How to Fish Upsized Squarebill Crankbaits Around Wood

Pro bass angler Stephen Browning shares his expert knowledge on maximizing the effectiveness of squarebill crankbait fishing. In this video, Browning demonstrates the art of maneuvering a sizeable squarebill crankbait around standing timber and utilizing your boat to help you cast the bait right up against the tree.
FEATURED GEAR (retail links)
• CRANKBAIT - Jackall Aska 70 Squarebill (discontinued)
• ROD - St. Croix Legend Glass Cranking Rod, 6'10" Med Hvy: Buy at Tackle Warehouse (rb.gy/3nq1h), Buy at Bass Pro Shops (bassproshops.vz...)
• REEL - Lew's Tournament Pro LFS Casting Reel, 6.8:1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse (rb.gy/jmn29), Buy at Bass Pro Shops (bassproshops.vz...)
• LINE - Gamma High Performance Copolymer Moss Green, 20-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse (rb.gy/5qfri)
STRATEGIES WITH SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT
Browning explains his technique of making long casts, using the boat's drift and rod to manipulate the crankbait to create a series of enticing movements, bang it against the tree, and trigger bites. He emphasizes the importance of changing cast angles and making multiple casts at these trees, particularly when the fish aren't aggressive.
MASTERING THE ART OF CASTING
In the second half of the video, Browning provides valuable insights on fishing in standing timber and cypress trees. He shares his experience of fan casting around the trees and realizing the fish are not necessarily related to the visible cover but to stumps and other structures away from standing trees. He further elaborates on his successful fishing technique of rolling a big squarebill, creating a tremendous amount of vibration that entices fish, particularly in the early morning when fish are likely feeding and chasing shad.
UNVEILING THE PERFECT SETUP
Browning also shares his insights on creating the perfect setup for using a big squarebill crankbait. He shares his preferred equipment, including a 20-pound copolymer line, a solid glass rod, and a 2.5 series squarebill crankbait. Browning favors a slower retrieval rate, ensuring the bait emits optimal vibrations. He concludes the video by encouraging viewers to change their casting directions, vary their retrieves, and be bold with going big with their baits.
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[@af4od02]

My favorite cranking rods those St Croix Legends. Thanks for the video.

[@Wired2Fish]

You bet. Yeah, they're kinda a work of art! In typical St. Croix fashion, exceptional action, build quality, and cosmetics.

[@richardblake4777]

Stephen, great squarebill video. Almost looks like Arkansas waters, maybe Chicot. Glad to see you are still making money at the sport we love.

[@Brizendine7]

What part of Arkansas are u in? I’m in fort smith area. Bout 45 mins from Fayetteville

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for the comment Richard. Yes, this was filmed in Arkansas. We enjoy having Stephen on the site!

[@Tbowie13]

He says don't be afraid to size up. I fish a Megabass Big M 2.0 in Bull Shoals quite a bit, as my oversized squarebill and it works well. Also like the Big M 7.5 for deep cranking. They're big but the spape causes them to flash rather than do the hard side to side thump. It also keeps the Rheumatoid Arthritis from hurting my hands too bad at the end of the day. Tight lines Y'all!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for sharing. We've also had good success with the Big M 7.5 up north --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYKpaI2ihNqBjKc. Haven't fished the shallower diving versions but will make a point to try them this year.

[@hardknoxs]

Dammmnnnn, was that a💨 @ 2:19 🤣

[@jayzilla484]

I didn’t wait to read comments but noticed and commented same thing. Haha

[@FullTimeFishing]

Usually prefer a square bill over a spinnerbait or chatterbait in the warmer months. Another great video guys!

[@Wired2Fish]

Cool to hear this. Prob depends on your cover, but a crank is undoubtably an exceptional fish-triggering bait.

[@douglasspickler4925]

Very informative video. Chocked full of excellent tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Man I love cranking! My buddy and I floated the river yesterday. Picked up close to 80 Smallmouth cranking squarebills. The only difference is we were using 1.0 size

[@Wired2Fish]

Your thumbs gotta be raw! That's a great bite. What bait were you using?

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

@@Wired2FishOh yea, small mouth thumb we call it. kvd 1.0 square bill. Chartreuse perch my buddy was throwing gizzard shad. We don't have days like that often so definitely have to enjoy every moment

[@wilmerpruitt6324]

Good stuff right there, thanks

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BarkingRugers]

Ever try using 3 rods when the square bill bite is hot? I like to keep a straight pull, a lefty, and a right crankbait all of the same color tied on. That allows me to steer the baits around whichever side of the tree I need to hit. A single shot dogleg rod helps also for picking your shots around the trees

[@Wired2Fish]

That's hardcore! And we like it 🙌.

[@BarkingRugers]

@@Wired2Fish fishes got little bitty Ole brains. Can't let them get the best of us

[@Wired2Fish]

🧠 😆!

[@c.shoefish]

Copolymer...not a line that you hear people using very often. IMO copolymer is the do everything line. Has most of the benefits of mono and flouro with no real downsides. I'm a big fan of izorline xxx and use it for about 80-90% of my set ups. Only a few have either braid or flouro.

[@Wired2Fish]

For sure, not a lot of discussion around it anymore. Definitely worth a revisit for those that have went all in on braid or fluorocarbon.

[@Justin_Mooney11]

Absolutely sh*ts the britches heavy lifting that one in 😂 , ope ! He says 💨

[@austin15452]

God I would do some bad things to own that body of water 😂

[@Wired2Fish]

Breaking Bad level?