Depth
Understanding the water depth where you're fishing is crucial. Crankbaits almost always work better when deflecting off cover, so you’ll want to choose acrankbait that reaches the bottom. Shallow-diving crankbaits work best in waters up to 5 feet, while deep-diving crankbaits are necessary for targeting bass at depths over 10 feet.
Color
Choosing the right color depends on water clarity and lighting conditions. In clear water, natural colors like silver, blue, and shad patterns are most effective. In murkier water, opt for brighter colors like chartreuse or orange to increase visibility.
Action
The action of the crankbait—whether it's a tight wobble or wide wobble—can influence the bite. In colder waters, a tighter action crankbait like a Shad Rap is more effective, while a wider wobble bait like the Strike King KVD 1.5 works well in warmer waters when bass are more aggressive.
Size
The size of the crankbait should match the forage that smallmouth bass are feeding on. Smaller crankbaits (1.5-2 inches) work well when bass are feeding on minnows, while larger crankbaits (2.5-3 inches) are ideal when they're targeting larger baitfish or crawfish.
