Secondly, the large bill and size of the bait allows a slow retrieve. An added attraction is to cause the bait to dig up a little of the loose bottom and give the appearance of a crawfish making an escape. Finally, the deep-diving crank gives an angler greater casting accuracy due to the weight and size of lure. Crankbaits can be successful if worked slowly and if Mother Nature gives us a few warm winter days. One of the best tricks with cranks is to fish them where you know other people don't.
Fish holding in brushy or timbered areas see a lot less crankbaits than fish holding on points.
It can pay off very well to utilize these bulky baits in areas where the fish are less likely to have seen them. Most anglers prefer not to use crankbaits in areas where they are more likely to become hung up, but this can offer you an advantage if you have the patience to give it a try. Finesse Baits Small, soft plastic grubs can be very hot baits in cold water. Bottom composition is again the key to catching bass with finesse baits. These small baits work extremely well along bluffs on deep-water lakes for smallmouth and largemouth bass.