Crankbaits
2 bass vs. 19 bass in 2024
Rapala DT10 (parrot), Strike King KVD 2.5 Rattling Squarebill (natural pumpkinseed)
Top Bass: 2-14 Lake Storey – September 15
Top 2 Weight (only two at 12” or better): 3-11 (2-14,0-13)

Comments
Crankbaits took a back seat to a collection of other presentations in 2025 as I simply didn’t need them due to the success of other lures. Of the two bass that I caught (both on Lake Storey), one was on a Rapala DT10 targeting an isolated stump in about eight feet of water. The fact that it worked like a charm was one of the most rewarding catches of the year. The other crankbait catch was the lone success along the dam, a stretch that normally produces several bites.

September 15 – Top Crankbait Bass at 2-14 (18″) on Lake Storey

History
I invested a significant amount of time on Lake Storey from August to November where crankbaits have long been a mainstay. However, I got onto a spinnerbait bite on my “home” lake that precluded picking up a crankbait rod. I suspect that a crankbait would have still produced but it was one of those “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” situations. One of the bass that I fooled with a crankbait was a solid 2-14 caught on a Rapala DT10 in the parrot color pattern. That bait holds the distinction of having landed my largest bass of all-time, a 7-3 from the Emiquon Preserve in 2009.

Video
Unfortunately, I did not have my GoPro running when I landed the 2-14 bass that was my 2025 Top Crankbait Bass. As a result, I am only able to include the release video. It may be better that I did not have the camera running anyway as it was on a “secret” spot, a stump in about eight foot of water where a riprap bank transitions to mud. Not equipped with very fancy electronics, I was proud of this catch in finding the sweet spot relying primarily on experience. I did include that catch video of the second bass. Although not a particularly impressive specimen, it was the only “dam” Lake Storey bass that I landed as the typically reliable retention structure let me down in 2025.

 

Last Cast
It really surprised me when evaluating the 2025 totals that it only included two crankbait bass. Typically, I would land more than that on a Mann’s Baby 1- on The Canal or a few strip pits. And I suspect that is just what will happen in 2026.

Another lure on the way tomorrow so talk to you later. Troy