Conventional wisdom suggests that crankbaits are for warm water and active fish. However, the squarebill crankbait is a sleeper assassin in the winter, provided you know exactly where to throw it and how to work it. While bass are lethargic, they are still predatory animals wired to react to sudden movements. This technique is less about hunger and more about a reaction strike.

The key to winter cranking is deflection. Swimming a squarebill through open water in January is rarely effective. You need to target hard cover, specifically rock and riprap banks which hold heat better than other parts of the lake. Cast parallel to the bank and grind the bill of the crankbait into the rocks.

When the lure careens off a rock and changes direction erratically, it triggers a "fight or flight" response in the bass. Even a fish that isn't hungry will often snap at a lure that suddenly deflects off a rock near their face. Choose a crankbait with a tight wiggle rather than a wide wobble, as tight actions are more natural in cold water. Use a slower gear ratio reel to keep the bait moving at a moderate pace, but ensure you are constantly making contact with the bottom.

Pro Tip:

In the winter, red is the color of champions. Early in the year, many bass are feeding on crawfish that are emerging or changing shells. A red or crawfish-patterned squarebill stands out in stained water and perfectly mimics this primary forage.

Suggested Gear:

• Rod: LUNKERSTICK Casting Series 7'0" Medium Moderate-Fast (Model: MBC-470MFC). Just like with jerkbaits, the parabolic bend of this rod prevents you from ripping the hooks out of the fish's mouth during the strike.

• Lure: MONSTERBASS Flatline. This squarebill has a computer-chip bill that is highly durable for grinding against rocks and produces a tight, hunting action that triggers cold-water fish.