Al Lindner focuses on rocks for crankbait largemouth bass inside weedlines using Rapala’s amazing Rocco crankbait. Here, we focused on one of Al Lindner’s favorite spots for largemouth: rock and weed transitions.
One-Rod Crankbait Largemouth Bass Day
I know it will be a good day when I go fishing with just one rod and reel setup. That’s precisely how this adventure started. A single lure tied on, confidence high, and an eager cameraman asking, “Where are the rest of the rods?” When you know the bite is hot, you don’t need a dozen setups—you just need the right one.
The first crankbait largemouth of the day hit fast. It wasn’t the biggest bass we’d see, but it was a solid start. As the lure made its way through the water, a school of bass lit up on the sonar, jam-packed and actively feeding. It was one of those dream bites—something every angler wishes for, especially in a tournament setting where every catch counts. 
The Diversity of Largemouth Bass Fishing
Largemouth bass are unique in that there are countless ways to catch them. Of all the freshwater species, and even compared to some saltwater fish, the versatility of bass fishing techniques is unmatched. From flipping jigs to topwater explosions, finesse presentations to power fishing, the options are endless.
I’ve always believed that there is more diversity in the ways you can catch a largemouth bass than any other fish in freshwater—or even saltwater. There are so many different techniques, so many ways to present a lure to these fish, and each scenario demands a different approach.
Before long, another fish is on, and this one feels bigger. We’re in a spot known for holding big bass, and this one is giving a fight that suggests she’s got some size. As she comes in, it’s clear—this is a good one, a “gooder one,” as my brother used to say. The area I fish in is blessed with an abundance of lakes, hundreds within an hour’s drive, and every single one of them holds largemouth bass.
A Fisherman’s Paradise
Fishing in Minnesota is a true blessing. With hundreds of lakes within an hour’s drive, largemouth bass are never far away. Nearly every body of water that hasn’t suffered a freeze-out holds bass, and each offers a unique challenge. Some lakes are deep and clear, others are shallow and murky, some filled with timber, others lined with thick vegetation.
This variety demands different “delivery systems”—various methods of presenting lures depending on the environment. Some lakes are best for finesse fishing, while others are perfect for cranking. Today’s lake, with its combination of rocks and weed transitions, was a textbook example of a prime cranking spot.
The OG Series and the Magic of Balsa
One of the standout baits of the day was the Rapala OG Series, specifically the OG Fat 6. Designed with precision, this bait offers a unique combination of action and buoyancy.
The secret? Balsa wood. Unlike plastic crankbaits, balsa provides a natural floating characteristic that makes it react differently in the water, especially when bouncing off rocks and structure. The circuit board bill also contributes to its effectiveness, cutting through water with precision and creating subtle sounds that trigger strikes.
Professional angler Ott Defoe had a hand in designing the OG Series, and his insights into crankbait performance are evident in the lure’s success. Whether fishing around rock, wood, or weed transitions, the OG Fat 6 proves to be an essential tool in any angler’s arsenal.
The Right Gear for Crankbait Largemouth
Having the right equipment is just as important as choosing the right bait. The St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Rod, a 7’2″ heavy power, moderate action rod, was a perfect match for this cranking setup. Paired with a Daiwa Tatula SV reel and spooled with 14-pound Sufix fluorocarbon, it created a deadly combination for pulling bass out of structure-heavy areas.
And then, just like that—another big fish on the line. The bass were lighting up like a Christmas tree, and the action was only getting better…
Adapting to Different Environments
Minnesota is a bass angler’s paradise. Every lake, as long as it hasn’t suffered a winter freeze-out, holds a population of largemouth bass. The variety of fishing environments we encounter is astounding—pits, ponds, reservoirs, deep lakes, dirty water, stained water, and clear water. Each demands a different presentation, a different “delivery system” to get the bait to the fish effectively.
Crankbait fishing is a prime example. Some lakes are what I call “cranking lakes”—places where the technique shines at certain times of the year. A well-placed crankbait around the right structure can be one of the most productive ways to catch big bass, no matter where you are in the country.
Working the Structure
As we work the saddle, I land another solid bass—a chunky one. This lake is an ideal largemouth bass habitat, featuring both high populations of fish and quality size. More states are implementing slot limits to manage fisheries better, ensuring strong populations of both numbers and trophy-sized fish.
