One particular bait that a fella/fellete can rely on is the tried and true squarebill crankbait. However, it seems like a majority of anglers pack away the squarebill box and revert to other lures that are often weedless. This, my friends, is a huge mistake. While the squarebill shines in early spring and fall fishing especially, it can produce fantastic days on the water when everyone else is throwing soft plastics and topwater lures.
The Lure of the Squarebill Crankbait
The beauty of squarebill crankbaits lies in their versatility. They can navigate through heavy cover, reach varying depths, and most importantly, mimic the frantic action of small prey, a key factor that entices largemouth bass. In summer, bass tend to retreat to cooler, deeper waters, making them more challenging to catch. But with the right squarebill crankbait technique, you can lure them out of their hiding spots and straight onto your hook.
As always, I believe covering water is almost always in your favor for a lot of conditions, and on larger bodies of water, I feel like this is doubly important. If you think about it statistically, the more casts you make, the higher the chances of catching a fish are. There aren’t many other lures that can cover water like a squarebill, so you can quickly narrow down areas of the lake and really focus on specific conditions once you find a pattern. Also, a squarebill caters to the bank beaters of the world. While it is becoming increasingly popular for people to offshore fish and stare at screens, that just isn’t my jam. Can you absolutely smoke fish offshore in deeper water? Guaranteed. Am I good at it? Not at all, because I am not passionate about it.
Choosing the Best Squarebill Crankbaits for Summer Fishing
When selecting a squarebill crankbait, three primary factors come into play: color, size, and action. In summer, you’ll want to stick with shad, chartreuse, and craw colors. These imitate the real-life prey of bass and will be more attractive to them. Size and action, on the other hand, can vary based on the activity level of the bass. Experimenting with different combinations can often lead to surprising results. You could read 100’s of articles and videos on squarebill fishing, and they will all recommend a variety of colors, sizes, and lord knows what. I find you have to earn your licks and run through a variety of lures that cater to your local baitfish, and find what works best for your particular area. Below is a quick snap of one of my Plano boxes of a variety of colors I like to chuck in the summer. If you are looking how to fill your Plano boxes as cheap as possible, this article I posted a while back is for you.
Not all squarebills are created equal, and having a selection of different styles and brands in your arsenal will prepare you for any fishing condition. Some top-notch brands include Strike King, Rapala, and Lucky Craft. Their squarebill crankbaits are praised for their durability, depth range, and lifelike movements. I personally throw a majority of Strike King, simply due to them being one of the more affordable options in the hard bait category. However, if you are feeling slightly spendier, I am really digging what 6th Sense is putting out in regards to color and durability on a variety of their squarebills. For a great spot to purchase a number of crankbaits you don’t see in your big box stores, visit Tackle Warehouse to find the right bait for you.
The Art of Squarebill Crankbaits & Placement
When fishing with squarebill crankbaits, knowing where to cast is half the battle won. Bass love structures – rocks, fallen trees, docks, or weed lines are your best bet. Throwing your squarebill around these structures can lead to an explosive reaction from any bass lurking in the shadows. A tip I have is fishing dams, and fishing them hard. What is weird is you will see so many guys race through a dam that is covered in riprap, and jet on to the next area without a second thought. I really recommend taking your time and making repeated casts with as many angles and reeling speeds as possible. Often, just positioning your bait differently will get you bites, and once you figure it out, it seems like it is lights out. Often the dams can be one of your cooler areas in the lake after rainfall, due to constant moving water. Take advantage of this, and you will see results.
In summer, the morning and evening hours are ideal for targeting shallower waters. As the day heats up, you’ll need to go deeper. The beauty of squarebill crankbaits is that they can reach those depths where the bass are hiding. You would be surprised on how shallow or deep you find fish during the dog days of summer. One day a squarebill wouldn’t dream of coming close, and the next they are in a foot or two of water.
Mastering Squarebill Techniques for Increased Catches
Once you’ve selected your squarebill and have identified the perfect casting spot, it’s time to employ effective techniques to ensure a successful catch.
The Deflection Technique
One of the most potent techniques in squarebill fishing is deflection. As the crankbait hits a structure, it deflects or changes direction, mimicking the erratic movement of scared baitfish. This sudden change in movement often triggers bass to strike.
The Rip and Pause Technique
Another effective method is the “rip and pause” technique. Here, you ‘rip’ the squarebill through the water with a swift rod jerk, followed by a pause. The sudden stop imitates a wounded fish, an irresistible meal for a lurking largemouth. As a note, this is my top method to catching a crazy amount of bass with a squarebill in the spring. Some of the most fun fishing you can have.
The Burning Technique
Lastly, there’s the ‘burning’ technique. This entails retrieving the squarebill as fast as possible. The high-speed movement can provoke reaction strikes from bass, especially those that are highly active. Often, I burn it as quick as I can and completely kill it. You can pick up a good amount of fish by simply stopping your bait and giving them a chance to swallow it.
Remember, the key to mastering these techniques is practice. So, don’t get discouraged if you don’t hit the jackpot right away. Each cast is a step closer to your next big catch.
Wrapping Up
In the exciting world of bass fishing, the right bait can make a world of difference. The squarebill crankbait, with its versatility and effectiveness, can dramatically increase your summer catch rate. To get a more in-depth view of crankbait fishing in the summer, visit this video by TacticalBassin as they are the best in the biz.
Understanding the best squarebill crankbait to use, where to cast, and the most effective techniques to employ are essential steps towards becoming a more successful bass angler. By following the advice in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to reeling in more largemouth bass this summer.
Tight lines,
Dawson