By Mike Frisch
Deep Weedline Bass Fishing with Crankbaits
I live near Alexandria, MN which is famous for its good bass fishing. The area features deep lakes, shallow lakes, and lots of largemouth bass! With this diversity in waters, the area offers everything a bass angler could want in terms of fishing patterns and techniques. Anglers can fish deep, clear what I call “weedline lakes” utilizing Ned Rigs, dropshots, and Texas rigged plastics in depths from 12-20 feet of water. Anglers choosing to fish the area’s shallow lakes often find less water clarity and lots of bass holding shallow in places like reeds, under docks, and around fallen trees and the classic “jig-n-pig” baits often shine.
Why Crankbaits Excel on the Deep Weedline in Summer
With all these options, sometimes it’s hard to decide where to fish. During summer, however, particularly on windy, overcast days, I prefer casting crankbaits on the deep weedline on clear, deep lakes. Wind and clouds often get the bass up roaming and they’re more prone to hit a moving bait. Bass are numerous and fun to catch on the weedline, plus bonus pike, a walleye or two, and even some big panfish often show up.
Understanding Deep Weedlines and Where Bass Live
The deep weedline is usually located along drop-offs where shallow flats give way to deeper water. Weeds that grow on the flat and down the edges eventually stop as water depths increase and lack of sun light prevents plant life. Lots of fish call weedlines home during summer and, in some lakes, a good portion of the largemouth population lives there. A crankbait is a good choice while moving down the weedline looking for schools of bass, and then is usually a great way to catch a bunch once a school is located.
Best Crankbaits and Colors for Deep Weedline Bass
Various crankbaits will put weedline bass in the boat with the Pro Model 3XD and 5XD baits being my long-time favorites. Recently these baits have gotten a makeover in the new Elite Series with premium hooks and new pro-driven colors. I’ve quickly become a fan of Pro Phantom Perch and Sunny color patterns. Many of the lakes I fish have deep weedlines in the 12-18-foot depth ranges and the 3XD and 5XD work great in these depths.
Boat Positioning and Casting Along the Weedline
Holding the boat out from the weedline and moving down paralleling the edge while casting ahead of the boat works well. When a fish is hooked, several more can often be caught from the same area.
Finding Schools on Weedline Irregularities
Sometimes the schools will hold on irregularities along the weedline, maybe points or turns, or maybe along a change in weed type. Regardless of what holds them, a crankbait is a great way to quickly find active schools. Sometimes, it pays to switch to some sort of soft plastic to strain a productive area for a few more bites when the crankbait bite slows. However, it’s often just as effective to move on down the weedline and find the next school.
Best Rods and Reels for Crankbait Weedline Fishing
Crankbaits fished in this style often work well on baitcasting rods and reels that allow for long casts. Lew’s has rods in their XD Cranking Series designed specifically for fishing the XD baits. Pairing these rods with a quality baitcast reel like a BB1 Pro makes for a top combination.
Why Fluorocarbon Line Works Best on the Weedline
Spooling with fluorocarbon line often works well when cranking. Fluorocarbon sinks so it helps get a bait a bit deeper, plus it has good abrasion resistance for working along and through weeds. Also, fluorocarbon is nearly invisible under water, and it has a bit less stretch than monofilament, so it helps facilitate positive hooksets. CONTRA fluorocarbon in 12-pound test has helped put lots of crankbait bass in my boat.
If more fish in the boat is your goal, consider giving largemouth bass a try. Head to the weedline of your favorite lake, tie on a crankbait and start casting and you’ll probably encounter some fast fishing action!
As always, good luck on the water and remember to include a youngster in your next outdoors adventure.
