Thread: Crankbait trolling advice.

I don't generally us any weight when trolling cranks off the back .... Just choose one that runs the depth you want ..... and control that some more by the amount of line out. I generally go 1.8 to 2.0 .... sometimes a little faster. Seems like you pick up a higher percentage of white bass the faster you go.

There is a REALLY long thread on the Mississippi forum that will keep you busy reading for a while. I think it's up to 122 pages or so.... http://www.crappie.com/crappie/missi...-cranks-101-a/

If the crankbait you are using can't attain the desired depth, you may wish to consider an in-line trolling weight.
There are a few different types, but the type with a "rudder" seem to work best and come in a variety of sizes.
You can tie the trolling weight to your main line and then tie a leader with your crankbait to the desired length.
Hope this helps! Tight lines - Dave

Go here and read....read...read http://www.crappie.com/crappie/missi...-cranks-101-a/

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

And here is some more info http://www.crappie.com/crappie/arkan...anks-question/

Thanks for all the replies, there is enough to read to keep me busy for a while...LOL

If you get through all that (and there's a ton of info) you'll be well prepared. If you're looking for more of a quick start guide - here's what I like to do (typically) You didn't say where you're planning to do your trolling - but let's say it's something like Carlyle. At normal summer pool - you should be finding plenty of water out on the 'humps' and 'islands' that's in the 7-10' range. If it's not 445 - then be careful as a couple of the old islands are waiting for you to stumble thru (and they'll eat your cranks too.

Anyway - I like using Bandit 200s in some sort of white, chart or combo. I think they're designed to run 8-10' but line length and diameter does effect that. I prefer baitcasting rods with 12-14' line (preferably fluorocarbon, but braid works well too - just can be hard to break sometimes when you get snagged) and I like to use 7' rods for hook setting help. But... It's a matter of preference. Usually a normal cast distance behind the boat is plenty - just so long as you can feel the bait 'digging' across the sand or clay bottoms. It's easier to make your turns with shorter lines out. I do best catching whites coming up to or just pulling off the drop offs. You can also do well casting those areas too, but I like to troll to find them. Sometimes you'll find more fish up on the shallow flats but sometimes bigger ones just off the drops (and sometime they'll be the ones that are lower in the water column than the ones you see busting on top.

I like to take a jig and tie it above the crank with a Palomar knot. In some cases you're well off to have a crank (take all the hooks off) and run two jigs above it - to get the depth you want but decrease your snag potential. If the fish are really active - it's not uncommon to catch two at a time.

As far as speed goes - I think someone mentioned faster seems better and I agree - but for me it's not a choice cause I like to use my outboard over my TM and the slowest I can run is about 2.5-3.0 at idle. (it's a 150 HP) and not the best for motor trolling.

Just remember - at a place like Carlyle - if toss out marker buoys, expect to draw a crowd. (I like using my electronics for this as it's easier to avoid playing 'bumper boats')

Good luck - hope it helps...

yea at carlyle you will have everybody and there brother within casting distance lol i just run bandit 300 with jig 12in above it as stated above with line counter reels dont over think it now pushing is another story lol