[VIDEO] Why This Subtle Crankbait Gets More Bites

Cold, windy days don’t have to slow the bite down. In this video, Casey Scanlon shows how a flat-sided crankbait can be a go-to tool when bass set up on rock. Early in the day, Scanlon hooks a keeper spotted bass tight to the bank. The fish shows clear signs of feeding on crawfish, which explains why the flat-sided crankbait works so well. The bait stays subtle, runs true, and closely matches what bass are already eating around rock.

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Where to Throw a Flat-Sided Crankbait

Scanlon targets gravel and chunk rock banks with wind blowing straight into them. He looks for banks with six to twelve feet of water nearby and casts into the two-to-six-foot zone. Channel swings and creek bends play a big role. When a creek channel moves close to the bank, bass often stack up along the first drop. Those subtle changes are where most bites happen. He also pays attention to bottom changes. Transitions from gravel to larger rock consistently hold fish, especially when wind is present.

How to Work the Bait Through Rock

The goal stays simple. Keep the bait on the bottom without hanging up. Scanlon reels the flat-sided crankbait slowly and lets it deflect off rock whenever possible. When the bait hits a larger rock or wood, he pauses briefly. That moment often triggers strikes. Most bites come right after the bait frees itself. Boat position matters as well. Scanlon keeps the boat deeper and casts shallow so the bait stays in the strike zone longer.

Gear Setup for Consistent Contact

For this approach, Scanlon uses a 7-foot medium-heavy composite cranking rod. The softer action helps absorb surges and keeps fish hooked. A slower gear-ratio reel makes it easier to maintain depth and control the retrieve. Thinner fluorocarbon line allows the flat-sided crankbait to reach its full running depth without overpowering the bait. The lure’s subtle vibration plays a big role, especially in colder water when bass shy away from aggressive movement.

Boat Setup

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