Crankbaits

Crankbaits are among the most effective lures for catching predators such as bass, perch, zander, or pike. Their movement realistically mimics an injured baitfish, triggering strikes from nearby fish. These lures are versatile, easy to use, and highly efficient—an essential part of any angler’s tackle box.

How do they work?

A crankbait has a solid body and a bill that determines its diving depth and action. During retrieval, it dives and wobbles side to side. Most are floating—when you stop reeling, they rise back to the surface, making them great for fishing around obstacles. Thanks to their design, they deflect well off rocks and underwater structure. Wide-bodied crankbaits with large bills create strong vibrations (ideal for warm water), while narrow-bodied models with smaller bills offer subtler action—perfect for colder conditions or less active fish.

How to retrieve a crankbait?

• Steady retrieve: A simple and effective method for keeping the lure at a consistent depth.
• Stop-and-go: Pausing during retrieval allows the lure to float up, often triggering strikes. You can experiment with pause length—just a few seconds in warm water, longer in colder conditions.
• Twitching: Short twitches of the rod tip mimic a confused or panicking baitfish.
• Combination: Mixing techniques usually works best—e.g., steady retrieve with occasional pauses or twitches.

How to choose the right one?

Consider the water depth, shape, and size of the lure based on your target fish. In clear water, natural colors work best; in murky water, go for high-contrast or bright colors.

Recommended Models by Diving Depth

Shallow-diving (0.5 ~ 1.5 m): Ideal for shallow waters, around vegetation or rocks.

• Jackall Chubby 38F – perfect for smaller predators
• Jackall Chubble SR – a crankbait with a gentler action
• DUO Realis Crank 50SSR Kabuki – aggressive crankbait for shallow zones

Medium-diving (1.5 ~ 3 m): Versatile, great for fishing along banks or above underwater obstacles.

• DUO Realis Crank 40F Mid Roller – excellent for smaller predators
• DUO Realis Crank 48MR Kabuki Bottom Rush – a reliable mid-depth crankbait
• O.S.P Blitz – the shallower version of our best-selling crankbait
• Jackall Soul Flat 58SF – especially effective in colder water

Deep-diving (3+ m): Best for deeper waters, especially in summer when fish move to cooler layers.

• O.S.P Blitz DR and O.S.P Blitz EX-DR – our top-performing crankbait, credited with several personal records!
• DUO Realis Crank M65 11A – a proven deep-water crankbait
• DUO Realis Crank G87 20A – a large lure for reaching extreme depths

Special type: Lipless Crankbaits

These have no front bill, are sinking, and often feature rattling balls. Their diving depth is not fixed, making them excellent for fishing along deep drop-offs or covering large areas.