The bite continues, and another strong fish is on. At first, she feels like a five or six-pounder, but as she comes up, she’s just a solid fighter tangled in the weeds. Still, a great catch. The structure here is textbook bass habitat: a saddle covered in rocks with deep weed edges surrounding it. The transition zones, where weeds meet boulders, are prime locations for hungry bass.
The Science Behind the Bait
The Rapala OG Series, inspired by Ott DeFoe, plays a significant role in this bite. These baits, particularly the OG Rocko Fat 6, are designed for efficiency, casting well even into the wind and diving to depth quickly. The circuit board bill adds a unique vibration and sound when bouncing off structure, often triggering extra strikes.
DeFoe himself emphasizes the versatility of the bait, discussing its effectiveness in various environments—whether around rock, wood, or dock pilings. The larger profile of the “Big Rocko” allows for precise casts and a faster dive rate, making it an excellent tool in changing conditions.
Covering Water Fast and Efficiently
One of the most effective strategies for finding and catching these shallow-water bass is cranking. A good crankbait allows you to cover a lot of water quickly, making it easier to locate actively feeding fish. By targeting rocky areas and shallow structures, we’ve been able to trigger some fantastic bites.
Modern fishing technology has also played a crucial role in our success. The Humminbird LakeMaster chip is an invaluable tool, providing highly detailed mapping and contour information that helps us identify prime fishing locations. If you ask any serious angler, they’ll tell you this chip is priceless for navigating different water systems and pinpointing the best fishing zones.
Silent Precision: The Power of a Brushless Trolling Motor
Another game-changer has been the Minn Kota Quest brushless trolling motor. It’s so quiet that sometimes I have to check if it’s even running. This stealthy performance is essential when fishing shallow waters, ensuring we don’t spook the bass as we move into key areas. I’ve been using Minn Kota motors for a lifetime, and I can confidently say this is the best trolling motor I’ve ever had on my boat.
Fishing in these conditions can be tricky because it’s difficult to duplicate patterns across different parts of the lake. The bass are pushed way back into shallow pockets, but when they turn on—boy, do they turn on! This afternoon has been electric. As the crawfish started crawling out onto the rocks, the bass declared, “Party time, boys!” And we’ve been right there to crash it.
The Ultimate Crankbait for Serious Anglers
If you’re a dedicated crankbait angler or just getting into the technique, you need this bait in your tackle box. Now, you might be thinking, Oh Al, that sounds like a sales pitch. And you know what? It is. But it’s also the truth. If you tie this bait on in the right conditions, on the right lakes, you’re going to catch more fish. I promise you that.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help you catch more fish. And trust me—this bait will do just that., inspired by Ott DeFoe, plays a significant role in this bite. These baits, particularly the OG Rocko Fat 6, are designed for efficiency, casting well even into the wind and diving to depth quickly. The circuit board bill adds a unique vibration and sound when bouncing off structure, often triggering extra strikes.
DeFoe himself emphasizes the versatility of the bait, discussing its effectiveness in various environments—whether around rock, wood, or dock pilings. The larger profile of the “Big Rocko” allows for precise casts and a faster dive rate, making it an excellent tool in changing conditions.
Cranking Through the Seasons
As the season progresses, crankbait fishing remains one of the most effective methods for targeting largemouth bass. The combination of buoyancy, action, and sound makes balsa crankbaits like those in the OG lineup incredibly effective. When a bass hits a crankbait bouncing off the rocks, it’s an unmistakable feeling—one that every angler loves.
And today, the bass are on fire. They’re in, they’re feeding, and they’re hitting the bait hard. The day is shaping up to be one for the books, proving once again that crankbait fishing is one of the most exhilarating ways to chase largemouth bass.
When it comes to summer bass fishing, patience and timing are everything. The right weather conditions—stable, hot, and muggy—can turn an average day on the water into an unforgettable fishing experience. Largemouth bass, especially in lakes like the one we’re fishing, become incredibly active under these conditions, pushing up into the shallows and aggressively feeding. That’s exactly what we’ve been experiencing, and let me tell you—it’s been an absolute blast.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help you catch more fish. And trust me—this bait will do just that.
