Crankbait

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A Crankbait is a type of fishing lure that dives under the surface and wiggles from side to side when pulled through the water. Crankbaits usually resemble small fish and the action of the lure is intended to resemble the swimming motion of a fish. These types of lures can range from a few inches to over 12 inches in length.

The action of a crankbait is generated by the hydrodynamic forces acting on a lip at the front of the crankbait that projects down and forward. Modern crankbaits almost always have a clear plastic lip of varying size and angle relative to the body of the lure, or are lipless. Lipless crankbaits have a flat front 'forehead' that acts as the lip.

Most crankbaits are made from plastic or wood (though a few metal crankbaits have been manufactured), and have one to three treble hooks hanging underneath. Crankbaits float, sink, or are neutrally buoyant. Some crankbaits come equipped with one or more metal BBs inside to produce a rattling sound when in motion to attract fish. Some crankbaits have a jointed body that enhances the 'action' of the lure, giving the illusion of sinuous swimming motion.

The term crankbait refers to the fact that the lure is cast out on rod and reel, and retrieved by cranking the reel.