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Thread: Trolling crankbaits part 2

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    Default Trolling crankbaits part 2


    I have some fairly cheap spining reels to pair with some stiff rods for trolling.


    What size(#) line is suggested?

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    A good 10# line for me.

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    For me, it depends on the amount of snaggy stuff where you fish. I’ve used as low as 6 lb and also used 10 lb braid tied direct to the split ring. If you snag a brush pile with braid, you’ll likely get your crank back. Mr Dux can give a more professional insight, he’s a working guide. If you swap the split rings on the hooks with some lighter ones, they’ll pop releasing the hook and you get your crank back minus a hook. Hope this helps.
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    I use 10 to 12 lb mono 6 1/2' to 8 1/2' medium action fast tip with line counter reels. I troll in some heavy standing timber area and get hung up some day several times other times not so much. If I get hung up and when I get back to it and doesn't come loose very quick I get out my lead weighted lure retriever and knock it loose. That thing has paid for it self 100 time over.

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    12lb Berkley Trilene Big Game in high-viz solar color. I'd used 10lb for years but MRDUX turned me onto the 12 when I moved to KY Lake and will admit that I do not lose as many cranks to hidden obstructions as I did with the 10#. Use whatever 10-12lb mono you have available. I caught a sale on Pline several years ago and ran 10lb Pline for 2 years and liked it, just too $ to run at regular prices for me. I fill my line counter spools halfway with cheap 10lb Trilene XL that I've had for over a decade and top off with about 400 feet of fresh Big Game each season. I cut it off at the double uni knot and respool each winter.

    I tie to a black nickel snap swivel to decrease line twist. I've done my own comparative studies in my boat with just duolock snaps on one side and the same colors and depths on the other side with the snap swivel...ZERO difference in catch rates.
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  6. #6
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    I’m now using K9 hi-viz Flourocarbon in 12 pound test. We probably pull up over 50% of our hang-ups. It is like using well rope as far as strong and I will not let my clients try to lock the spools with their thumbs on my Diawa Accudepth Plus line counter reels like we used to with mono. It’s lock the star drag down now.

    Last week a client hung up and locked the drag. When it pulled loose, up came her 3 Pico INT cranks along with 3 more Picos and a Shad Rap. None of the recovered baits were mine, different swivels than I use. Name:  IMG_1874.jpg
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    6lb Berkley fireline crystal,I like it because it dives deeper faster,we mostly use light action 7 foot spinning rods,reel in quick and de-weed,cast out quick. I like super lines with the light action rod it is so sensitive you can feel the smallest piece of weed fouling the line or lure....We don't have many tree snags in our lakes they are mostly natural basin lakes....

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    10lb braid with a mono leader, Power Pro or Spiderwire in line counters and Fireline metered in others. The leader adds a little stretch, and is easier to tie with. Braid dives deeper with less line out.

    I like a slimmer rod for trolling, it doesn't make as much of a difference with crappie, but for walleyes or anything with a tough mouth you want them to get a pretty good hold on the bait, too stiff of a rod will yank the hooks right out.

    The Shimano FX is a good cheap casting rod for trolling.

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    Quote Originally Posted by M R Dux View Post
    I’m now using K9 hi-viz Flourocarbon in 12 pound test. We probably pull up over 50% of our hang-ups. It is like using well rope as far as strong and I will not let my clients try to lock the spools with their thumbs on my Diawa Accudepth Plus line counter reels like we used to with mono. It’s lock the star drag down now.

    Last week a client hung up and locked the drag. When it pulled loose, up came her 3 Pico INT cranks along with 3 more Picos and a Shad Rap. None of the recovered baits were mine, different swivels than I use. Name:  IMG_1874.jpg
Views: 486
Size:  61.3 KB


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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mrmerck View Post
    I have some fairly cheap spining reels to pair with some stiff rods for trolling.


    What size(#) line is suggested?

    You want slow action rods for trolling, not stiff... Your spinning reels might work, if they hold enough line. Also most of my spinning reels take quite a few more revolutions of the handles compared to a levelwind to go the same distance. Catch a catfish or striper with 100+ ft of line out, it makes a difference.

    10-15 lb mono or the equivalent in braid.

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