Let's talk crankbaits..
 

OK fellows..I've got a nice selection of crankbaits ..but rarely use them..

A. How do you catch BIG bass on them?

B. Do you fish from deep to shallow ..or from shallow to deep.?

C,What is your favorite color and brand?

D. What is your biggest BOATED..not the one that got away.[8D]?

E. When you caught it was..it weedy, rocky ..deep or shallow water..?

F. What time of the day was it?

Thanks,
Chuck7..

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

A. How do you catch BIG bass on them? Not sure,,this is why I'm asking..I've caught quite a few but the hits are few and far between..don't use it alot.

B. Do you fish from deep to shallow ..or from shallow to deep.? Mostly cast into deep water ..crank down fast and back to the boat..deep to deep I reccond.

C,What is your favorite color and brand?
BAGLEY Silver Shad or Model A bomer Fire Tiger Chartruese

D. What is your biggest BOATED..not the one that got away.[8D]? 8.2 on Fire Tiger Chartruese,,

E. When you caught it was..it weedy, rocky ..deep or shallow water..? 7 foot deep over a rock bar/ grassy..

F. What time of the day was it? 8:00 Am


And I have a few of these vintage Bagleys that are fish magnets..when trolled.



AND THE ONE THAT BROKE MY LINE[:@][:@][:@]after a 2 minute battle[:@]was on this ..[&o]but the shad color..not the color posted.

Rapala http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0011976116383a.shtml

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

1. I get a crankbait that runs just over the top of the grass I am fishing, and sometimes I want it to bump the grass.
2. Grassy flats mostly, but some from shallow to deep off of the bank.
3. Favorite is a blue and chrome that was made by a few different companys but can no longer be found. I have 3 of them saved that I break out from time to time. The last ones I bought had a Pflueger package.
4. 7.5 boated with several over 6, also had two on that would have gone over 8 to 10 lbs [&:]
5. Grass Flat
6. around 3:00 PM

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

A. How do you catch BIG bass on them? fish in areas that hold better fish, deep water rocks and brush

B. Do you fish from deep to shallow ..or from shallow to deep.? fish them deeper than they are intended to run, i like normam DD22 fished in 14' and less, i like to drege with watever i'm throwing and i want to be in contact with the cover sporaically


C,What is your favorite color and brand? citrus shad, and cant remember what its called but yellow back white sided with an orange belly,and the fire-tiger varities are some of my favorites along with traditional shad patterns


D. What is your biggest BOATED..not the one that got away.[8D]? several in the 8-9 # range

E. When you caught it was..it weedy, rocky ..deep or shallow water..? i've caught em both deep and shallow 2-20+

F. What time of the day was it? my biggest (just under 9 1/2) i caught on fork around 1 in the afternoon[&:]in 8 ft of water on a fred arbogast 1 1/4 mudbug in firetiger, this lure is/was designed to be fished 18-25 ft, i was wearing tree roots out;)

The Mud-Bug created a sensation from the moment it was introduced in 1968. It resembled a crayfish in appearance, even to the extent of being retrieved "backwards" to simulate a fast-moving or retreating crayfish. This deep-diving lure has been a winner in numerous bass fishing tournaments. By 1980, the Mud-Bug was available in five different sizes for fresh and saltwater fishing

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

Thanks for the info.Keith I'll pick up a few D D Norman..
http://www.outdoorproshop.com/Norman-DD22-Deep-Diving-Crank-model-p/norman_dd22.htm

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

A. How do you catch BIG bass on them? By setting the hook..:DKeep em moving some move slower than others.

B. Do you fish from deep to shallow ..or from shallow to deep.? I preffer shallow most of the time. Early in the morning or late in the evening.. During the daytime it depends on the time of year whether to run shallow or deep. However up here no matter what time of year I keep them shallow early and evenings..

C,What is your favorite color and brand? There are several brands that are prettyy decent. Rapala makes some great minnow imatations tho..

D. What is your biggest BOATED..not the one that got away.[8D]? A 24 inch 4 and 1/2 pound smallie.

E. When you caught it was..it weedy, rocky ..deep or shallow water..? The edge of a drop off going from 4 feet to 15 feet, some small rocks but mostly muddy..

