As winter transitions into spring here in Southern California, our fishing opportunities begin to grow. There is a direct correlation between rising water temperatures and better fishing which we observe here in San Diego during the springtime months. However, we’ve had an exceptionally cold winter by Southern California standards, accompanied by strong winds and frequent rainstorms. With the water taking longer to warm up than usual, and offshore fishing grounds being almost inaccessible due to less-than-ideal weather, we’ve had to explore and find a fishery that can provide us entertainment and big bites as we wait for this prolonged winter to depart.

Enter Southern California’s back bays and lagoons. These shallow water flats are the hidden gems of our inshore fishery. As the days become longer and overcast skies turn blue, water temperatures rise drastically, and once lethargic fish become hungry and aggressive.

When this time of year arises, we look to capitalize on certain fisheries and there’s no better way to do this than with a certified pro. Lucky for us, we were able to connect with friend and guide Eric Risen of Risen Tide Sportfishing. Eric is an inshore and San Diego Bay specialist who we trusted fully to provide us with as much fishing action as conditions would allow. We couldn’t have asked for a more productive day, as throughout the morning we were treated to countless aggressive bites and a substantial variety of species.

From the smallmouth country of the Midwest to the lake chains of the south to the California delta, crankbaits have accounted for countless tournament wins and personal bests. However, where they are often overlooked is in the salt. Freshwater bass fishing and the inshore fisheries of southern California have many parallels. From the predatory nature and behavior of the various species to the techniques employed by anglers, there is much to learn from the crossover of these two styles of fishing.

Swimbaits, jigs, A-rigs, and spinnerbaits have all shown why they deserve a place in the SoCal inshore fisherman’s arsenal. However, the crankbait is one bait that holds incredible potential for the angler willing to try something new.

What makes crankbaits so useful is the pace at which they can be fished throughout the water column. By adjusting the size of the bait from shallow to deep and the speed of one’s retrieve, it is possible to fish these baits in almost any place that an inshore species resides.

Docks, grass beds, deep structure, break walls. You can dissect each one of these inshore habitats with a crankbait. And with the ability of a crankbait to deflect off structure, you can fish aggressively and without the concern of snagging.

In addition to the versatility with so many options of crankbaits to choose from, the main reason why it has proven to be such a productive bait is the reaction that it can illicit. Whether it is the dead of winter or a hot summer bite, a predatory species is going to be hard pressed not to react to a crankbait moving past them. The speed, action, and color provoke an instinctual response to lash out of anger, hunger, or both!

The feeling of having a crankbait stopped full speed by a Spotted Bay Bass is something that I hope every inshore fisherman can experience. Pure predation instinct meets a fast reaction bait. Fishing a crankbait truly reveals the full ferocity of spotted bay bass.

Being a fisherman that grew up primarily fishing freshwater, finding ways to apply successful freshwater techniques to saltwater applications is something that has always interested me. The crankbait epitomizes the success of traditional freshwater lures in the salt. Crankbaits exploit the predatory nature of inshore species and allow anglers to fish for them in a variety of inshore habitats. By experimenting with depth, retrieve cadence, size, and color, crankbaits hold the keys to endless successful days on the water.