how do clear crankbaits catch fish, the one i had was a rapala glass rap, glass with a rattle and some light blue spots

it dove to 8-15 feet and it catches fish

im sure they cant see it down there

Transparent and see through color cranks work well in clear water because the fish are not able to get a good look at it. Even though it is clear bass can still see it and feel it.

I've still got a couple of clear cranks from Rogers Bait that flat out catch fish.  Wish I could find some more.

If you look at some of the common minnows and small baitfish in most areas, you will see some that are transparent. Another way I think that they work is that they take on the color of the water around them, also like a lot of baitfish.

But then again I'm not a bass so who knows.

Tranluscent lures are a terrific choice in clear water, I do well with various ghost patterns such as the Lucky Craft RC 1.5/ Ghost as most of the lakes that I fish have clear to very clear water. Sometimes in these types of waters having no rattles can be a plus as well.

killer in clear water.

I use to catch a some on a Bandit in clear blue, maybe a gizzard shad, and it seemed the fish wised up to it  ;D