F. What time of the day was it? It was in mid August...

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

The edge of a drop off going from 4 feet to 15 feet
Phil..

I'm thinking of trying that this Sat..This Sat..I plan to take 2 lure types to get out of my comfort zone..Hony Toad...and Crankbaits...all 3 types..Minus One...Shad Rap...and D D Jointed Rapala Minnow and I do have one D D Norman.
With the full moon coming this Sunday..should be good..

Question..Would you guys recommend Monofilament or Power Pro braid?

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

From good ole common sense and a google search..Most would agree to use mono or flourocarbon..I hate the latter so I will be using mono..10 pound test.

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

You ever try one of those Hoola poppers? Just cast it out and make it pop on the water every once and a while as you ever so slowly reel it in. i love it when the water opens up with a load splash as a bass comes up for the stirke.;)

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

More study...

A,.Most suggest 8-10 pound mono for longer cast to get to the bottom.

B Mosthave success when bumping structure.I personally have only hooked into 2 monsters..One was when I thought I was hung up in grass..the other I accidently was bumping the bottom of a deep pit..Both fish were over 8 pounds..

C. They suggest strongly to use a ring with your lure .

D. To tune up a crankbait..si,ply bend the front eye in the opposite direction that it is swimming sideways.

E, To go deep ,,reel slow..

F. I'm going to have to use my spinning tackle..I refuse to strip off the Power Pro to put mono on my baitcasters..[8D]

G. Reasons why I haven't used them alot...not many bites..the big crankbaits are tough on the ole gear boxes..
I don't have a lot of confidence in them. I've caught about 30 bass on crankbaits during my entire life. 2 hogs..one 4 pounder the rest...1 1/2 - 3 pounds.
However; maybe I haven't given them a fair chance..This Sat. I plan to Horny TOad the floating hydrilla and crank all deep water..I have lots of deep water to crank.

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

Keep casting and changing retreive, depth, colors, and knots until I get a combination that works.

Depends on where the fish are in relation to the bottom, and what type of crankbait I am using. If I am using a crawfish colored crank, likely from deep to shallow, getting on the bottom quickly and working it up into shallower water. With most others, from shallow to deep. Most of the forage where I fish shelters in the shallower water, and the bass wait in the deeper water for something to wonder out a little too far.

Don't have a particular favorite. Usually like whatever is cheapest or on sale.:D


A few in largemouth in the 7-8 pound range. Have had one channel cat that was close to 10.

I do a lot of my fishing in stock ponds. I've had days where I caught close to 30 largemouth bass in a day, with half or so in the 3 pound range, and 6-7 in the 5+ range.

When the sand bass are biting, I've had days where myself and whoever I was fishing with have caught that many in an hours time, and all keepers.

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

North Texan,
I appreciate your reply.Nothing beats expereince and is sounds like you have the most expereince on here with crankbaits..

Questions for ya..

1. Have you seen any advantges/ disadvantages from using red treble hooks?or the plastic red bill

2. I also like your tip in taking the front treble hooks off..because on many cast with the Model A those trebles tangle up withing themselves resulting in a wasted cast..actually about 2/10..[&o]

I will at least take the treble hooks off of the front of the Bomber As and Minus Ones.

ALSO..what is your favorite 3 crankbaits..thanks
shallow ?

Medium depth ?

Deep diving ?

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

I like the red treble hooks on crankbaits that have white on them. Don't know if it makes much difference, but it does make the lure look like it is bleeding, maybe.

I have a couple of shad raps and minnow raps with red bills. I can't tell if that has made much difference.

I've had the same trouble on some, and it annoys me to make a good first cast into a spot, only to have the hooks snag each other.

ALSO..what is your favorite 3 crankbaits..thanks
shallow ?

Medium depth ?

Deep diving ?

Favorite is a Strike King Pro Model Series 3 with the blue back and chartreuse underside. Dives to 7-8 feet.

Next would be a similar-sized crankbait with a Texas red craw color scheme. Don't remember exactly what brand it is.

Last would be a Rapala Minnow Rap. Either the bleeding shad or the bleeding olive. Has a red bill. Dives down to around 10 feet. Wish it was a little heavier so it would cast a little better, but it always seems to catch fish.

