Crankbait, a unique hard bait

Models have been developed by Europeans to adapt its use to pike fishing. Here too, the efficiency will be even more formidable, thanks to its action which results in a large volume of displaced water. Fish, particularly pike, are crazy about the vibrations generated.

Other species of freshwater predators will also be attracted to this lure. You can also fish for pike-perch or perch.

To animate them correctly, you'll need to opt for the right fishing tackle. Your rod as well as your reel and line will need to be carefully chosen. For ideal animation, you'll need a soft or regular blank.

The reel should have a low retrieve speed to allow the swimming fish to do its work. This speed will directly affect the effectiveness of the whole package.

The choice will essentially depend on the size and inclination of the lip. It is this aspect that will determine the swimming depth. With these models, you can swim in deep water or near the surface.

Lastly, the sound of the lure will make all the difference depending on the areas you fish. You'll have to choose between models with lots of small, high-pitched balls, one or two large, low-pitched balls or a silent version.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CRANKBAIT?

To make the best choice for your crankbait, you need to take into account a number of factors relating to your fishing spot and your fishing style. A number of technical aspects need to be taken into account.

The species of predator you are targeting will be one of the first aspects to take into account. Pike will not be fished with the same lures as trout or perch. Size will therefore be a determining factor, both in terms of the volume of water displaced and the vibrations it generates.

The second point is the length and angle of the lip. The longer the lip, the deeper the lure will tend to sink. In fact, crankbaits tend to be classified according to the depth they can reach.

You'll want models with short lip to fish shallow areas, while you'll want longer models to stalk pike in deep water. Intermediate versions exist to target intermediate water layers.

The sound of the lure is also important. Silent or noisy, there are many opinions and points of view on this subject. Silent models tend to stand out when fishing pressure is high and/or fish are wary.

Buoyancy is another factor to consider. This type of lure has an interesting ability to fish at a standstill. It floats for the most part and will logically rise towards the surface if you don't animate it. You can opt for a suspending or sinking model to surprise the fish.

Another aspect is the lure's ability to avoid obstacles, something you'll only know once you're fishing. Some models are experts at avoiding obstacles. It's even amazing, given the treble hooks they can sometimes carry.

The last point to consider is the colours. Brands have made immense progress since the first models were created. Some of the finishes are so beautiful that they are almost works of art.

MAJOR BRANDS AND MANUFACTURERS

This model of swimming fish is very popular in the United States and Japan, so many brands have developed entire series, some with highly original innovations.

Rapala naturally, we have a huge range of products to offer. As the benchmark brand in this field of lures, you can count on timeless favourites as well as new products such as the Bx Brat.

Deps evregreen for Japan offers you a wide choice. The finishes are simply splendid and the designs innovative. Their effectiveness is beyond question. Once you've had a taste, it's hard to go fishing with any other concept.

Salmo is not to be outdone. This Polish designer and manufacturer has developed a whole range of crankbaits based on wood, particularly balsa. The lures are very solid and particularly effective. Don't be fooled by their look, which can sometimes appear a little old school.

Daiwa is also here to represent Japan. The brand with the famous reels and rods is sure to put its tournament models, which have been developed for competition, into the hands of anglers.

We've also got our little Frenchies with Sakura, for example. Developed around Bordeaux, you can count on the expertise of passionate anglers to offer you top-of-the-range technicality from the surface to depths of up to 10m.

Illexa worthy representative of Jackall in France will also be an interesting choice. The range is short, but offers highly versatile coverage of fishing conditions.

As you can see, we could name dozens of other brands that will help you catch fish with this famous crankbait, from all over the world.

The most important thing to remember about this lure is that it swims well on its own and is easy to put into action. It will be a reliable fishing partner that will help you catch your first fish quickly.

See our catalogue of swimbaits:

• Stickbait
• Propbait
• Jerkbait
• Lipless minnow
• Lipless crankbait and vibration
• Popper
• Swimbait
• Insect
• Other hard bait