Use 'Changeup' Retrieves with Crankbaits

Some anglers think a crankbait is something you toss out, reel it back and catch fish. While this holds true a decent amount of the time, if you're reeling a crankbait at the same speed, you're likely missing some available bites.

One of the easiest ways to modify your crankbait presentation is to vary the speed of the retrieve. If you've ever watched baitfish, you'll notice they rarely move at a constant speed. They'll dart back and forth quickly, only to slow down for a few moments before moving quickly again.

Remember, you're trying to emulate the forage. Cranking your reel faster for a few turns, followed by a short pause, and continuing your retrieve normally more closely resembles how baitfish move. You must experiment with your retrieve. There are times when a steady retrieve simply will not work. So before you put the crankbait rod down, give this trick a try. It will help you catch more fish.