crank baits

[duane]

what size and type crankbaits do you use? Do you troll them? Ever use a Three-Way Swivel with a sinker to have it run deeper?
What do you think about this Bomber Fat-A 1/8oz crankbait for crappie trolling? How about the Rebel Jointed minnow 1 3/4", 1/12oz or the 2 ½", 1/8 oz.?

[Cane Pole]

I use tiger bombers, and rattle traps. Usually in the summer when hot and things are slow. Usually looking for underwater stuff, and fish as I go. I use a line clip/release mechanism. Similar to what is used deep sea fishing. Catch all sorts of water critters. It is fun. I think I showed Moose and Fatboy how I did this when they came up. Can't remember. I do know this technique will catch fish. I use big engine trolling like this, but drag a bucket in the water for speed control. Usually wonder all over the lake though, but heck I don't care. I ain't no expert.

Just to share info.

[crap-king]

I am an expert at enjoying myself when I fish does that count for anything???

[PanMan_VA]

what size and type crankbaits do you use? Do you troll them? Ever use a Three-Way Swivel with a sinker to have it run deeper?
What do you think about this Bomber Fat-A 1/8oz crankbait for crappie trolling? How about the Rebel Jointed minnow 1 3/4", 1/12oz or the 2 ½", 1/8 oz.?

I've had good luck with Bandit 200s and 300s when trolling crankbaits. When I want to get them deeper than they normally dive, I use an in-line sinker and about a two foot leader. I have no problem getting the bait down to twenty feet.

[Darryl Morris]

Morning Duane: Casting the small crankbaits, creaturebaits, inline spinners and micro spinnerbaits, even spoons, can be very effective for crappie. In my opinion that would be a great technique if you have or know of a specific territory to target large crappie.

As for trolling for crappie, I have been doing my research lately and currently getting set up to do some this year. The one crankbait that I've heard the most about are the Bandit 300's. Been told that a bandit on 200 foot of line at 1.5mph will run 12 ft. deep and if you wanted it deeper, just add 8oz. of weight. I have tried trolling 4 rods out the back of the boat before and did okay, but had to be very, very careful to make the turns very wide. The outside baits start running faster and the inside ones slow and begin to rise. The end result is a tangled mess. This year I want to try a trolling technique with 4 rods staggered out one side of the boat.

[Jerry Blake]

Hey Darryl:

I bet those crankbaits do go DEEP with 8-ounces of additional weight on them!

[Crappie Attitude]

A Bomber 5a in fire tiger is a deadly little trolling bait. A 6a works too but you have to contended with those cussed walleye getting on it all the time. The 5a is the better of the two I believe.

[Darryl Morris]

Hey Darryl:

I bet those crankbaits do go DEEP with 8-ounces of additional weight on them!

That's what I thought too when I heard it. Man, 1/2 a pound of lead is alot, but the man told me that when you pull it at 1.5mph or faster it will run the Bandit 300 at 20-25 foot deep. He also told me that deep in the summer the crappie will be that deep in open water holding really close to the bottom. I'm betting he's bouncing that craintbait off the bottom on some lakes. Just a guess. He fishes some in MS but mostly on Wapapello, MO and on tournament trails.