When is a good time to use crankbaits for bass? Fall is a classic time of the year for this approach for bucketmouths and bronzebacks alike. Like other times of the year, water temperatures play a big role in choosing the baits you use.
As fall approaches, as in evidence by the current cold snap, water temps begin to fall. Bass will slow down, and you have to adapt your fishing strategies to match their feeding habits. As winter will be coming around the corner the bass will not completely shut down in the lands up north. They need to put on the feedbag much like pike and muskie will.
Suspending baits, from 3 to 6 inches length are good places to start. If its an overcast day, try a bait with rattles in the body. Start with a steady retrieve and vary it from time to time. If you have one of those new fandangled baitcasting reels that actually stagger the retrieve thats good, if not, just try giving them a good crank, stop and crank again. This allows the head of the lure to sharply dive and then rise slightly up again. Slow is good, just dont try burning your baits as the fish’s metabolism will be slowing down because of the cooler water.
good luck