When it comes to mastering the art of cranking, few anglers can match Kyle Welcher’s precision and success. As the dual Angler of the Year (AOY) for 2023 (Bassmaster) and 2024 (NPFL), Kyle has showcased his ability to outthink the competition and adapt to changing conditions.
A key ingredient in his winning formula? Fluorocarbon fishing line—specifically, Sunline Crank FC. Let’s take a closer look at how Kyle uses this line to dominate the water and why it could be a game-changer for your cranking arsenal.
Introduction to Kyle Welcher’s Cranking Techniques
Kyle Welcher’s rise in professional bass fishing has been nothing short of remarkable. Claiming back-to-back AOY titles in 2023 and 2024, he has become a household name in the angling world. A significant part of his success lies in his mastery of crankbait fishing, a technique that demands precision, adaptability, and the right gear.
Fluorocarbon cranking lines play a pivotal role in Kyle’s strategy. The unique properties of Sunline Crank FC enable him to achieve better lure presentation, depth control, and hook-setting power, all of which are essential for targeting tournament-winning bass.
Features of Sunline Crank FC
Tailored for Crankbait Fishing
Sunline Crank FC is specifically engineered to enhance crankbait performance. Its composition includes a proprietary fluorocarbon material blend that perfectly balances sensitivity, strength, and controlled stretch.
Benefits for Anglers
- Unmatched Sensitivity: The line’s design allows anglers to feel subtle vibrations and detect faint bites, even at great depths.
- Optimal Stretch: Controlled stretch prevents the line from being too stiff, ensuring proper lure action and strong hooksets.
- Incredible Strength: With high abrasion resistance and durable composition, Crank FC withstands harsh underwater conditions, from rocky bottoms to submerged vegetation.
How Sunline Crank FC Enhances Cranking Performance
Kyle relies on Sunline Crank FC for its ability to deliver consistent performance across a variety of scenarios.
Depth Consistency and Control
One of the greatest challenges of cranking is maintaining lure depth. Crank FC sinks faster than monofilament and has less stretch than other fluorocarbon lines, allowing for precise depth control. This gives Kyle the edge when targeting bass holding at specific depths.
Improved Casting Distance and Accuracy
Fluorocarbon lines can sometimes sacrifice casting distance due to their density, but Crank FC’s smooth design ensures long, accurate casts. This is crucial when covering expansive water or targeting bass in hard-to-reach areas.
Toughness Under Pressure
During high-stakes tournaments, Kyle often finds himself fishing in rugged environments. The abrasion resistance of Crank FC gives him the confidence to fish aggressively, knowing the line can handle rocky ledges, timber, and other underwater obstacles.
Kyle Welcher’s Favorite Applications for Crank FC
Ideal Lures and Techniques
Kyle uses Sunline Crank FC for a variety of crankbait styles, including squarebills, deep-diving crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits. Each of these lures benefits from the line’s ability to enhance movement and maintain contact with the strike zone.
Pairing with Rods and Reels
To maximize Crank FC’s potential, Kyle carefully matches it with his gear. For shallow cranking, he pairs the line with a medium-action rod and a high-speed reel, ensuring quick retrievals and accurate casts. For deep-diving crankbaits, he opts for a longer, parabolic rod and a slower reel to maintain consistent lure depth.
Tips for Anglers: Getting the Most Out of Fluorocarbon Lines
Choosing the Right Pound Test
When selecting fluorocarbon for crankbait fishing, consider the depth and size of your lure. Kyle often uses lighter tests (10–12 lb) for deep-diving crankbaits and heavier tests (14–16 lb) for squarebills and shallow cranking.
Maintenance and Storage
To keep your fluorocarbon line in top condition:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Store spools in a cool, dry place.
- Regularly check for nicks or frays, especially after fishing rocky or abrasive areas.
He uses the Sunline Camo Line Storage Bag to keep his line tournament-ready.
Final Thoughts on Fluorocarbon for Cranking
Kyle Welcher’s success on the water is proof that investing in premium gear like Sunline Crank FC pays off. The line’s tailored features give anglers better control, durability, and sensitivity—qualities that can turn a decent day on the water into a tournament-winning performance.
If you’re serious about cranking, experimenting with fluorocarbon lines like Crank FC is a step in the right direction. By adopting the techniques and gear trusted by top pros like Kyle, you can elevate your fishing game and create more opportunities for success.