Hey pro staffers,
If you had to choose one and only one type bait for bass fishing year round, "what would it be?"
My choice would be a deep diving crankbait, I feel under most situations I can locate and catch bass with these baits. What's in your tacklebox? Johnnie Crain, Iowa Pro Staff

Johnnie,
Most of the people on the staff probably already know we are good friends, fishing buddies, and seminar partners. So, this is being answered more for them than you.

You know what I use - some sort of tube. I cast, flip and pitch. Rig it with a lead head, or Texas rig it with an XGap or new Daiichi Bleeding Bait Gap hook. By the way, those new hooks are supposed to be available as of October, and the samples I got to use late this summer worked great.

Of course, your cranksbaits are always a great search lure.

For those of you who don't know, when doing seminars together I introduce Johnnie as "Crankin' Crain". That should tell you all how well he loves these lures, and for a very good reason - he is one of the best crankbait fisherman around.
Dan

Good question Crankin Crain.

Over the years the jig and pig has proven its fish catching capability in all seasons.
I think its safe to say that this bait has and will continue to catch fish in all seasons. Thus making it my choice for an all around yearly lure.
From pithing and flippin in the shallows to stroking a jig in 20 feet of water these crawdad imitations are a good bet when all else fails.

Again it all falls back to confidence, if you have confidence in the bait, then you better be throwing it.

But I sure would like to have just a few more choices.
Just in case!

I know that this is the standard answer most give but I have to say that the 6" worm would have to be my choice. You can rig it in lots of different ways and fish it in so many places that it is hard to beat. Colors if I had one color I guess it would have to be Blue Fleck power worm. Berkley has just got me hooked with that one.

Conley

Not on the pro staff, but I feel the need to respond.

The blue fleck power worm has put over $30K in tournament winnings in my pockets over the years. Canadian dollars, though. Probably about $279. at todays exchange rate. HA!

Like Conley said- it can be rigged many ways and fished in many different situations all season long.

Crankbaits just don't seem to cut it in our clear, heavily vegetated waters. The fish are either buried in the cover or right tight to the edges.

I knew when I posted this question I'd get some good answers. No doubt, the jig is a versatile bait as is the plastic worm, or for that matter any plastic bait. I'm a little surprized no one selected the spinnerbait, it's generally a great bait for all seasons. To my Canadian friend, I'll betcha I could catch some of those weed line huggin' bass on a crankbait, do it all the time in the Mississippi river, of course, the waters not clear.Thanks for posting, that's what's so great about Bassin' USA, anyone can get involved and we respect everyones opinion. Thanks guys, Johnnie Crain Iowa Pro Staff.

Johnnie,
How about giving us some of those Crankbait tips the you have. I for one would love to learn more about some of the crankbait secrets. I use them alot during tournaments but never seem to catch fish on them regularly. I always end up going to the worm or jig.

Thanks
Conley

some form of the jig or tube for me. I just can't imagine only using one bait because I do rely on a few others at different times of the year. If I had to pick one.....jig n pig only slightly over a tube jig.

Jig N Pig... That's would be the bait for me too. Damn, thing has put more money in my pocket then any other bait.

On a side note... I know that Johnnie has a written a booklet of tips which he intends to sell. I personally read it and would recommend it to anyone who is into fishing. He has some great theories, tips and tricks that I found both interesting and usefull.

Johnnie, I know we talked about getting the booklet for sale on the site, but for now, if someone wants to get a copy, how would go about it?

Brendan,
Thanks for the kind words about my little booklet. As you know it has been well received by everyone that has read it. The format is not strictly fishing tips and techniques, but includes stories from the past, humor, mistakes we've all made etc. It's a book even anglers seem to enjoy. Plus there are plenty of tricks and tips for avid anglers. Anyone interested send:$6.00 postage paid, to Johnnie Crain Outdoors, 1016 Lincoln Blvd., Muscatine, Iowa 52761. Great Christmas gift for anyone. Thanks again Brendan.