Summer Shallow Crankbait Fishing: Scott Canterbury’s Tips for Success
Shallow crankbait fishing in the summer is one of the easiest ways to catch bass, yet many new anglers lack confidence with this technique. In a recent interview, NPFL Pro and 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year Scott Canterbury shared his advice for beginners looking to master crankbaits, particularly with Livingston Lures’ PrimeTime 2.0, to boost their game and land more bass.
Building Confidence with Crankbaits
For anglers new to crankbaits, Canterbury’s advice is simple: focus on one bait and fish it exclusively to build familiarity. “When learning a new lure or technique, leave everything else at home and commit to fishing that bait,” he says. He recommends the PrimeTime 2.0 from Livingston Lures, a shallow-running crankbait (5-7 feet, depending on line choice) that excels at covering water and deflecting off cover like docks, logs, and treetops. “Summer bass love shallow cover,” Canterbury notes. “They’re under boat docks, logs, or around grass, and a shallow crankbait like the PrimeTime 2.0 is perfect for catching them.”
To get started, match your bait color to the local forage and water clarity, then cover as much water as possible. Canterbury suggests using 12- to 15-pound P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon for its balance of strength and castability. Pair it with a 7-foot medium-heavy crankbait rod and a slower gear ratio reel (6.3:1 or 6.5:1, though a 7:1 works if you slow your retrieve). “People often fish too fast,” he cautions. His reel of choice, the KastKing MG12 (7:1), fits comfortably in hand and allows precise casts into tight spots, but he emphasizes slowing down to keep the bait effective.
The Importance of Deflecting Off Cover
When asked about making contact with cover, Canterbury stresses its importance. “Deflecting off cover triggers most bites, whether you’re fishing shallow or deep,” he explains. The PrimeTime 2.0 is designed to bounce off structure like docks or logs, creating reaction strikes. After contact, Canterbury pauses the bait, letting it float up slightly. This pause is where Livingston’s Electronic Baitfish Sound (EBS) technology shines. “Unlike other baits that need movement to make noise, Livingston lures keep emitting sound even when still,” he says. “I’ve seen so many fish hit during that pause, especially with the PrimeTime 2.0 and even topwater baits like the Flat Master in summer and winter.”
Why It Works
Canterbury’s approach leverages the PrimeTime 2.0’s ability to cover water and deflect off cover, combined with EBS technology to draw strikes from wary bass. By focusing on shallow cover, matching forage, and mastering the pause, anglers can unlock the full potential of summer crankbait fishing. “Just get out there, hit cover, and let the bait do the work,” he advises. With these tips, beginners and weekend anglers alike can confidently put more bass in the boat.