How To Fish Soft Bodied Lipless Crankbaits

Crankbait fishing has been unchanged for decades. Hardened bodies, varied lip sizes, and different retrieve styles made it seem like the whole industry had innovated in this specific category about as much as humanly possible. Now, however, we have an increase in SOFT bodied lipless crankbaits, and it is changing the game.Soft bodied lipless cranks like Thunderhawk’s are popping up in tackle boxes and tournaments left and right, and for good reason.

When To Fish Soft Bodied Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits, in general, are killers in shallow water. When bass are up in the shallows during spring and fall, you’d be hard pressed to find a better fish-catcher. When the water is somewhere between 45 and 60 degrees, tie one on and the tight, wobbling retrieve will drive bass berserk.

Why A Soft Body Instead?

The soft body will add just enough to the wobble to have these crankbaits stand out above the rest. The soft body also gives it a more lifelike presentation. When fishing in the shallows your lipless crank is imitating a shad, bluegill, or craw, as bass are usually up in this area to feed on one of those common forage species.Soft bodied lipless cranks give off a much more lifelike look, feel, and scent, which will in turn lead to way more strikes, especially with finicky fish. Usually when a fish bites down on a crank, they can tell it isn't real right away. They'll try to release, and you'll try to set the hook before they can. With the soft bodies, fish can't tell the difference as easily and will bite down much harder and longer, giving you more time to set the hook and a higher hookup ratio.

Where To Fish Soft Bodied Lipless Crankbaits?

Soft bodied cranks are ideal to throw in grass, shallow weeds, or other cover. Take those treble hooks into cover and you're bound to get hung up, but don't let that discourage you! It's actually all a part of the plan. When you feel a snag, rip that soft body right out of the cover with a couple tight jerks and bass will think it's a lost little minnow trying to scurry out of a predatory zone. The soft body will make this technique easier than a balsa or plastic crankbait might.You can also add some weight to your line and fish it over cooler, deeper waters. When you're trying this technique, simply fish the soft bodied lipless crankbaits like a jig or blade bait. Light lifts of the rod tip will bring your bait up and down in the water column like a wounded, dying minnow or shad.

What Gear To Use With Soft Bodied Lipless Crankbaits?

Gear, as always, is angler's choice. More of a guideline than a rule, however, is to use speedy rod/reel combos. Try atleast a 6.1:1 and a medium action rod. Line can vary from 15 lb mono to your choice of braided line, depending on the rod/reel combination and the clarity of the water you decide on. Tie a strong fishing knot, no matter what gear you decide to do it on! You'll need a strong knot to hold up when you're ripping it through grass and when a big ol bucket mouth latches on to the soft body.