The Biggest Mistakes Guys Do When Fishing Crankbaits!

Crankbaits have been a staple in bass fishing for decades now and we still see guys making crucial mistakes to their crankbait fishing. Today, we break down some of the biggest mistakes we see fishermen do so that we can have better success in the future!
Products in this video:
Owner ST 35:
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Owner ST 36:
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Ryugi Pierce Trebles:
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Lucky Craft LC 1.5:
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Deps Evoke 1.2:
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Megabass S Crank:
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Megabass Sonic Side:
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OSP Rattlin Blitz Max:
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OSP Blitz Max:
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Megabass Deep Six:
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Strike King 10XD:
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Megabass Big M 7.5:
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OSP Blitz Magnum DR:
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OSP Blitz EX DR:
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OSP Blitz Max DR:
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Sunline FC Sniper:
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Sunline Crank FC:
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Sunline Defier:
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Daiwa SLP Spools:
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Megabass Valkyrie 7'1MH:
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Megabass Orochi XX Launcher:
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[@williamgould2470]

Your videos when you're concentrating on a certain technique are just top of the line. None better

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for the nice compliment! Glad they are useful! 👊🍻

[@martyhuffman538]

Hey Ben, Griff and crew. Thanks for the video AND especially the great help and conversation in the shop today. You guys are the best.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your business! Keep us posted on your success!!

[@johnhowse8020]

Great information, Ben! Thanks

[@jimbo0411]

Co-poly lines have been good for me when i want that crank or jerkbait to stay higher up above rocks, grass.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👍🍻

[@dann.294]

I find it amazing that you say the first thing everybody should do when they buy a crankbait is change the hooks. Maybe tournament fisherman?? You think a weekend angler should do this?? I guess maybe if a lure has some Superbad hooks, but gee whiz , that seems ridiculous. It’s a new lure with new hooks.

[@richshackelford5793]

Great video, thanks for the info

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@DavidMccallister65]

You guys need more online inventory. I've never been able to buy anything in any of the best colors or sizes because everything is ALWAYS sold out. I mean, I like fishing lures... I wanna be a customer. 🤷‍♂️

[@edpelkey7798]

Thanks, great information Ben 🍺

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@Pierrepadda]

Love it, shoping now from Sweden 🤪👍

[@rvfishingyet]

Another solid video Ben. Would you have a few additional suggestions for bank anglers working lipless and shallow/mid cranks in around 12 feet or less water?

[@Roboworm99]

One thing that really helped me was changing front hook to short shank ewg and round bend on the back. Especially with lipless

[@whwong8364]

Hey guys, thanks for the great video! Awesome insight and details! Have a question on running braid to leader for cranking, as where I fish it’s mostly bank style with one set up to do everything. My question is: when it comes to dive depth, does the thinner line diameter of braided line counteract its buoyancy? Also, does the leader diameter affect the dive depth more so than the main braid line diameter? Thank you! ❤

[@jddarby007]

Always carry a good hook sharpener.

[@larryknoob9798]

Thumbs up Thanks

[@keenanmoore264]

Been eating up your long form technique specific videos. Do you guys have a Ned rig video in the works? I'm on LSC and they were munching it this past summer so I really want to dial things in for this season.

[@billlumberg5746]

1 underutilized baits is the Rapala 3.5 balsa extreme fantastic in shallow water. Great recommendations guys good stuff!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👊🍻

[@michaelbergeron1554]

Try real balsa. Bagley is on pernt. Tackle warehouse last day sale today. Like $4- $6 a pop

[@dant8213]

Yea I need to step up my crankin game

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👊🍻

[@thebasstrap4091]

Crankbait bass fishing is my favorite 💯🇨🇦🎣😎

[@chefmatt6299]

Favorite small/finesse crank rod? Swingfire no longer an option, so does Elseil get the nod or something a little slower/whippy? Think Z1-3, OSP Blitz, SPRO Rockcrowler 50, etc. Still on the MH Valk?

