What do crankbaits primarily target when fishing over bottom structure?

Crankbaits are specifically designed to mimic the movement and appearance of prey that fish typically hunt for near the bottom of water bodies. When fishing over bottom structure, crankbaits dive and mimic the erratic motion of struggling baitfish or other prey, which effectively attracts bottom-dwelling fish. These fish are often found around submerged structures like rocks, logs, and vegetation, where they seek shelter and food. The design of crankbaits allows them to tap into this hunting behavior effectively, making them well-suited for targeting species that reside near the bottom.

In contrast, other types of fish such as suspended species, deep-water species, or surface-breaching fish may not respond as effectively to crankbaits when they are used near the bottom, as their feeding behaviors and habitats differ significantly from those of bottom-dwelling fish.