Thread: Trolling crankbaits

Is trolling or pushing crankbaits allowed in the tournaments? Bandits or Rebel style crankbaits. Thanks for the info

Yes they are, as long as you stay within the rules. No more than 3 poles per person or 6 per boat with more then one person, and no more than 2 baits per pole

wannabecrappieking: thanks for info. just was not sure. did not see anything in rules. hope to throw my hat into the tournament ring this year and have a little fun. can't wait for the cataract tourny Home Lake. let the bragging begin. Thanks again, bigarm

Originally Posted by wannabecrappieking

Yes they are, as long as you stay within the rules. No more than 3 poles per person or 6 per boat with more then one person, and no more than 2 baits per pole

If you were to use cranks, you would only be able to have one treble on each bait if you were to try and run a two on one pole. If you're just using one bait, you can leave both treble hooks or whatever combo you prefer.

Originally Posted by filletfetish

If you were to use cranks, you would only be able to have one treble on each bait if you were to try and run a two on one pole. If you're just using one bait, you can leave both treble hooks or whatever combo you prefer.

This is new one on me!!some cranks have 3 hooks and they are legal so why do i or should i take a hook off when the crank comes with multi hooks

Originally Posted by smokercraft

This is new one on me!!some cranks have 3 hooks and they are legal so why do i or should i take a hook off when the crank comes with multi hooks

Here's what the ISM rule book says:

B.) All Participants must use rod/pole & reel combos or hand held poles. A maximum of 3 rod/pole & reel combos or hand held poles are allowed for each person and a maximum of 2 hooks per rod/pole. This temporary rule expires on January 1, 2013: One rig or lure array for use with multiple artificial baits with not more than TWO hooks. There is also a maximum rod limit of 6 poles per boat (even with 2 members and 1 youth fishing together). The use of rod holders is allowed. Artificial and/or live bait may be used. All crappie must be hooked in the mouth or lips. A landing net may be used and no other types of nets for catching fish are allowed.

Here's what the current state law says:

Hooks for Hand or Pole Fishing
You may fish with no more than three poles or hand lines at any one time. Each line may have no more than two single or multi-barbed hooks, two artificial baits or two harnesses for live bait.


I have been corrected, this rule has expired, so I'm not exactly sure what the rule is. I do know that the main reason the original rule was amended was due to the state allowing the Alabama rig. I can't find any info regarding the Alabama(Umbrella) rig anywhere on the DNR website. The state was allowing the interpretation that an umbrella rig was only one bait, and since you could have two baits per line......then you could have two umbrella rigs per line.

I have spoken with a conservation officer from District 6. The new law concerning the umbrella rig will only allow the use of two hooks per rig. Which clarifies that the umbrella rig is not one bait, but an extension of the line to which you attach a bait.

Originally Posted by filletfetish

Here's what the ISM rule book says:

I have spoken with a conservation officer from District 6. The new law concerning the umbrella rig will only allow the use of two hooks per rig. Which clarifies that the umbrella rig is not one bait, but an extension of the line to which you attach a bait.

You are correct. I recently spoke with my Cousin, who is an Indiana DNR Officer, about this. She told me no more than 1 rig per pole with not more than 2 hooks on it. So those big Alabama rigs are out.

Yes they are, as long as you stay within the rules. No more than 3 poles per person or 6 per boat with more then one person, and no more than 2 baits per pole[/QUOTE]

Still learning new techniques after a couple events last year.....with the idea of spider rigging this year, I have to ask if the events allow more than six rods in the boat per team? I know each person can only fish three lines but can other rods be on the boat for other types of fishing styles for quick switch over.

Originally Posted by rageboy

Yes they are, as long as you stay within the rules. No more than 3 poles per person or 6 per boat with more then one person, and no more than 2 baits per pole

Still learning new techniques after a couple events last year.....with the idea of spider rigging this year, I have to ask if the events allow more than six rods in the boat per team? I know each person can only fish three lines but can other rods be on the boat for other types of fishing styles for quick switch over.[/QUOTE]
Yes your allowed any number of poles in the boat you want. However your only allowed to fish with three per person at a time. State Law!

why would u wanna troll cranks anyway? never mind troll all the crank baits you want.... Less competition...... Just kidding. whatever works for you.