The warming water of spring draws bass to the bank, where they start feeding up for the spawn. A shallowdiving crankbait is one of the best tools to locate and trigger these fish. Crankbait designer and whizkid Ott DeFoe shares his expertise on leveraging crankbaits for maximum impact in the spring.

FEATURED TACKLE (retail links)
• CRANKBAIT 1 Rapala OG Deep Tiny 7: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/5gd3V1 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3x4Cg6Z
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• ROD Bass Pro Shops Crankin' Stick Crankbait Casting Rod 7' Medium Fast B: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/jWKoda
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• LINE Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, 12pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/RyAZ5y

ANATOMY OF A GOOD CRANKING SHORELINE
DeFoe stresses the utility of crankbaits when targeting bass spread out over expanses of rocky shorelines. He prefers dynamic banks with features like kickouts, dips, isolated wood cover, and varied rock formations. Complex structure and cover like this hold crawfish and attract baitfish while providing ample ambush points for bass.

CRANKBAIT SELECTION FOR THE EARLY PUSH
DeFoe prefers a smaller flatsided crankbait with minimal noise when the water is cold. He notes that the first good push of shallow fish aren't typically active, so a less aggressive presentation tends to get bit more. Running depth is the next key consideration. DeFoe designed the Rapala OG (Ott's Garage) crankbait lineup with this in mind. The OG Tiny Series comes in 4 and 7foot running depth models. With the same action and profile, Ott selects based on where the fish are holding and often switches between the two.

THE WATER TEMPERATURE FACTOR
Spring bass location can be heavily influenced by water temperature. Ott always has an eye on the temperature gauge, noting even small changes of 1 to 2 degrees. The backs of pockets and creeks, especially those with runins (small tributary streams), are often a few degrees warmer and draw the highest concentrations of bass and other fish species. A small flatsided crankbait is an excellent shad and crawfish imitator, allowing DeFoe to find where the fish are holding quickly.

BOAT SETUP
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