Printable View
Last summer I tried pulling cranks a few times.. I think i was going way too fast and usually only caught1 crappie per attempt. I usually fish in Gravois but I put in at wigwam from time to time. I usually just spider rig double minnows but would like to get the hang of using cranks. I have a box of about $200 worth of bandits. Can I just use my pushing rods (16 footers). Not sure if my longer rods killed some of my success.
Ya, Ya, me too. How do we make the switch from pre spawn to post spawn? Speed, depth, bait etc..
Here's a video to get you started with a setup.
His next video will be on the water...
My Set Up For Trolling Crankbaits - May 20, 2021 (#30) - YouTube
Sent from my SM-T580 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
Guys around here that Push cranks are usually going @ ~1.8mph ... using 2-3oz trolling weights ... 14' rods (capable of handling the weights & cranks). Some use 10-16' rods to separate their spread better. Cranks are on 5' leaders, usually 6# test mono.
I use 1oz weights @ 1mph to Push jigs .... 2oz weights to Push cranks @ 1.5mph
A long handled, rubber coated net is another "must have".
If you don't have a chart showing diving depth of 100-200-300 series cranks (like Bandit) ... the best thing is to have line counter reels & try and keep your lines at near a 45deg angle, then you can "estimate" the depth of the crank by multiplying the length of line out by 0.6 --- OR figure 3ft of depth for every 5ft of line out. I always err on the side of shallower, rather than deeper when estimating crank depth ,,, since I rarely have my lines at an actual 45deg angle.
I know that my jig will track about a foot below my 1oz weights at 1mph ... and a 300 series crank will likely track at ~2ft or more behind a 2oz weight. Since you are "supposed" to only count the length of line out from the surface to the weight, I allow that extra diving depth of the crank to compensate for the length of line between the rod tip & surface when I'm setting the length of line out to reach a specific depth.
Just my opinion & limited experience Pushing cranks ... others may have variations or use different setups.
[QUOTE=Slabin_Sammy91;4141507]Last summer I tried pulling cranks a few times.. I think i was going way too fast and usually only caught1 crappie per attempt. I usually fish in Gravois but I put in at wigwam from time to time. I usually just spider rig double minnows but would like to get the hang of using cranks. I have a box of about $200 worth of bandits. Can I just use my pushing rods (16 footers). Not sure if my longer rods killed some of my
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
I am not in the same conversation with Mike Baker, but I do have a lot of fun trolling, but I always long line. I use braided line with a leader and don't seem to get the depth that most dive curves suggest, but it is a fun relaxing way to fish. Usually quite effective, but I have not gotten to troll yet his year. Weather on my days off has not been cooperating. Hopefully this will be the week.
[QUOTE=1448sc;4141607]I use different poles for pulling crankbaits; I have 2 of each - 8’, 10’, 12’ & 14’ so they are spaced out to separate the crankbaits. I also have the line out further on my middle poles; example - 100’, 90’, 80’ & 70’.Quote:
Originally Posted by Slabin_Sammy91
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com
I use two 8 foot trolling rods and two 12 foot trolling rods. I experiment with depth until I find them and then put all 4 rods at the same depth. I rarely get tangled unless it is a larger white bass, large mouth, catfish or walleye. Those love to run through 2 or 3 lines. Then I feel like a guide for about 30 minutes while I untangle and re-tie everything. By the end of the summer, I am much more efficient at it. :-)
For LOZ I'd say the mid lake to lower end is going to be better for trolling cranks. Stay in deep water, I rarely troll under 30 feet and don't think they aren't in 50 to 70 fow b/c they are. I do not use weights, line counting reels, or any special equipment. If I'm trolling out the front I stagger my rods with a ten foot jigging pole. If I'm trolling out the back anything will work and the most I use is four. Just make as long of a cast as you can and your bait should be running at about the right depth on 6 to 10 pound test. I think April, May, June, and sometimes July are the best months to troll cranks. You don't have to hug the docks to tight, in fact I don't even get that close to docks most of the time. I keep my speed between 1.3 to 1.8 mph. Big creeks, coves, and bluffs all hold a lot of fish. As for baits I use Bandit 300's, Strike King 3XD's, Wiggle Warts, Hot n' Tots, Bomber Fat Free Guppy's, 6th Sense Curve, Arkie Cranks, Flicker Shads....well they hit about anything.
Thanks for the info. Baby, i was using the big motor last time I tried so I was going way too fast. I'm excited to try again. Oh and I have a mix of bandits, 200 and 300