The NAFC has the world’s top walleye fishermen at its disposal: the anglers of the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit. So, we tapped into their vast pool of knowledge, skills and experience to help you select the perfect crankbait for any situation.

We contacted every MWC team and asked them to rank, by importance, the factors they consider whenever they open a crankbait box, including size, running depth, profile, color, action and other factors.

The result is a step-by-step crankbait selection checklist you can follow when starting a day of fishing, especially on new water.

Crankbait Selection Criteria In Order Of Importance

1. Running Depth 
2. Action 
3. Body Profile 
4. Length 
5. Color 
6. Sound/Vibration
7. Hook Color 

Crankbait Environmental Factors In Order Of Importance

1. Dominant Forage Species 
2. Dominant Forage Size
3. Water Clarity 
4. Fish Location in Relation to Bottom 
5. Water Temperature 
6. Baitfish Location in Relation to Bottom 
7. Time of Year 
8. Barometric Pressure Trend