[@MrPhoenix1800]

Just in case you were wondering what rods I had it was xpride medium glass/composite and Phoenix heavy glass composite

[@Shawn_Lai]

There needs to be a Tackle Otaku app or just you in the back of the boat lol telling us what to throw 🤣

[@arge676]

what size treble hooks would you recommended for small or medium sized crank baits? i just made a haul from your shop and I want to replace the hardware on all of them.

[@MrPhoenix1800]

Do you think it was a mistake going with a glass composite rod for cranks? I have two rods medium and heavy but I feel like I can’t feel much of what my bait is going through when I get a bite though I land them everytime.

[@highdefinition3529]

Do you tie straight too your crank baits and jerk baits or do you use a type of barrel swivel?

[@hunterbull7804]

I like the Madbull a lot for cranking. Would you throw crank fc on it since it’s graphite? I’ve only ever ran sniper and InvizX on it

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

You could if you want to give it more “stretch”. It would be a good line to slow it down a touch

[@kurttribble2579]

Can you make a suggestion for a good cranking reel for square bills and mid diving cranks?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I’ve been using Steez A and Zillion - 7:1 gear ratio

[@twistedbranchesfishing]

Two things for you today...1: I love the music. Your brother gets a "high-five" from me (for what it's worth). 2: What about the connection between the line and the crankbait? I fish from a small, paddle-driven kayak. I have room for 2 rods. Those rods change depending on what I feel like fishing. But...I need flexibility in bait size and colors, so I'm constantly switching until I find something that works. Can I use a clip, snap or snap-swivel with a crankbait? Is that going to be a factor in my choice of line and rod?

[@kenopie1]

What do you think about the Lucky Craft SKT Magnum Deep Diver? How heavy of a rod should I throw those on? Thanks Ben!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

That’s a great bait that sadly is next to impossible to find anymore. Orochi Launcher handles that bait great

[@Usuario-23]

Thank Ben for all that juice information. Question out of the topic. I need a spinning rod for ned rigs. Budget $200-$300 😅

[@sammichsearcher2230]

Megabass whipsnake levante

[@sammichsearcher2230]

That is what they sold me in that range

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Levante Whipsnake is a great option!

[@naudotojas72]

I wish that you'd have Owner-56 (3x, black chrome) hooks.

[@DavidMccallister65]

Dude I've used Sniper for so long and went through many spools and I've heard so many pros recommend it but I can't tell you how often I have to retie because it frayed so easily or the number of times I made a bomber cast and my line snapped and my crankbait went flying. I'm done cranking with it. I still use it for jerkbaits but I'm cranking with Abrazx.

[@doomsimon6007]

Same dude. Had the same experience as you. Same with the shooter

[@youtubzkoz]

the difference between Sunline assassin and sniper?? reaction baits vs bottom contact baits?

[@nateriley4067]

Ben, what would be your recommended hook replacement for the Megabass Big M series (specifically the Big M 7.5)? You mentioned the stock hooks were thick, but didn't mention what should be their replacement. Do I need like an Owner ST-56 (3x) Treble Hook? Thanks.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I use the ST 35. Size 1 or 1/0 depending on what I need it to do!

[@jamesbarron1202]

Does that Sunline Crank flouro line return back pretty close to its original state after it’s stretched or does it stay stretched out and become weaker. I like my copoly because it’s more like a rubber band.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yeah - it maintains it’s structure

[@grandpawoodyfishing1882]

Hey Ben . I just bought a Great Hunting 50 Flatside from you and was wondering what size hook I can replace on it .

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Owner 36 size 12 works for me on those!

[@grandpawoodyfishing1882]

@@thehookuptackle_usa Thank you

[@juansarinana1636]

So my crankbait will dig sometimes but most of the time it doesn't wobble right and just spins in a circle.. is it cause it's in too deep of water or any tips..?

[@luvableleo1]

Ben Deps boa constrictor for deep crank?

[@hoopin_with_jay8634]

What specific line are you pairing up with the Orochi XX 7’11” launcher?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I use mostly 14lb, but will go to 10 or up to 20 depending on what I need

[@alcav54]

2023 is going to be the year of the crankbait for me. Huge point of emphasis going forward.

