In this video, legendary bass angler Kevin VanDam breaks down one of his favorite fall fishing techniques using a hard-charging crankbait on Table Rock Lake. As the water cools and bass begin transitioning to shallower zones, KVD targets key areas where different types of shoreline rock meet, creating the ideal forage mix of crawfish and shad. In addition to teaching how to fish a crankbait, KVD shares how to choose the best crankbait for the depth zone and how to fish the bait for maximum triggering effect.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- CRANKBAIT – Strike King 3XD Series Pro-Model Crankbait: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Lew’s KVD Series Crankbait Casting Rod – 7’1″ – Medium Heavy: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – Lew’s KVD Baitcast Reel – Right – 6.2:1 (KVD1H), 6.2:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE – Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, 12-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
ELECTRONICS & BOAT
- BOAT – 2021 Nitro Z21-XL: Check out at Nitro
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250 hp: Check out at Mercury
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDERS – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging Transducer – Ultrex: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster Premium VX Digital Map Chart Card – Great Plains: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
FALL CRANKBAIT STRATEGIES FOR BASS FISHING
KVD explains how he uses crankbaits like the 3XD and 5XD to efficiently cover large areas of water, a crucial tactic during the fall transition. Crankbaits allow anglers to fish faster, covering more water in less time than slower methods like drop shots or shaky heads. With this approach, KVD hits multiple areas quickly, which is essential when bass are scattered across different zones. He demonstrates how to locate productive spots by focusing on bank transitions, especially where gravel meets stair-step rocks. These areas create natural ambush zones for bass, making them prime spots for targeting smallmouth, spotted bass, and largemouth.
CRANKBAIT SELECTION FOR DIFFERENT DEPTH ZONES
KVD emphasizes the importance of selecting the right crankbait for varying depths and water clarity. The Strike King 3XD runs deep enough to hit 12-foot depths, while the 5XD reaches even deeper, around 15- to 18 feet. According to KVD, the key to success is ensuring the crankbait makes consistent bottom contact. Anglers can fish more efficiently by paralleling bank transitions to keep the bait in the strike zone longer.
Just because you’re fishing clear water doesn’t mean you need to reach for a minnow or jerkbait. Consider this power fishing technique for fall transition bass, regardless of water clarity, the next time you hit the lake this fall.
