outdoors" TV Show, gives a basic rundown on her favorite crankbaits for all depths.
2) 'Trappin' Bass In The Jungle - PART I - In the first part of our series on lipless crankbaits, Arkansas guide, Mike Siefert, introduced us to Lake Millwood, the proper locations there for throwing lipless crankbaits, and how summer conditions position the fish. He shares basic Rat-L-Trap techniques for beginners, and helps us focus on presentation, including the importance of deflection. We then learn about the territorial habits of bigger fish, and the importance of stealth in catching them.
3) 'Trappin' Bass In The Jungle - PART II - In the second part of our series on lipless crankbaits, our Arkansas guide, Mike Siefert, continues to share with us the knowledge that is essential to fishing lipless crankbaits successfully. Including… the proper hookset, the fight, big bass and their territorial behavior, treble hooks and a way to test sharpness, what happens when hungry bass strike, the proper speed of the retrieve, and a mind blowing Rat-L-Trap presentation you won’t believe.
4) 'Trappin' Bass In The Jungle - PART III - Part three of our series on lipless crankbaits finds Arkansas guide, Mike Siefert, teaching us about colors and patterns, discussing sizes, casting, scent usage, split-rings and speed-clips, line, rods, reels, and rod position. He shows us how to adjust to changing water levels, light conditions, and when to change up. Discussed are the unique challenges of working with pros, when to hire a guide, how success is in the details, and the power of confidence.
5) 'Trappin' Bass In The Jungle - Conclusion - PART IV - Mike Siefert, an expert Arkansas guide, shared in Parts I, II, and III how to fish flat-sided rattle-baits in “the jungle”of his home lake - Lake Millwood. We now take a close up look at Mike’s pro-staffer connection to Bill Lewis Lure Company, and some of the new developments going on at Rat-L-Trap, including “Liv-N-Sound®” and the new “Vibra-Trap™”.
6) The Color Quest: Looking For Magic in a Bottle! - Jim Binns, prostaffer and southern outdoor writer, reflects on whether 'color' should be a primary factor in crankbait selection, while enlightening us on what drives the wide variety of colors in the market place. The answer may just surprise you.
7) But It Isn't A Crankbait Lake! Right? - This article focuses on shallow basin lakes that are rarely fished with crankbaits. Master angler, John Sewell, tells why this is a big mistake and equips anglers with the techniques and knowledge that gives an edge to the fisherman that learns to throw tiny cranks correctly so as to catch all sizes of bass - including big trophies.
August Articles - 2009
1) 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.
2) “How Larry G. Got Hooked on Jerkbaits” - Several years ago I lost my fishing buddy of 15 years, but I still think of him often. And so I thought I'd blow the dust off this funny memory and share with you one of my favorite Larry Gonczy stories. I’ll miss you partner – you made me laugh!
3) "Trapping a Bass" by Tom Lester - In our ongoing quest to find new and improved ways to catch more bass, sometimes the answer is right before our very eyes.... What is it? The ol' reliable Rat-L-Trap.