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In this article I will outline the most effective styles of crankbaits for catching early season bass. Whether you are fishing for large or small mouth bass certain styles of crankbaits perform better early in the season than others. When I refer to the term "early season bass fishing" I'm referring specifically to months of late March, April, May, and early June.

The three styles of crankbaits that will be discussed should be a part of any serious bass fisherman's repertoire. One key to remember is that bass don't become truly "aggressive" until the water temperature hits 55 degrees or more, so keeping an eye on the water temperature is a must in the spring of the year. The highpoint of spring feeding normally occurs when water temperatures get into the 60's, so make sure that you are mindful of this simple fact. Colder water temperatures mean that early season bass fishing needs to be done with a slowed down presentation in most instances.

Bass are more sluggish in the early season so slowed down presentations seem to be much more effective. The bottom line is that these three styles of crankbaits need to be in you tackle box when fishing for bass early in the season.

Crawfish Imitations - During the spring of the year crawfish are a favorite food for bass (both large and smallmouth) as they move from their winter feeding area's to staging area's, and eventually to shallow flats. Crawfish imitation crankbaits are very effective for catching early season bass.

Lipless Swimbaits - Lipless Swimbaits are excellent crankbaits to use in shallow water early in the season. In shallow water the water temperatures rise faster than in deeper water (obviously) which makes shallow water very productive when fishing for bass in the spring of the year. If you want to catch early season bass a lipless swim bait is an excellent crankbait choice. Try to use colors that are similar to a crawfish, even though the swim bait itself may imitate a baitfish. Red, brown, and black color patterns are great choices for swim baits early in the bass season.

Deep Diving Crankbaits - Deep diving crankbaits can be very effective for bass in the early season. A key is to fish in 8-12 feet of water and 'drag' the lip of the crankbait into the bottom as it is retrieved. This 'digging' action triggers many strikes from hungry bass. For example, if you are fishing in 10 feet of water, use deep diving crankbait that dives to 16 feet. This will ensure that you 'drag' the bait along the bottom during your retrieve.

These three styles of crankbaits should be a part of any serious bass fisherman's early season arsenal. If one of these styles of crankbait isn't in your tackle box add it sooner rather than later, you'll certainly be glad you did.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.

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