Crankbaits

Crankbaits are hardbaits with a fixed diving lip that work at a defined running depth when reeled in steadily, providing consistent action without additional rod work. They are among the most important search lures in modern predator fishing and cover a depth range from the surface to the mid-water column. In the range, you will find crankbaits in the classic running depth classes Shallow Runner, Medium Runner, and Deep Runner as well as Floating and Suspending variants in different sizes for pike, zander, perch, asp, ide, and trout.

What running depth classes are there

Crankbaits are categorized by their diving depth. The size and angle of the diving lip determine how deep the lure runs when reeled in.

• Shallow Runner (SR): Running depth about 0.1 to 1 m. Classic lure for shallow weed edges, flooded structures, and shore zones. Ideal for pike and perch in cover.
• Medium Runner (MR): Running depth about 0.5 to 1.5 m. All-rounder for plateau edges and mid-water column. Ideal for zander at current edges and large perch.
• Deep Runner (DR): Running depth about 1.5 to 3 m and deeper. For deep plateau edges, mid-water structures, and targeted pike fishing in deeper areas.
• Squarebill: Crankbait with a square, wide diving lip. Runs shallow (typically 0.3 to 1 m) but bounces off obstacles in a controlled way without snagging. Special class for hard bottom and flooded wood.
• Lipless Crankbait: Crankbait without a diving lip. Sinks freely and is kept at depth by the retrieval speed. Power-fishing class with high vibration.

Buoyancy behavior: Floating, Suspending, Sinking

Crankbaits also differ in their behavior when stopped:

• Floating: Lure rises to the surface when stopped. Ideal for stop-and-go retrieves over obstacles because the lure rises out of snag danger during pauses.
• Suspending: Lure stays at the set depth when stopped. Opens bite windows for cautious predators that target a stationary lure.
• Slow Floating: Lure rises very slowly. Combines the advantages of floating and suspending; the lure stays at bite depth for a long time and then gently rises. Classic for clear water.
• Sinking: Lure sinks when stopped. For deeper areas and vertical presentations.

Which crankbait for which use

The choice of the right crankbait depends on the target fish, water depth, water clarity, and lure presentation.

• Pike over shallow plateaus and weed edges: Shallow Runner in 6.5 to 7.5 cm. Runs just below the surface without snagging.
• Pike in deeper areas: Deep Runner from 7.5 cm. Reaches plateau edges and mid-water column with controlled depth presentation.
• Zander at current edges: Medium Runner in 6.5 to 7.5 cm. Defined running depth at hard bottom and plateau transitions.
• Perch in clear water: Small Shallow Runner in 5 to 6.5 cm. Subtle action, long lure distance in the visible range.
• Asp at the surface: Floating Shallow Runner. Provokes surface strikes in the summer months.
• Trout and ide in flowing water: Mini crankbait in 5 cm as SR. Finesse class with light casting weights.
• Clear water, cautious predators: Slow Floating or Suspending crankbait with stop-and-go retrieve. Bite windows during pauses.

Material and construction

Crankbaits are made from two main materials:

• Hard plastic (ABS, polycarbonate): Standard for modern crankbaits. Lightweight, dimensionally stable, precisely reproducible in mass production. Ensures identical running characteristics for every lure in a batch.
• Wood (balsa, cedar): Premium material for handcrafted crankbaits. Provides unique running characteristics through natural buoyancy distribution; each lure is individual.

Modern crankbait constructions often use a magnetic weight transfer system: movable casting weight distribution inside. During the cast, the weight slides to the back for maximum casting distance; upon impact, it shifts back to the running position. Result: long casts plus clean running characteristics in one lure.

Action characteristics

Crankbaits also differ in body action during the run:

• Tight wobble: narrow, fast body movement. Looks natural, ideal for clear water and cautious predators.
• Wide wobble: wide, slow body movement. More pressure waves, ideal for murky water and active predators.
• Rolling action: body rotates slightly around the longitudinal axis, showing additional light reflections.
• Hunting action: irregular, slightly erratic run. Provokes reflex strikes in sluggish predators.

Lead-free crankbaits

Classic crankbaits long had lead internal components as casting weight. Modern designs increasingly avoid lead and use alternative casting weight materials like tin-bismuth or steel. Lead-free crankbaits are mandatory in the Netherlands and Scandinavia for fishing tournaments and in some waters. Manufacturers compensate for the lower specific gravity of the lead-free alloy through shape and volume so that the running characteristics remain identical to lead designs.

Hook setup

High-quality crankbaits come factory-equipped with two sharp, hardened trebles: one on the belly, one on the tail. Well-known hook brands are BKK Spear 21-SS with Super Slide Coating for maximum penetration, Owner ST-36, and VMC. Those who want to upgrade their crankbaits will find high-quality trebles and split rings as tuning components in the range.

Related categories

Those looking for a hardbait with erratic twitch action will find it in the Twitchbaits category. For lures with spinner blades or bladed jig action, visit the Blade Lures category.