I crankbait fish a lot. Primarily for walleyes. With that we utilize several different bait styles, sizes, brands, and color schemes.
A big difference between baits is the action they produce at different speeds. Some baits will dive and then, when you surge on a wave they will float or flutter upwards (bouyant). Others will stay suspended such as a husky jerk.
Some baits match or mimic local forage. They might kill the fish in the south but you won't catch anything in the north with them. Just as color patterns work better on certain bodies of water due to water clarity.
On my trolling boat, I think we have no less than 500 cranks from 10 different companies. Some guys will say "I only use X". Unfortunately, they also run in to days when fish just don't want that style of bait.
They all have their uniqueness. From how far they dive, whether they suspend, do they shake or flutter, roll or wobble. Some give off a rattle, some a vibration.
Unless a company is using the same blank (doubtfull) as another and simply adding paint, all of them have different characteristics that can be deadly on any given day.
One key that many don't realize is the proper tuning of a crank bait. I have an article coming out this month that will detail this along with tools to help aid in tuning.
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