Fishing deep water can be a real challenge. You need a lure that gets down fast and stays in the strike zone. That’s where deep diving crankbaits come in. They’re designed to reach those hard-to-get-to depths, enticing fish that are lurking below. I’ve spent years experimenting with different crankbaits, and I’ve learned which ones consistently produce results. This article will cover my top picks for deep diving crankbaits to help you catch more fish.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Strike King Pro Model 6XD: Great all-around deep diver, durable, runs true.
- Lucky Craft SKT Mag DR 110: Premium finish, tight wobble, excellent for clear water.
- Rapala DT 16: Classic design, consistent depth, reliable action.
- Bomber Deep Long A: Affordable, dives deep quickly, good for covering water.
- Norman DD22: Legendary action, proven fish-catcher, wide wobble.
Top 5 Best Deep Diving Crankbaits
1. Strike King Pro Model 6XD
The Strike King 6XD is a workhorse. This crankbait is known for its ability to reach depths of 15-19 feet, making it perfect for targeting those deeper ledges and channels. It’s also incredibly durable, which is a huge plus when you’re banging it off rocks and structure all day.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent diving depth (15-19 feet)
- ✅ Very durable construction
- ✅ Runs true out of the package
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit bulky in the water
- ❌ Some anglers find the color selection limited
- ❌ Treble hooks could be sharper
Verdict: The Strike King 6XD is an excellent all-around deep diving crankbait for anglers who need a reliable lure that can withstand heavy use. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and experienced anglers.
2. Lucky Craft SKT Mag DR 110
If you’re looking for a premium crankbait with exceptional detail and action, the Lucky Craft SKT Mag DR 110 is worth the investment. This lure has a tight wobble that’s irresistible to bass, especially in clear water conditions. The attention to detail in the finish is impressive, making it look incredibly realistic.
Pros:
- ✅ High-quality finish and realistic appearance
- ✅ Tight wobble action is effective in clear water
- ✅ Dives quickly and maintains depth
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than other options
- ❌ Paint can chip with heavy use
- ❌ Best suited for clear water; not as effective in murky conditions
Verdict: The Lucky Craft SKT Mag DR 110 is a top-tier crankbait for anglers who are willing to pay a premium for quality and performance. It’s particularly effective in clear water and for targeting pressured fish.
3. Rapala DT 16
The Rapala DT 16 is a classic for a reason. This balsa wood crankbait has a unique action and consistent diving depth that has caught countless fish over the years. It’s known for its reliability and ability to trigger strikes even when other lures fail.
Pros:
- ✅ Consistent diving depth (around 16 feet)
- ✅ Unique balsa wood action
- ✅ Wide range of color patterns available
Cons:
- ❌ Balsa wood is not as durable as plastic
- ❌ Can be more prone to snags due to its buoyancy
- ❌ Some colors are hard to find
Verdict: The Rapala DT 16 is a must-have for any serious crankbait fisherman. Its classic design and proven performance make it a reliable choice for targeting deep water bass.
4. Bomber Deep Long A
The Bomber Deep Long A is a great option if you’re on a budget but still want a crankbait that can reach those deeper depths. It dives quickly and has a wide wobble that attracts attention. This lure is a good choice for covering a lot of water and finding active fish.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable price point
- ✅ Dives deep quickly
- ✅ Good for covering a lot of water
Cons:
- ❌ Not as durable as some other options
- ❌ Finish can wear off relatively quickly
- ❌ Action can be inconsistent at times
Verdict: The Bomber Deep Long A is a solid choice for anglers who need an affordable deep diving crankbait that can still produce results. It’s a good option for beginners or those who fish in areas with a lot of snags.
5. Norman DD22
The Norman DD22 is a legendary crankbait that has been catching fish for decades. It’s known for its wide wobble and ability to trigger strikes in a variety of conditions. This lure is a favorite among tournament anglers for its consistent performance.
Pros:
- ✅ Proven fish-catching ability
- ✅ Wide wobble action is very effective
- ✅ Durable construction
Cons:
- ❌ Can be difficult to find in some colors
- ❌ Requires a strong rod to handle its action
- ❌ Can be prone to snagging in heavy cover
Verdict: The Norman DD22 is a classic crankbait that deserves a spot in every angler’s tackle box. Its proven track record and reliable performance make it a top choice for targeting deep water bass.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right deep diving crankbait can seem overwhelming, but here are a few things to consider:
- Diving Depth: Match the diving depth of the crankbait to the depth you’re targeting. If you’re fishing in 15 feet of water, a crankbait that dives to 12-16 feet is ideal.
- Action: Consider the action of the crankbait. A wide wobble is good for murky water, while a tighter wobble is better for clear water.
- Size and Profile: Match the size of the crankbait to the size of the forage in your area. If the bass are feeding on small shad, a smaller profile crankbait is a better choice.
- Color: Choose colors that match the water clarity and the available forage. In clear water, natural colors like shad and bluegill are good choices. In murky water, brighter colors like chartreuse and firetiger can be more effective.
- Durability: Look for crankbaits that are made from durable materials and have strong hooks. You don’t want to lose a fish because your crankbait fell apart.
- Water Clarity: Clear water usually requires more subtle colors and tighter wobbles. Murkier water often calls for brighter colors and wider wobbles to help fish locate the bait.
- Structure: If you are fishing around heavy cover, consider crankbaits with deflecting bills that can bounce off obstacles without snagging easily.
- Rod and Reel: Using the right rod and reel setup is crucial for effectively fishing deep diving crankbaits. A longer rod with a moderate action helps with casting distance and absorbing the shock of the strike. A reel with a lower gear ratio provides more power for reeling in deep diving crankbaits.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to fish a deep diving crankbait?
A: Cast it out, let it dive to the desired depth, and then retrieve it with a steady retrieve. Vary your retrieve speed to see what the fish prefer. Bumping the crankbait off structure can often trigger strikes.
Q: How do I avoid getting snagged with a deep diving crankbait?
A: Choose crankbaits with deflecting bills that can bounce off obstacles. Use a rod with a sensitive tip to feel for snags before they happen. If you do get snagged, try shaking your rod or backing off and then pulling sharply to free the lure.
Q: What line should I use for deep diving crankbaits?
A: Fluorocarbon line is a good choice because it’s nearly invisible underwater and has low stretch. Monofilament line is also a good option, especially for crankbaits with a lot of vibration. Braid can be used, but it’s important to use a fluorocarbon leader to avoid spooking the fish.
Q: What time of year is best for deep diving crankbaits?
A: Deep diving crankbaits can be effective year-round, but they are particularly useful during the warmer months when fish tend to move deeper to find cooler water.
Q: How important is the bill design on a deep diving crankbait?
A: The bill design is very important as it determines the diving depth, action, and deflection capabilities of the lure. Longer bills typically result in deeper diving depths, while the angle and shape of the bill influence the lure’s wobble and its ability to deflect off cover.
Conclusion
Deep diving crankbaits are essential tools for any angler looking to target fish in deeper water. By choosing the right crankbait for the conditions and using the right techniques, you can increase your chances of catching more fish. I’ve had days where a deep diving crankbait was the only thing that produced bites, so don’t leave home without them. Good luck on the water!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
