when to fish red colored crankbaits

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Red crankbaits shine in shallow, stained water and low-light conditions.** In clear water, red can disappear past a few feet, so reserve it for the upper meter or so and bright sun; in stained water or cloudy days, red stands out and imitates crayfish well. Here’s a practical guide:

- **Best conditions to throw red:** shallow water (1–6 ft), stained to moderately dirty water, dawn/dusk, overcast days, or just after fronts when light is flat.
- **Seasonal note (late fall):** bass are getting picky as temps cool; use red craw patterns near cover (docks, logs, grass edges) with a slower, steady or slightly paused retrieve to trigger bites.
- **Depth and lure choice:** for red crankbaits, keep the lure in the top 2–4 ft where the color reads best; consider squarebill or shallow-diver cranks to ride near the surface.
- **Color strategy by water clarity:** clear water? pair red with natural accent colors (green/brown craw) or go more translucent; stained water? bold red can be more visible.
- **Retrieval tips:** start with a steady crank, then a quick pause to let it tick the cover; vary speed until you find the trigger.

Tech resources:
- Learn why red baits work: [WHY RED BAITS?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSCgCHLHwwU)
- Crankbait techniques: [Round vs Square Bill Crankbaits MADE EASY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz492Zt-xzA)

Product suggestions (red/craw patterns):
- [Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 - Delta Red](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYM8M1O?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Strike King Red Eye Shad 3/8 oz, red crawl pattern](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQPQLQG2?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [BANDIT Lures 3D44 300 Series Red Finish](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006CTY8DI?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Pro tips: work edges of vegetation, ledges, and laydowns; keep your rod tip high to maintain the lure’s shallow depth if you’re trying to ride the top of a weed edge. And most importantly: stay patient, stay pumped, and keep moving water to find that red-hot bite. 🎣

If you want, tell me your water clarity and area and I’ll tailor the take to that lake or river!

when to fish red colored crankbaits

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

Strike King (HCKVDS1.5-450) KVD Square Bill 1.5 Fishing Lure, 450 - Delta Red, 3/8 oz, Unique Action

Bill Lewis Lures Lifelike SB-57 3/8 OZ. MDJ Series Squarebill Crankbait Fishing Lure with Mustad Triple Grip Hooks, RED Glitter Craw

Strike King (HCKVD1.5HK-450 KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Fishing Lure, 450 - Delta Red, 3/8 oz

BANDIT LURES 3D44 300 Series Crankbait, Red Finish

Bill Lewis Lifelike Rat-L-Trap Magnum Force 1 OZ Lipless Crankbait Fishing Wobble Lure for Shallow Freshwater, Chrome RED

Strike King (HCKVD1.5HK-468 KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Fishing Lure, 468 - Phantom Watermelon Seed Red Craw, 3/8 oz

Strike King Red Eye Shad Fishing Lure, Lipless Crankbait, Free-floating Internal Rattles, 3D Eyes, Premium Size 4 Treble Hooks, 3/8-Ounce, Sinking

Booyah XCS Series Silent Square-Lip Crankbait Bass Fishing Lure, Rayburn Red, 2 5/16"

Strike King (REYESD12-469) Red Eyed Shad Fishing Lure, Lipless Crankbait, Free-Floating Internal Rattles, 3D Eyes, Premium Size 3 Treble Hooks, 1/2-Ounce, Sinking, TN Shad 2.0

Strike King (REYESD12-650) Red Eyed Shad Fishing Lure, Lipless Crankbait, Free-Floating Internal Rattles, 3D Eyes, Premium Size 3 Treble Hooks, 1/2-Ounce, Sinking, Chartreuse Perch

Community

Bass Fishing Questions

you know the shenango river?

Angelspots für Isola di Albarella

Would today be a good spinnerbait day

I’m in the Greenville nc area

More Questions

How can I avoid catching fish that are too small?

Could you give me some Northern Pike and Perch lures?

Where can I find lingcod in Prince William Sound?

what about this PENN Battle® II Combo, 10' Heavy Fishing Rod, 8000 Size Reel

What color worm should I use today at Indian Lake?

What should I use to catch bottom fish from the shore in Puget Sound?

Based on the recent weather and current season, what lure should I throw at Pyramid Lake CA tomorrow morning?

rate my muskie setup out of ten: bass pro predator musky rod heavy, piscifun alijoz 400, and 80lb braid

How can I avoid catching fish that are too small?

Could you give me some Northern Pike and Perch lures?

Where can I find lingcod in Prince William Sound?

what about this PENN Battle® II Combo, 10' Heavy Fishing Rod, 8000 Size Reel

What color worm should I use today at Indian Lake?

What should I use to catch bottom fish from the shore in Puget Sound?

Based on the recent weather and current season, what lure should I throw at Pyramid Lake CA tomorrow morning?

rate my muskie setup out of ten: bass pro predator musky rod heavy, piscifun alijoz 400, and 80lb braid

you know the shenango river?

Angelspots für Isola di Albarella

Would today be a good spinnerbait day

I’m in the Greenville nc area