The right crankbait saves you time on the water and delivers consistent results for pike, perch, and walleye. This collection features proven lure types for every scenario—from shallow minnows to deep-diving rattlins. Just focus on buoyancy, depth, and retrieve style without getting bogged down by details.
How to Pick the Right Lure — Quick and Simple Guide
Buoyancy affects lure action: floating lures rise on the pause (perfect over vegetation), suspending lures sit still in the water column (great for sluggish fish), sinking lures drop down and hold depth in current. Depth range: shallow (up to 3 ft) for weedy flats, mid (3–8 ft) for drop-offs, deep (over 10 ft) for holes and steep banks. Choose color based on water clarity: natural shades for clear water, bold bright patterns for murky conditions. Consider the water type: rivers with current require stable lures, lakes call for more active action.
Minnows (Twitchbait & Steady Retrieve)
Slender-body hard baits for twitching and steady retrieves; effective for predatory fish and perch in depths up to 6 ft, great for fishing timber and along drop-offs. Their streamlined profile and neutral buoyancy mimic a wounded baitfish perfectly.
Crankbaits (Shallow/Mid)
Compact, round-body lures for steady retrieve and stop-and-go action; dive up to 8 ft, perfect for weedy zones and drop-offs with consistent swimming action for perch and pike.
Rattlins & Lipless Cranks (VIB, Rattle)
Blade-less, sinking baits for both vertical and horizontal retrieves; ideal for slopes over 6 ft. They’re killer for walleye and pike, with vibrating action and internal rattles to help locate fish fast.
Topwater: Poppers, Walkers, Pencils
Surface lures for warm water, shallows, and weed beds; attract pike, asp, and perch during early and late hours, in calm weather or low light, with a zig-zag, walk-the-dog action and floating design.
Jerkbaits & Big Swimbaits
Multi-jointed and lipless lures for trophy pike; designed for jerk-and-glide retrieves, these work on big water and depths over 5 ft, with segmented bodies and a slow-sinking action.
Handy Lure Accessories
Steel leaders guard against pike teeth, quick snaps let you swap lures in seconds, and quality treble hooks boost your hookup rate—upgrade your hardware as needed for hassle-free swaps and extra reliability.
Choosing your lure comes down to the situation: start by checking the depth and current, then pick the right buoyancy and retrieve style. For clear water, go with natural colors; for murky water, choose brights. Season matters too: topwaters shine in summer, while sinking lures nail fish near the bottom in the fall.
