Thread: Pushing vs Pulling Crankbaits

My simple mind can't comprehend the complexities of your question. That's why I do both
I do have some observations and some opinions
The shallower the water the more proximity comes into play
Pushing seems to be a more erratic presentation with more depth changes due to wave/wake action and maneuvering the boat
Pulling is less affected by the conditions and more consistently run at a desired depth
There are days that I do not get a bite on the pushing poles and then some days they rip the bone out
It's my opinion that most of the time the crank bite is a reaction bite.
When they are feeding the bait is all the way down their throat you can see this in my post the fish will be bloody from the hooks ripping their gills out
When they aren't actively feeding you have to try and run the bait into the fish to make them react... usually getting a nip at the bait resulting in a tip of the lip or outer lip hook up
I equated to jigging sometimes they want it at a certain depth you lower it down there and try to stay on that level Motionless or with subtle movement to get the bite and then some days they are suicidal and will hit whatever
On the days they want it precise it's pulling and on the days where you just got to get close it's pushing most of the time... unless the cows are laying in the field or if the wind is out of the north ...oh yeah blue bird skies forget about it

Pushing vs pulling? In my boat when I push a treble hook into my finger, I immediately pull it out. I tend to have the same reaction whether I'm in kentucky waters or Tennessee waters. Man those trebs can be super sharp.

Seriously, I do both. I feel some days in water less than 20 feet, the crappie are most skittish and the increased distance from the boat by the pulling setup tends to out produce the pushing setup. Using 200's over 300's can even increase this distance more.

I'm in the process...cuz ya know I'm a little slow....of pushing stuff...jigs and cranks....when I push and pull at the same time I get a few tangles...so needless to say I want to relax, so on Sunday I'm a push everything......jigs...cranks....even got a walleye bait I'm a put out....with pushing you can catch a fish and drop the bait right back in and you can fish "smaller" circles...cuz when i get a fish...notice I said "a" fish....I get crazy...and all "H" breaks loose....and then I'm having fun....I'll get back with ya'll after Sunday...God willin' and the creek don't rise....also....if ya put a bait in front of the right fish you will get bit....