Photo by: Seigo Saito
As I look back over the years of watching professional fishing, not one dominant pattern has ever been so noticeable to me. On the official practice day of the classic I had the chance to ride with Justin Lucas and that is when I first notice this color pattern emerge. The crankbait was obviously a
Crankbaits ranged from manufacturers that were used and most where a usual shallow square bill, to flat side, and the ever-favorite rattle trap style bait. Even during the Bassmaster High School and College Championships events that where held nearby the crankbait was key for limits and eventually wins. 2019 Bassmaster Classic anglers used crankbaits like the Spro Fat John 60, Berkley Frittside, Rapala DT 4/6 & Balsa BX Extreme Brat Squarebill, PH Customs Hand Carved Lil Guy, Bill Lewis Rattle-Trap & MR-6, Jackall Bling 55, Storm Arashi Vibe.
The color of choice for all but one of those crankbaits was some variation of the red craw color. This color was absolutely favored by anglers in the classic. When anglers got up on stage to talk about that day’s catches, you constantly heard red craw, red craw, red craw…. like I said even the high school and college championship tournaments were dominated by the red craw color.
I had a chance to take part in a few backstage talks with several of the anglers from the classic about the color. It was even brought up about the use of the red color in areas where you won’t find crawfish in that color. The overwhelming response was the color creates a reaction in fish even when red crawfish are not present. The other thing mentioned was some crawfish turn red during the spring spawn that also attracts the attention of bass.
Actually, all spring during the FLW, MLF, and Bassmaster the red color has been key. So, what is your favorite red craw color and crankbait that you use. If you haven’t used one before, what are you waiting for?
Semper Fish!
Joe, The National Angler
