When deep water calls for a smaller profile, the Berkley Dredger Crankbait is built to get down quickly and stay in the strike zone longer. Its custom body shape and weighted bill create a deep-diving presentation with a tight, subtle action, while the compact design helps reduce resistance during a full day of casting and winding.
Downsize Without Giving Up Depth
The Dredger gives anglers a smaller deep-diving crankbait option without losing the depth-focused design that makes this style useful. Balanced hard-bait construction helps it cast straight and far, and the lure is designed to run consistently right out of the package without tuning.
What It Solves on the Water
Many deep-diving crankbaits create heavy resistance that wears an angler down over a long retrieve. The Dredger's smaller profile and lower resistance are designed to make deep-water coverage less labor-intensive, while its weighted bill helps it reach the strike zone quickly.
Why Anglers Choose It
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Gets deep quickly: The weighted bill drives the bait down and helps it stay in the strike zone longer.
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Subtle attraction: A tight, restrained action and slow rise on the pause can keep fish interested throughout the retrieve.
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Long, dependable casts: The balanced design is built to throw straight and far.
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Less fatigue: The smaller body creates less resistance than many deep-diving crankbaits.
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Ready to fish: The lure is designed to run consistently from the package without tuning.
The Right Pick If...
Choose the Dredger when you want to fish deep water with a compact crankbait profile, cover ledges or structure, and keep the retrieve manageable over a long session. Match the selected size to the depth you need to reach, then choose the color that fits your water and forage pattern.
Best Techniques and Conditions
The current listing is built around deep-water crankbait fishing, including ledge and structure presentations. It is tagged for freshwater and saltwater use, with calico also identified in the product tags. Use the 17.5 or 20.5 option shown below according to the depth and presentation you need.
Best For
- Deep-water crankbait fishing
- Ledges, structure, and other depth-focused presentations
- Anglers who want a smaller profile with a deep-diving design
- Freshwater and saltwater tackle boxes, including calico applications
Current Models and Specs
| Selectable option |
Length |
Weight |
Running depth |
| Dredger 17.5 colors |
2 3/4 in |
3/4 oz |
16–19.5 ft |
| Dredger 20.5 colors |
3 in |
7/8 oz |
20–22.5 ft |
Available Color Options
Dredger 17.5: HD Threadfin Shad, Blue Chartreuse, HD Tennesse Shad, Green Shad, Chameleon Pearl, Stunna Shad, and Stone Cold.
Dredger 20.5: HD Yellow Perch, Blue Chartreuse, HD Threadfin Shad, Stone Cold, HD Bluegill, Stunna Shad, Chameleon Pearl, HD Blueback Herring, Big Money, and Green Shad.
Tackle Express Tips
- Start with the running depth you need, then choose between the 17.5 and 20.5 options.
- Use the slower rise on the pause as part of the retrieve instead of rushing every cast back to the boat.
- Check that the bait is running cleanly before a long session, even though the Dredger is designed to fish consistently without tuning.
Questions Anglers Ask
How deep does the Berkley Dredger run?
The current selectable options are listed at 16–19.5 feet for the Dredger 17.5 and 20–22.5 feet for the Dredger 20.5.
What action does it have?
The Dredger is designed with a tight, subtle action and a slow rise when paused.
Which colors are available?
The current selector includes seven 17.5 color options and ten 20.5 color options, listed above.
Looking for another crankbait presentation? Compare the Duo Realis Mid Roller Crankbait, the Ima Pin Jack 200 Medium Diving Crankbait, or the Damiki Disco Deep 38 BFS Crankbait.
