Kevin Van Dam Forums

all opinions and advice welcome

I like to use a crankbait where I can, a square bill will come through pretty much anything just as good as a spinnerbait, and not as many people throw them.

I use wind, water clarity, and depth to help me decide. When I want some flash, the wind is blowing, and the water is pretty shallow (2ft or less usually) Ill go with a spinnerbait. If its a little deeper and the water is more slick, then Ill pick up a crank. Also, I like spinnerbaits in water with at least 18 inches of visibilty, less then that Ill go with a crank most of the time. There isnt a clear cut answer to this. Just mess around and find out what works best on the lakes you fish.

i would think if you are fishing deeper than 6-8 feet go with the crank, if less use the spinnerbait. spinnerbait for me is my favorite bait so i count down if i’m going to fish deeper than 8 feet which is almost never since the ponds i fish have a max depth of 12 feet. except in crystal clear water when i am really moving the spinnerbait and waking it, i usually fish it at least 2 feet deep.

I fish a spinnerbait all the time in early mornings over clear, deeper water because its to deep for any crankbait to hit the bottom and bounce off any rocks. most of the time if your crankbait isnt digging into the bottom or bouncing off of rocks, your wasting your time. over 40’ or more I fish my spinnerbait and pop the rod tip to make the skirt flare, thats when the bites come.

shallower water I tend to throw a crankbait more and bounce it off limbs and rocks. more than anything though its just a confidence thing. try it out and learn for yourself.

Thanks everyone really appreciate the help