trolling crankbaits ( Bandits)

[Moose1am]

VV:

I used snap swivels with crank baits for years with good luck. I was a bass fishermen for over 40 years before I started fishing mostly for crappie. Not that I didn't fish for crappie in the past also. But I concentrated on bass fishing and most of my gear was purchased to chase those green carp. LOL

I still have about 6 tackle boxes full of bass lures and all the accessories needed to catch bass.

I just recently (last 4 years) started to really fixate on Crappie.

Oh yea I used them as it made changing baits easier and I think it prevented line twist too. I prefer the stainless steel type now days but I used the brass type for a very long time. From 1959 though about 1980 I use the brass and then from 1980 to today I started using the more expensive and stronger stainless steel snap swivels.

These days I tie the baits directly onto the line using a improved cinch knot or the trilene knot.

I did notice that at times the crank baits had to be tuned up to run straight with the snap swivel used. I just turn the eyelet to starbord or port a bit to tune the bait to run straigth after I put it on the snap swivel. It took a few casts to get the crank bait to run deep and straight.

I used these mostly with bomber crank bait and with some rebel Wee R's

Anyone use snap swivels on the front of their Bandits? If so, or if not.....why or why not?

Geeezz.....I think I just confused myself.

[FalconSmitty]

This thread is the reason I like this group of fishermen on this site.

Like Lawhwead said
frank lawhead--- VV68 I,d say you have done some homework wish I had that kind of patience ---

Well you just learned without patience and so did I. How many hours on the water do you think all of us have together.. whew can't count that high and type too! Keep up the good work guys and thank you all for taking the time to share what works for you. I throw my .02 in when I can, but I have learned so much more than I could ever contribute. It has made my fishing trips more FUN and productive.

[duane]

I asked a mechanic on another board about trolling with my 150 Jhonson and from the response I got it is not that bad as long as you run good synthetic blend oil ( like Bomb. XD50) and you decarb your motor once a year like you should do anyway.

But I would say one of the Briggs and Stratton 5 hp air cooled dudes would make an awesome kicker for $500. I know guys with them on their bowfishing boats that run them all night and they say nothing but good things. Compared to a similar 4 stroke Merc. Yammie, or Johnny you would save some $$$. I know thats what I would do if I were to buy a kicker.

Yes go with that 5 hp Briggs engine and keep me working, We make the power head for the engine here in the Rolla, MO plant.

[whizkids]

What color bandits are the most effective?
44 colors and 4 to 8 rods could get expensive
This color chart is from Bass Pro Shops and price is $4.09.

[TAE73]

03, 22, 27 would be my first 3 choices, match as close to the bait fish as you can.

[VietVet68]

What color bandits are the most effective?
44 colors and 4 to 8 rods could get expensive
This color chart is from Bass Pro Shops and price is $4.09.

I have several of them colors, but so far the 09 caught most all the slab jr's, and Kamakazee Bluegill...the last time out. Hope all that will change in the morning.

[whizkids]

03, 22, 27 would be my first 3 choices, match as close to the bait fish as you can.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- If chartruse is the favorite color for jigs why not crankbaits?

[TAE73]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- If chartruse is the favorite color for jigs why not crankbaits?

True and I know what your saying, but my favorite color isnt chartruse its blue and silver sparkle...

[unknown 5]

I am glad we are getting around to colors. I have trolled for crappie with swim baits in the past and I have had some success but I am not that experianced yet. I have not tried rapala rattle traps yet but plan to the next time I fish. They are designed for schooled fish and to be retrieved fast, so I am betting they will work the best. I have bought 2 sizes but both are blue and chrome and would be similar to the colors TAE73 picked out in the Bandits. I also bought a bait similar to Bandits in style but smaller in size. I have seen lures advertised in my BassPro catalog that were designed for crappie. I may invest in some of those in the future.
Hey, VietVet68, have you had any stripers hit yet? It seems like you would be running into stripers as much as crappie but I could be wrong.
It seems to me you would be targeting crappie that are feeding on shad. The lure and color that matchs a shad's color would be best. Around here, the shad are black/blue backed with silver sides.
I think this style of fishing has great potential and plan to devote my summer to developing my knowledge. If we all share our experiances, some of us ought to get good at it before the summer is over. I fish almost every day but Saturdays and Sundays but will fish those days if the conditions are right.
I will bet my Evenrude 9.9 will be perfect for trolling but my trolling motor will push my boat plenty fast enough.

[VietVet68]

Hey, VietVet68, have you had any stripers hit yet?

Not a one, or have I talked to any Green Carp guys that has seen or caught any. They are catching some nice Musky on their crank baits though. I figure I'm over due for a big Musky on my BnM. No one that I have talked to saw any Stripes caught last year either. Suppose to be some Walleyes in there also.