Do crankbaits work well in clear water? I’ve had good success fishing them in stained to semi clear water, but have never fished them in real clear water. I’ve always tried to give the most natural presentation when fishing clear lakes usually with senkos or soft plastic craws, but can a crankbait work just as well? Thanks for any advice 
I’ve had better luck in clear water with natural colored cranks, and it seemed like it was better to retrieve them quickly. In other words, don’t let them have a careful look at it. Good luck!
Rootski
I’m a crank-bait addict, and I love clear water lakes. Generally, I find a few things in clear water Vs. Stained.
Size – clear water fish are more likely to eat smaller baits, where I fish larger baits in stained water. This year, the Live Target Gizzard shad has been my #1 go to bait for clear water for both Bass and Walleyes. In the smaller size 2-1/2″ Gizzard Shad Link
Color – I tend to use more “natural” colors in clear, compared to more fluorescent in stained. Though, fishing at night, I throw a lot of citrus colors.
Depth – I typically need to fish deeper in clear water
Longer casts – I also find that staying further away from structure and making longer casts improve my catches. I use Cajun braid in red, and powerpro in green with a 24″ floro leader.
That’s what works for me
Quote:
I’m a crank-bait addict, and I love clear water lakes. Generally, I find a few things in clear water Vs. Stained.
Size – clear water fish are more likely to eat smaller baits, where I fish larger baits in stained water. This year, the Live Target Gizzard shad has been my #1 go to bait for clear water for both Bass and Walleyes. In the smaller size 2-1/2″ Gizzard Shad Link
Color – I tend to use more “natural” colors in clear, compared to more fluorescent in stained. Though, fishing at night, I throw a lot of citrus colors.
Depth – I typically need to fish deeper in clear water
Longer casts – I also find that staying further away from structure and making longer casts improve my catches. I use Cajun braid in red, and powerpro in green with a 24″ floro leader.
That’s what works for me
X2
things I would add:
Color: I also like to use a white/off white color.
Line: I got 100% fluro
I’m gonn go the other way on this. I like chart cranks in clear water. but of course my big color this year… RED. just catching the crap on red crankbaits. make sure your around some cover…
Last 2 years a big fan of Bandit crankbaits. good depth choices many many colors and a great price.
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