Thread: Crankbaits for crappie???

It’s my favorite technique to target crappie. Today I fished a mix of PICOs, flicker shads (size 5&9), and bombers. I’m slowly swapping out my Okuma reels to Shakespere ATS linecounters. 8’, 12’, and 16’ BnM PST rods and 7’ UglyStick medium action trigger rods. 10 or 12lb Berkeley Big Game mono in solar color. #10 duolock snap swivels to connect lures.

You can make it as complicated or as simple as you’d like and your budget allows.

Originally Posted by Jigboy

Can I use my 14 for b&m trolling rods with spinning reels or what?

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Yes you can, most of us now use line counters but you can take your spinning reels, make a long cast then sweep your rod a couple of times. Your main concern starting out is going to be line separation. Adjust rod holders where you can get 3-4 ft of separation between rod tips. When first starting and you get ready to make a turn just stop reel in turn then throw back out. As you get used to it you will learn to make your long sweeping turns just like longlining. It doesn’t have to be rocket science like most of us try to make it. If you enjoy it and spend more time at it then as budget allows you can start adding all the other stuff.

first i am just starting also, i use my 16' rods to spider rig but pushing cranks i use my old bass rods 7' with spinning reels.i cant say im killing them but im getting the hang of and i plan to invest in line counters soon. but you can certainly use anything you have to start . there is a formula on here somewhere and im sure one of the guys will post it soon that will tell you at what speed to travel to keep lures in certain depths but before you get into all that just go try. ps you are going to get hung up lol its just part of it i suggest staying in an area like ashes creek not as many stick ups good luck

also you need to use heavy weight to keep cranks at depth i use 2 oz sinkers then barrel swivel then 18" leader with crank

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/main...h-poles-2.html

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Originally Posted by dannyr3_8

also you need to use heavy weight to keep cranks at depth i use 2 oz sinkers then barrel swivel then 18" leader with crank

You do when you're "Pushing" cranks and need to make a lot of S curves or sharp C turns, because you have less line out to get to the depth you want, which makes doing those turns easier & with less chance of lines getting run together & tangled.

The guys that I've fished with Pushing cranks used 2oz trolling weights and 5' leaders (of lesser # test than main line) and at speeds around 1.8mph

You can pull cranks with out line counter reels. But you will have to figure out a way to know how much line out and be able to duplicate on your other rods. The easiest way that I figured out was using PowerPro depth hunter line. It is a braided line that has different color every 25’. There’s some advantages to braid but when you get a tangle it can be a mess. If I remember right I only put a 100’ on each of my spinning reels so I was able to spool up all of them with one spool of line. With that said I use it for one year then got line counter reels. I use the line counter for all my crank baiting pushing and pulling it’s very nice to know exactly where my baits are running and if I get bit at 82’ back I can set another one at 82’ back. Not guess that it’s about right.


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