[VIDEO] Crankbait Tweaks That Catch More Fish

Deep cranking might look simple, but small changes can make or break your day. In this video, professional angler Justin Cooper explains how subtle adjustments to your crankbait setup can dramatically improve your catch rate. From changing colors and hook sharpness to dialing in diving depth, Cooper shares how reading fish behavior leads to better results.

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When to Change Hooks or Color

Cooper starts every crankbait session with attention to detail. If he hooks a bass but loses it halfway to the boat, his first thought is hook sharpness. Dull hooks can cost you key bites, so he swaps them immediately or picks up a crankbait with sharper trebles. Cooper also watches where fish are getting hooked. If bass are only pinned on the back hook, that means they aren’t fully committing. That’s when he experiments with color—switching from a bright hue on cloudy days to a more natural shad tone when the sun’s out or the water clears.

Adjusting Depth for Bottom Contact

Crankbait effectiveness depends heavily on depth. Cooper stresses that a crankbait should constantly dredge the bottom. If it isn’t digging or deflecting off structure, it’s likely too shallow of a bait. Moving to a deeper diver ensures that the crankbait maintains contact and triggers reaction strikes. Fish tend to respond when that crankbait is grinding, wobbling, and changing direction along the bottom.

Small Tweaks, Big Results

By paying attention to subtle cues—missed strikes, hook placement, and bottom contact—you can fine-tune your crankbait presentation for consistent success. Cooper’s approach proves that making the right change at the right time keeps bass biting all day long.