In this video, professional angler Jacob Wheeler offers a comprehensive guide to crankbait fishing. He covers the selection of crankbaits, rods, reels, and lines, along with specific casting and cranking techniques. Through detailed explanations and demonstrations, Wheeler provides valuable insights for fishing various conditions, from offshore schools to brush piles. His expert advice emphasizes understanding tools and adapting to different situations, making this video an essential resource for anglers of all skill levels.

1. Types of Crankbaits

• DT Series Line of Crankbaits (DT10 to DT20)
  • Made out of balsa, providing a subtle sound.
  • Stays on the bottom, not very buoyant.
  • Ideal for fishing offshore schools, points, and hard bottom areas.
  • Deflects off the bottom, attracting fish.
  • Tank-tested for quality.
• Cliff Banger by 13 Fishing (12 to 15-foot diver)
  • Made out of plastic, producing a louder sound.
  • Super buoyant, allowing it to float quickly.
  • Ideal for cover, stump rows, or brush piles.
  • Deflects off cover without getting hung up.

2. Rod Selection

• 7-11 Cranking Rod
  • Used for offshore schools or deeper depths.
  • Provides more leverage and distance.
  • Helps the crankbait stay on the bottom longer.
  • Allows for long casts to reach 18 feet depth.
• 7-6 Cranking Rod
  • All-around deep diving crankbait rod.
  • Medium to medium-heavy action.
  • Better for imparting action in the bait and control.
  • More accuracy for precision casting.
  • Easier to handle and less tiring.

3. Reel and Line Selection

• Reel
  • 6.8 to 1 gear ratio reel (Paradigm casting reel).
  • Higher gear ratio for speed cranking, allowing for faster retrieval.
• Line
  • 12 or 10-pound fluorocarbon for DT series to achieve deeper depth.
  • 14-pound fluorocarbon for Cliff Banger when cranking brush or stumps.
  • Line size affects depth; smaller diameter can achieve deeper depth but may reduce durability.

4. Upgrades and Tuning

• Hooks
  • Upgrading to VMC hybrids or bladed hybrid treble for better performance.
  • Size adjustments depending on the situation.
• Tuning
  • If the crankbait runs sideways, tweak it to the opposite side to make it run straight.
  • Small adjustments can make a big difference in performance.

5. Casting Techniques

• Lobbing
  • For closer targets, around 60 to 80 feet out.
  • Slowly pull the crankbait until hitting the cover.
  • Allows for more control and feel.
• Around the World Cast
  • For deeper depths, utilizing the length of the rod.
  • Speed reeling with stops to make fish react.
  • Utilizes a boomerang motion to achieve greater distance.

6. Color Selection

• Emphasizes not overthinking color.
• Focus on hues and personal preferences.
• Avoids wasting time swapping colors.
• Mentions a purple-colored crankbait as an example.

7. Approaching Offshore Points or Brush Piles

• Be on the downwind side for better control.
• Utilize wind for distance if needed.
• Avoid being on top of the target to prevent spooking fish.
• Align properly to make the perfect cast.

8. Cranking Techniques

• Cranking Cover
  • Feel the cover and walk the crankbait through it.
  • Use a buoyant crankbait to avoid getting hung up.
  • Pull and tip the rod to guide the bait.
• Deep Diving Cranking
  • Burn the crankbait or stop and start to make fish react.
  • Deflect off the hard bottom.
  • Utilize two hands for more control.

9. Demonstrations

• Jacob demonstrates various casting and cranking techniques.
• Shows how to approach different situations and cover types.
• Explains the difference between cranking cover and deep diving cranking.
• Shares tips on how to make fish react and how to feel the cover.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the importance of knowing your crankbaits and selecting the right ones.
• Encourages experimentation and understanding of the specific conditions.
• Highlights the need for practice and experience to master the techniques.

This expanded outline provides a more in-depth look at Jacob Wheeler’s techniques and insights into crankbait fishing. It covers a wide range of topics, from equipment selection to specific casting and cranking methods, offering a comprehensive guide for anglers of all skill levels.