The Continuing Evolution Of Crankbait Design

Oddly enough, experience (while admittedly not scientific) has led me to use prism-inserted crankbaits in the lower half of the water column. Often, when trolling shallower, too much light or flash is refracted. I believe this spooks the fish, as it likely looks unnatural. I prefer instead to apply small strips of holographic tape, when fishing either shallow or in the often extremely clear waters of the Great Lakes. When the erratic hunting action of the "hump baits" is combined with a small piece of tape, just enough flash is produced. This is also a perfect time to select subtle colors, such as purple or white. White is especially effective under these circumstances, as it reflects all light.

This rule of thumb depends on water clarity. If the top ten feet of the water column is severely stained or it's overcast, conditions suggest that it's a good time to use a darker-colored bait with a prism insert. Rules are meant to be broken, however, and experimentation should never stop.

One rule will likely remain constant for me, told to me by the best walleye angler I know: That walleyes do not travel far from the grocery store. This simple truth has led me to use lures that mimic the forage base. While thousands of walleyes are caught on firetiger patterns, I have yet to see any living thing in the water that even comes close to resembling it. This just goes to show that fish still have to see a lure, no matter how pretty or ugly it may look to our eyes. When it comes down to it, action or flash, or a combination thereof, instinctively triggers fish to strike. So don't be afraid to give "hump baits" a try. Time spent experimenting with both prism baits and holographic tape will be worth your time, as well.

*Ross Robertson and the late Jim Fofrich, Jr., two Toledo fishing buddies with a passion for Lake Erie fishing, collaborated on this feature, with Ross completing it in tribute to Jim's untimely passing, investigative spirit, and unbridled enthusiasm for helping others to catch fish. Robertson handles boat sales for Cabela's in Dundee, Michigan.