Thread: Crank Baits

So Luvpt who would sale these tadpoles? Academy Sports, Sportsmans warehouse or have to order on line? Thanks and thanks for the great information. I actually went on youtube and found some video about the tadpole.

I ordered mine from the Offshore website. Sometimes the tadpoles and the releases can be found on Ebay a tad cheaper.

Dang, about the time I think I've got everything, y'all show me something else I need. Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

Dang, about the time I think I've got everything, y'all show me something else I need. Thanks for the info.

Just dig a little deeper in that well Bobby!!! Can't take it with ya !!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by luvpt

Oh yea.

Thx buddy!!!

One last question Steve. If you only use a 3-4' leader behind the tadpole, does the crank only go down about 1' like when you push them?

Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

Thx buddy!!!

One last question Steve. If you only use a 3-4' leader behind the tadpole, does the crank only go down about 1' like when you push them?

Yes, so far as the diving depth from the tadpole to the leader goes.... But remember to play with it and experiment. I didn't go into it before but you must also know it is reasonable to assume that the downward diving pressure of the crankbait, be it a 100 or 300 or whatever, will have an influence on the diving depth of the tadpole. For instance, a very strong diving bait will to some degree "pull" downward on the tadpole and give it some active assistance with respect to the diving process. A bait with a weaker diving force, such as a bandit 100 (or a topwater bait, hint) will not have as much downward pull and the entire rig will not go quite as deep. So you have to play with it and figure out for yourself how the process works because as with anything pertaining to fishing there will always be present the element of "trial and error". As James stated earlier, always start shallower and gradually work the rigs deeper until you are in the zone of suspended Crappie. I will always take being too shallow over being too deep. The fish will let you know when you get there. Spend a day on a lake with a smooth flat bottom and practice pulling in areas of known depth until the baits start bumping the bottom. Write the numbers down and before long you will have a good library of information for your particular setup. BTW, I'm still a "spider rigger" first and foremost and that will always be my weapon of choice.....but there are certain times in fishing that a person has to adapt to what the fish want or go home, LOL!

One more thing pertaining to the Tadpoles.... Many folks will say that they are just too complicated and why not just clip on a snap weight 6 feet behind the bait and be done with it. It has been found that the tadpole actually contributes notably to the action of the crankbait when trolled and also allows for more consistent depth presentation with less "surging", especially in heavy waves as compared to in line trolling weights. This in itself produces more fish in the livewell. I also like the fact that they are much lighter than snap weights and if you are using boards will allow them to ride at a more optimal angle to the water. For me at least this makes reading the boards much easier especially in rough conditions, which is exactly where this type setup gives you the most advantage compared to other styles.

Originally Posted by luvpt

One more thing pertaining to the Tadpoles.... Many folks will say that they are just too complicated and why not just clip on a snap weight 6 feet behind the bait and be done with it. It has been found that the tadpole actually contributes notably to the action of the crankbait when trolled and also allows for more consistent depth presentation with less "surging", especially in heavy waves as compared to in line trolling weights. This in itself produces more fish in the livewell. I also like the fact that they are much lighter than snap weights and if you are using boards will allow them to ride at a more optimal angle to the water. For me at least this makes reading the boards much easier especially in rough conditions, which is exactly where this type setup gives you the most advantage compared to other styles.

Steve,

I enjoyed the article with you and David pulling cranks on Lake D'Arbonne. I have a friend that lives in Monroe that is a green carp guy. I visited with him about pulling cranks on D'Arbonne he informed me that it couldn't be done there due to all the stumps. I emailed him the article! Haha! When you look at lake maps there is some deep water near the dam and some deep river channels to pull in. I know the Duck Commander crew went over to MS and pulled cranks with a friend of mine. Their plan was to go back and pull cranks on D'Arbonne. Looking forward to reading the full detailed article featuring you in the Louisiana Sportsman. Good luck to you on the MCC tournament trail this year. Thanks for the information you have provided.