For serious anglers, shallow-water fishing demands efficiency, adaptability, and the ability to cover water quickly. In both Major League Fishing and Bassmaster Elite Series events, anglers must locate and dial in a pattern fast, and few lures accomplish that task better than a squarebill crankbait. Among the top choices for this style of fishing is the Megabass S-Crank, a squarebill designed with an advanced hunting action that allows it to generate reaction strikes in both open water and heavy cover.
Unlike traditional squarebills requiring structure contact to produce erratic movement, the Megabass S-Crank features built-in deflection that allows it to create unpredictable escape movements without colliding with rocks, logs, or other obstacles. This unique action enables anglers to cover more water, find active fish faster, and generate strikes in locations where traditional squarebills might struggle.
This guide will cover the best techniques, gear setups, and seasonal strategies for maximizing the Megabass S-Crank’s potential in shallow water.
What Makes the Megabass S-Crank Different?
Built-In Deflection Without Contact
Most squarebill crankbaits are designed to deflect off cover—whether that’s rocks, wood, or riprap—to create the erratic movements that trigger bass strikes. The problem is that there is no structure to force those deflections in open water or grass flats.
The Megabass S-Crank solves this problem with a built-in hunting action that causes it to dart erratically and then return to center on its own, mimicking the escape behavior of fleeing baitfish. This means anglers can trigger bites even when fishing in open water, giving the S-Crank a significant advantage over traditional squarebills.
Versatility in Different Cover Types
While most anglers associate squarebills with rocks, riprap, and laydowns, the Megabass S-Crank expands its effectiveness into areas where bass rarely see this lure type. Its ability to work through grass, submerged timber, and even open flats makes it an excellent tool for pressured fisheries, where bass have grown wary of traditional baits like spinnerbaits and jerkbaits.
Ideal for Covering Water and Finding Active Fish
The Megabass S-Crank is built for speed. Whether fishing a tournament or searching for new productive areas, quickly covering large areas is key to maximizing time on the water. The bait’s erratic movement at high speeds makes it perfect for power fishing, helping anglers locate aggressive fish fast and then refine their approach based on how the bass respond.
Techniques for Fishing the Megabass S-Crank
Targeting Cover Efficiently
One of the primary advantages of the Megabass S-Crank is its ability to work through different types of shallow cover, from logs and docks to submerged grass beds and rocky banks. To maximize its effectiveness:
- Make multiple casts from different angles when fishing around laydowns, docks, and logs. Changing the retrieve angle can alter how the bait moves and deflects, leading to more strikes.
- Focus on making contact when possible. While the S-Crank doesn’t require structure contact to trigger bites, bumping into cover can still enhance its erratic movement and provoke aggressive reactions from bass holding tight to structure.
- Use short pauses and sudden speed changes to mimic the unpredictable movements of injured baitfish.
Speed as a Trigger
One of the biggest misconceptions in crankbait fishing is that you should slow down your retrieve when fish aren’t biting. In reality, the opposite is often true.
Bass are predatory fish, and when they see baitfish trying to escape, they instinctively chase. If you aren’t getting bites on a moderate retrieve, try speeding up the bait rather than slowing it down.
- The Megabass S-Crank’s natural escape movement makes it highly effective at high speeds, as it flicks side to side like a panicked baitfish.
- If bass are hesitant, try burning the bait across key areas, forcing fish to react before they have time to inspect the lure.
- If fishing in cold water, you may need to slow down slightly, but increasing speed often triggers more strikes in warmer conditions.
Changing Retrieve Styles for More Bites
Even though squarebills are generally fished on a steady retrieve, changing how you work the bait can often make a huge difference.
- Pause and Rip: Occasionally, stopping the retrieve and giving a sharp snap can create a sudden, erratic movement that forces bass to strike.
- Erratic Twitches: Giving the rod slight twitches during retrieval can cause the bait to dart unpredictably.
- Steady Retrieve with Varying Speeds: Instead of burning it the entire time, try changing speeds midway through the cast to simulate a baitfish struggling to escape.
When and Where to Fish the Megabass S-Crank
Seasonal Breakdown
The Megabass S-Crank is effective across multiple seasons, but color selection and retrieval adjustments are key.
- Spring:
- Bass are often focused on crawfish, making red and brown patterns ideal.
- Fish around rocky banks, riprap, and laydowns, where crawfish are commonly found.
- Summer:
- Bass shift to eating bluegill and sunfish, so green and perch-colored squarebills excel.
- Target docks, shallow grass edges, and brush piles where bluegill congregate.
- Fall:
- Bass focus on shad, making white, silver, and chartreuse color patterns highly effective.
- Fish around creek mouths, points, and flats where shad schools are present.
Choosing the Right Size Based on Location
The Megabass S-Crank comes in multiple sizes, and choosing the right one depends on the fishery and size of the bass:
- Smaller Profile Lakes & Rivers (Ohio River, Smallmouth Fisheries): A 1.2-size squarebill is better suited for smaller baitfish populations.
- Big Lakes (Rayburn, Lake of the Ozarks): Larger bass often prefer bigger profiles, so starting with a 2.0-size squarebill is best.
- If fish swipe at the bait but don’t commit, downsize to the next smallest version. If they’re engulfing the bait completely, upsizing may attract bigger fish.
Gear Setup for Fishing the Megabass S-Crank
Rod Selection
- 7’0″ – 7’4″ Medium to Medium-Heavy Cranking Rod
- A moderate action absorbs aggressive strikes and prevents hooks from tearing out. Try out the F4.5-70XX FLATSIDE SPECIAL
Reel Choice
- High-speed baitcasting reel (7.1:1 or faster)
- Allows quick adjustments and maintains better control over the bait’s erratic movement.
Line Selection
- Fluorocarbon (12-17 lb test)
- Provides better sensitivity and durability when bouncing off cover.
- Monofilament (12-15 lb test)
- Keeps the bait slightly higher in the water column, useful in grass or shallow conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Megabass S-Crank is a must-have for shallow-water anglers due to its unique escape action, ability to be fished in open water, and versatility across multiple cover types. By incorporating speed variations, targeted retrieves, and seasonal adjustments, anglers can make this squarebill an essential tool for locating and triggering aggressive fish in any shallow-water scenario.
