This is THE BEST technique to consistently catch fish in the Fall and Winter. Over the past few years we’ve dialed in our crankbait fishing and developed a style we call “speed cranking”. It requires specialized baits (We even designed our own specifically for the technique), high-speed reels, and a very unique cadence with the retrieve. Done correctly, it produces incredible results all around the country throughout the Fall and Winter.
Today we’re demonstrating the technique on Dale Hollow Lake on the Kentucky/Tennessee border. This world-renowned lake is home to the world record smallmouth but is also a great largemouth and spotted bass fishery. Before we even left the marina we were catching bass on the crankbait. Throughout the day we found success using a high speed retrieve with aggressive pauses. We caught fish on both the Tactical Crankbait and the Rock Crawler with our best results split between outside grass lines and deep rock points.
There are a handful of lures that are capable of triggering a feed response in bass when they’re not in a feeding mood. The jerkbait, Speed Cranking a deep diving crankbait, and an Alabama Rig are all great methods to trigger a bass but of these, the crankbait is the most predictable around the country. Whether you’re looking for a GIANT largemouth, a world-class Smallmouth, or a trophy Spotted Bass, it can be done by speeding up your retrieve, mixing up cadence, and choosing a bait with the right vibration.
Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment we use for speed cranking. First is today’s baits and specific colors used, then we separated all of the baits by category and included very specific color recommendations that you can rely on to get bit. We’ve also included the exact gear we use so you’re prepared when the right bite comes and even added in budget-minded alternatives that will help you land these crankbait fish without breaking the bank. The links go direct to Tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
The Bait We Designed…
-River2Sea Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Today’s Baits…
-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Phantom Green, Red Crawfish): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t
-R2S Tactical DD 75 (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Cranks For Primarily Baitfish Eaters…
-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt
-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP
-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Cranks For Primarily Crawfish Eaters…
-Spro RkCrawler 55 MD (Shallower): https://bit.ly/3juD6hS
-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Deeper): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t
-Teckel Drunker: http://bit.ly/2xryClV
-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Consistent Shad Colors…
Deep X 300: MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu, Sexy Shad
Deep Six: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Sexy Shad
Tactical DD: Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, Mirrored Minnow
Consistent Craw Colors…
RkCrawler: Phantom Brown, Phantom Green, Red River Craw
Drunker: Phantom Green Craw, Phantom Brown Craw, Phantom Red
Tactical DD: Green Pumpkin Craw, Blood Craw
Hook and Hardware Upgrades…
Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Light Wire Hook- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY
Heavy Wire Hook- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW
Hook Sizes…
Size 2: Deep Six
Size 4: Deep X 300, Tactical DD
Size 6: Drunker, RkCrawler
Braided Line Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9
Fluorocarbon Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Low Budget Combo…
Rod- St Croix Bass X 7’2″ MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Other Budget Rods…
Dobyns- Fury 7′ Medium Heavy Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Shimano- SLX 7′ Medium Glass (Pre-Order Available): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Daiwa- Tatula XT 7′ Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2FXhNpO
Falcon- Lowrider 7’6″ Medium Heavy Moderate: https://bit.ly/3negdkY
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel…
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
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#bassfishing #crankbait #TacticalBassin