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

I've had the same trouble on some, and it annoys me to make a good first cast into a spot, only to have the hooks snag each other.

Thanks for reminding me.;).now Irememberwhy I rarely use them..:D

ALSO..what is your favorite 3 crankbaits..thanks
shallow ?

Medium depth ?

Deep diving ?

Favorite is a Strike King Pro Model Series 3 with the blue back and chartreuse underside. Dives to 7-8 feet.

ok ..this one..



looks good Texan.;)very realistic..I like lures that look like the real thing..




Next would be a similar-sized crankbait with a Texas red craw color scheme. Don't remember exactly what brand it is.

Last would be a Rapala Minnow Rap. Either the bleeding shad or the bleeding olive. Has a red bill. Dives down to around 10 feet. Wish it was a little heavier so it would cast a little better, but it always seems to catch fish.
OK I got a red billed deep diver..I had wished I hadn't bought it..looks weird..
Appreciate the info,
C7

Here are the Strike King Series 3 colors and specs.

Each bait in this line is designed to perform a specific task. Running shallow to deep, with tight, medium, or wide wobbles, these baits will outfish other crankbaits. All styles feature free-floating rattles and 3-D eyes.



Here's the Strike King Series 3 colors..

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

Chuck I think he was talking about 503 on that chart, but the sexy shad you piked out is one great bait, caught a few on it myself

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

A. How do you catch BIG bass on them? as with anything else, you need to fish where the big bass are. Most of my crankbait fishing is structure fishing. points, channels, ledges, humps..

B. Do you fish from deep to shallow ..or from shallow to deep.? i cast shallow and retrieve it into the deep

C,What is your favorite color and brand? bandits, in either baby bass, bluegill, or a shad color

D. What is your biggest BOATED..not the one that got away.? 11.8 lbs

E. When you caught it was..it weedy, rocky ..deep or shallow water..? secondary point, 9 feet of water, dropping off to about 25 into the channel

F. What time of the day was it? 11 am, this was when the big females were coming up to spawn

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

just a little tip, if you are fishing cover, snip off the front running hook on each treble. It has minimal effect on the balance, but does indeed reduce hang ups. also, square bills deflect off objects, instead of run into them. I do all of my crankbait fishing with a 7'6" composite rod, and i use the rod to feel the lure through hangups, and the reel just takes up the slack... just like fishing a worm.

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

Thanks Josh,

Folks , here's the Bandit Cranks that Josh uses.
http://www.landbigfish.com/tacklestore/showcase.cfm?PID=61

They do look good..and there are tons to choose from.;)
WHOA!!!! This place just got saved..it has way more than Cabelas or Bass Pro..I found my bullfrog colored Horny Toads..;);)Type in your favorite lures in the search box on top..and they are cheaper..My Horny Toads were 1.00 cheaper than our local Walmart and my 3/8 ounce Roosters are here inEVERY color and 1.00 cheaper..:DDANG!!!! Good morning America..how are ya.made my day..PLUS an added bonus..Today is my last day with kids..I'm of for the next 72 days...:):):):):):):)

Happy Camper,:)
Chuck7


Here's a picture of thier Bandit's in the store..LOL

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

don't forget to cast into the current and retrieve with the current, bass will position themselves looking into current hiding behind cover, just waiting for something to come by;)

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

Dang..gettin alot of good advice ..from some very seroius fishermen..
We are very privledged my friends.

RE: Let's talk crankbaits..
 

i think we take a lot of things for granted, in a post from phil from maine he mentioned fishing the shady side of cover (good one to remember phil;)), just last week my wife ask me why it was so important to position the boat on a certian side (position)of cover, (open water hump with milfoil, hydrilla, and stumps)two reasons i told her, current and shade, things i take for granted that i just thought (sub-conscious)everybody knows, its the little things that make the difference;) thats why 10% of the fisherman catch 90% of the fish[:-][&o][:@]

i'm still trying to get into that 10%[:-];):D[&:]

BTW, i mainly fish waters where current is a factor, when there is little or no current, fish the shaded side of cover...