Crankbait — Deflection Retrieve

Cast a crankbait and wind it back — but the magic happens when the bill hits rocks, wood, or other structure and deflects erratically. That deflection triggers reaction strikes from fish that weren't going to eat a steady retrieve.

When to use it

Best in spring (post-spawn through early summer) when bass and walleye chase shad on rocky banks, and again in fall when baitfish schools push shallow. Water temps of 55–72°F produce the most aggressive reaction strikes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Cast past your target structure — rocks, stumps, brush piles.

2. 2

   Begin a steady medium-speed retrieve — fast enough to get the bill digging.

3. 3

   When you feel the lure hit structure, don't slow down — keep reeling.

4. 4

   The erratic kick as the lure deflects off the object is your strike trigger.

5. 5

   Set the hook immediately on any deviation in the feel of the lure.

6. 6

   Vary your retrieve speed — sometimes a slow wobble works, sometimes burning it triggers strikes.

Pro Tip

Aim to make the crankbait deflect off something on nearly every cast. A crankbait that swims freely through open water rarely out-fishes one that is constantly bumping into things.

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