Pushing (power trolling) cranks

**rayzor65** · 06-09-2015, 02:11 PM

The last couple summers I've pulled cranks on Old Hickory lake, the challenge has been following the contours of the creek channels and hanging up when the crank passes over the tip of the points, if I swing out wide I'm not close enough to stay in the strike zone. I have read a couple articles on pushing cranks and for OH that makes a lot of sense. I can follow the contours much closer getting back in some creases I'm not able to pulling now. Water clarity is usually slightly stained so spooking the fish I wouldn't think is going to be as bad, I already have 12 foot pro staff trolling rods so hopefully I won't have to invest in 14 or 16 footers. What I'm wondering is since you are using a heavy weight to get the bait down could you not use the smaller Arkie cranks rather than the more expensive larger 350's, or 100 and 200 series bandits. I know I might not entice the larger fish but I would like to build up the arsenal without breaking the bank. I would also think on highland lakes you could get the cranks down to 20 plus feet just above the thermocline and put some fish in the live well also. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Have a good one,
Ray

**M R Dux** · 06-09-2015, 02:31 PM

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/main-...ushing-cranks/

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/main-...g-depth-chart/

**rayzor65** · 06-09-2015, 03:59 PM

Thanks, I've been following those threads and others plus reading B&M and other sources on pushing cranks. There is plenty on pulling cranks but only a little on pushing. Don't see me ever pushing in waters less than 15 feet deep so I hope I can manage with 12 footers or worst case 14 footers.

Have a good one,
Ray

**Speck** · 06-10-2015, 09:31 AM

I push with 12 foot PST's all the time. I really like ScottV's 3oz trolling weights. As for your other question, yes it's perfect for using smaller baits like Arkies or Bandit 200's or even 100's

**rayzor65** · 06-10-2015, 11:27 AM

On one video I watched they had the crank coming off a 3 way and the weight (5 oz) going down, he had a big bell weight, seems like that would save hanging up and loosing the cranks. I would run a 3 oz weight with this type setup. what are the pros and cons of 3 way vs inline?

Ray

**slabeye** · 06-10-2015, 11:50 AM

I tried that rig a couple times, the problem i had was the bait wrapping the line when i caught a fish and when you put it in the water you have to really watch or your crank will wrap the line. It seems to me the crank would run close to the sinker or the line going to the sinker depending on how long the leaders are. In-line sinker there would be nothing to wrap, nothing around the crank. The smaller cranks my experience is you will spend alot of time digging, cutting and pulling out the the fishes throat. In-line or nothing for me.......... I think the more weight you can use the better off you are pushing......don't be afraid to use 4 oz. to 8 oz weights depending on how deep of water you are fishing.

**Speck** · 06-10-2015, 12:55 PM

Slabeye is correct about the weight wrapping around the line. Also drops through a net and is a pain in the arse to get out with a fish flopping around

**rayzor65** · 06-10-2015, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the feed back, saves me the hassle of finding out myself, appreciate the feed back!

Ray

**CrappiePappy** · 06-10-2015, 01:49 PM

A good place to look and compare products & prices against other mfg's is Crawdads Tackle. They have the "torpedo" (in-line) trolling weights for a pretty reasonable price : Trolling Weights

Some of our guys even use them for Spider Rigging, rather than the barrel sinkers !!

... cp

**"G"** · 06-10-2015, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Speck

I push with 12 foot PST's all the time. I really like ScottV's 3oz trolling weights. As for your other question, yes it's perfect for using smaller baits like Arkies or Bandit 200's or even 100's

What he said.....been doing it this way for 8 years now.....tried other rigs but like this set up the best. ScottV is a Member Sponsor here at C.C also.

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