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Me as well. I SUCK at crankbait fishing and I used to suck at frog fishing. The only way I ever got better at frogging was to leave ALL of my other baits at home and just throw frogs. It worked. Gonna do the same thing with cranks in 2023, at least every other outing till I figure out what the heck I am doing wrong. This vid a great place to start! 🙏

[@440-fishermandrock8]

Start with square bills if you're near rocks and semi shallow waters. Definitely the easiest to learn. And the one I fish 90 % of the time

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s such an important bait to enjoy! Let us know how we can help you on your journey! 🍻

[@gstixfishing9746]

Crank baits are the deal!!

[@kerryschallon8879]

Love the video's. Would love to have an Orion with ya and pick your brain on gear.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

🍻

[@billlumberg5746]

Can we use a medium fast with the 8 & 10 xd?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

You can use anything if it works for you! Without knowing which rod specifically you’re talking about, I would say a medium fast action will not be good for those baits

[@johnhodson5120]

You didn't mention gear ratios for cranks. Lots of variations from low to high. Maybe discuss the uses for them. I for one would benefit being deep cranks seem to be my nemesis

[@troycote4503]

I use 5 to 1 to 6 2 to 1 reels for cranking.hi speed reels will wear you out with a deep diver and the deep divers I throw on a 5 to 1 Calcutta 200, and an old 2006 Quantum Energy Tour PTI 750 my favorite reel ever which is also 5 .0 to 1 and anything 8 ft and under I usually use a Curado K 200 6.2 to 1. Lipless in the summer is the only time I throw a crankbait on a faster reel especially when working with a pump and reel.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I use high speed for everything. 7:1 is the easiest, but 8:1 is great too. But I have the right rods for it. If you have the wrong rods, then dropping to a 6:1 or 5:1 will make your life easier.

[@brettmchaney6898]

When you are talking about rods you should give the length of the rod the power and the ACTION of the rod so we viewers have the best information on what to purchase.

[@KrisAtKSO]

when in doubt crank 1 out

[@davidbeard1287]

My 7'1 valkyrie Adjustable grip Broke off in my Hand while making A cast Saturday. 2 months old

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Bummer! Broken rods are the worst! Let us know if we can help 🍻

[@davidbeard1287]

@The Hook Up Tackle I sent in a warranty claim to megabass Sunday, haven't heard back from them yet. Hopefully soon

[@richardkeller6940]

Anybody have recommendations for a good lure retriever ? Thanks

[@ronaldcox2741]

Profound outdoors hammer drop, it’s a 2 oz weight with a clip that you put on your line and let it fall down to your bait, works great for squarebills and jerkbaits, get on the back side of where it’s hung before you drop it down

[@sammichsearcher2230]

A bro made one with a snap and weight. Medium to large snap that snaps well on your line and drop it a 3/4 or better weight on it depending how deep your water is. Don’t buy into the gimmick…

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I use the Daiwa one

[@richardkeller6940]

Thanks guys

[@richardkeller6940]

Thanks guys

[@raymondjohnson6496]

I only used 3-6 ft crank baits I don’t like 12-16 or 18-25 👎that Orochi XX launcher is it over kill for crank baits from 3-6 or 6-8 just wondering

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s overkill unless the shallow cranks you’re throwing are 1oz ish

[@raymondjohnson6496]

K tho

[@blahblahmilbury]

that evoke is money

[@richtrick1744]

Spool size… lots of guys not using the right one for the depth target

[@VernonTwins]

When are you going to even get some more blitz magnum dr’s ?? I think you and your employees bought them all before they even went on sale. !!! Your comment at the time was you where putting a lot of them in your boat. ?!?!?

[@ronaldcox2741]

Griff got em all! 😆

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Spring/summer

[@rogercastle2434]

Pretty sad that you pay a lot for a crankbait with garbage hooks!

[@JanoyCresva]

This dudes always trying to sell us stuff lol. "Want some tips on how to fish better? Buy more crap!"

[@hunter5858]

Owner are the beast hooks and yes I spelled it wrong on purpose lol 😂 but seriously st56 always