The Best Plastic Craws for Largemouth Bass Fishing

Plastic craws are soft plastic lures designed to mimic crawfish, a primary food source for largemouth bass. Anglers use them by rigging them onto a jig head or Texas rig and then casting them near structures like rocks, vegetation, or submerged logs where bass tend to hide. The lifelike movement and appearance of the plastic craws entice bass to strike, making them a popular choice among bass anglers.

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PHAT PAK BAITS SWAMP MONSTER RAGE BUG

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RABID BAITS RABID CRAW

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BERKLEY POWERBAIT PIT BOSS

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What we look for in quality plastic craws…

  1. Realistic Design: We choose craws with lifelike features such as realistic claws, body texture, and coloration to effectively mimic a crawfish.
  2. Durable Material: We opt for a durable and flexible plastic material that can withstand multiple strikes and retain its shape after repeated use.
  3. Natural Movement: We select a craw with a design that allows for natural movement in the water, such as flapping claws or undulating body motion, to attract bass effectively.
  4. Action-Enhancing Features: We seek out plastic craws with features like appendages or ribbing that create additional movement and vibration in the water, attracting the attention of nearby bass and triggering strikes even in low visibility conditions.

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How to fish plastic craws…

To fish plastic craws for largemouth bass, start by selecting an appropriate rigging method such as Texas rig, Carolina rig, or jighead rig. Cast your plastic craw near structures like rocks, docks, or submerged vegetation where bass are likely to be hiding. Let the lure sink to the bottom, then use a slow and steady retrieve, occasionally pausing to allow the craw to flutter and mimic the natural movement of a crawfish. Pay attention to any subtle strikes or changes in line tension, and be ready to set the hook firmly when you feel a bite. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and movements until you find what triggers the most strikes in the specific fishing conditions you’re facing.

When to fish plastic craws…

  1. Warm Water Temperatures: Largemouth bass are more active and aggressive in warmer water, typically ranging from spring through early fall. Target areas where the water temperature is between 55°F to 80°F (13°C to 27°C).
  2. Pre-Spawn and Spawn Periods: During the pre-spawn and spawn periods in spring, bass are actively feeding to prepare for spawning or guarding their nests. Plastic craws resemble crawfish, a staple food source for bass during this time.
  3. Low Light Conditions: Bass are more likely to roam and feed during low light conditions such as early morning, late afternoon, or cloudy days. Fishing plastic craws during these times can increase your chances of attracting bites.
  4. Vegetation and Structure: Target areas with abundant vegetation, submerged rocks, fallen trees, docks, or other forms of structure where bass can hide and ambush prey. Plastic craws excel in these environments, as they can be worked effectively through cover without getting snagged easily.
  5. Post-Frontal Conditions: Fishing after a cold front passes can be challenging, but bass often become more active as weather stabilizes. Plastic craws presented slowly and methodically can entice reluctant bass to strike, especially in clear water conditions.

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