Lipless Crankbaits, fishing baits for dummies?

One of the most fished patterns on southern lakes is to use lipless crankbaits, such as Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'r, Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and Yo-Zuri Rattl'n Vibe worked over depths of 2 to 8 feet with grass. This especially true during late winter and spring. When we are speaking of lipless crankbaits, we are talking about a rapidly growing family of baits with endless methods of presentations that anglers have discovered will catch fish. Almost every major bait company now has their own version of a lipless crankbait whereas 30 (plus) years ago there were few choices.


One of the first was Cordell's Hot Spot which was successful and caught lots of fish. However, it was not until a Louisiana angler/bait designer named Bill Lewis added his ideas did the entire angling world take note. Lewis, in one of the most successful marketing moves ever, decided to name his new rattling bait after his old Ford station wagon....Rat-L-Trap. As they say, the rest is history....20 million baits later.


Lipless crankbaits have been given the name 'idiot baits' in some fishing circles. You just throw it out and reel it back and it catches fish. Hey, works for me! However, those anglers who consistently catch fish on this lure have learned subtle, various methods to present these baits to bass so when the chunk n wind technique fails, they are still catching bass. Anglers will use various sizes (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ounce) as well as endless color choices. In addition, not all brands perform the same. Some companies build the baits to have sound chambers where the rattle is high pitched and loud while others are low pitched and more subtle. Select companies even offer both.


Furthermore, various baits have a different shape which makes them sink and run in a unique manner. The angler can use a fast, medium, or slow retrieve as well as a stop n go and a yo-yo presentation. The choice of line will also impact how the bait works or falls through the water volume and how it looks to the fish. A heavy line will slow the rate of fall while a lighter line will increase it.


Fluorocarbon line will allow the bait to fall much faster than braid. Some days the fish want it falling fast, other days slowly. Some days the bass will be on open flats and other days you have to make your lipless crankbait hit grass or you will go fishless. These are only a handful of variables related to fishing lipless crankbaits which can impact how many fish will come into the boat during a day on the lake. Idiot baits? Maybe so, maybe not. The only dumb thing an angler might do would be to neglect the use of these very effective fishing tools.