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

Swim Jig
1 bass vs. 0 bass in 2024
Lure: Jonn Graham Warrior Swim Jig with a Big Hammertail trailer (bluegill)
Top Bass: None at 12” or better

Comments
My lone bass on a swim jig came late in the year on October 26 on the Hennepin Canal. During the summer I had spoken to a pair of anglers who had noted success in tossing swim jigs and figured that I needed to give one a go before my 2025 Canal adventures closed. A handful of casts paid off as I crawled the lure amidst the fading weed growth in an aqueduct.

History
Despite glowing reviews on the effectiveness of swim jigs over the years, I have yet to commit. In fact, I have only landed a dozen bass on a swim jig dating back to 1997 with catches in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2025. This particular swim jig was from a batch that I purchased many years ago from Jonn Graham’s booth at the now defunct Elmwood All Outdoors show.

Video
The video of my lone catch presents a unique approach in what I call “perch fishing on The Canal.” In this case, “perch” refers not to a fish species, but a seat of sorts atop an aqueduct guardrail. The height of the protective barrier makes it tough to present a lure effectively from a standing position. Instead, I have taken to climbing the guardrail and locking my legs into the beams for stability. It works like a charm and gets rather exciting when a quality bass is on the line. In such instances, I must climb down and walk the fish to a landing point beyond the barrier. This fish was not one of those instances.

Last Cast
I am a creature of habit who relies heavily on his “confidence lures” and there just hasn’t been a need for swim jigs in my arsenal. As such, I don’t anticipate them getting much action in 2026.

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