The best crank baits are the ones on sale. Lots of guys are using the chinese knockoffs which are relatively inexpensive. I've always used the trolling motor to pull and push them. When I started, I used my BnM bgjp's with no problems. I didn't have line counter reels, but just pulled off a set distance in the driveway and put a bobber stop at that distance to give me an indication of how much line I had out. A bandit 200 and 300 both has their place. I have seen the days when they wouldn't hit a 300, but would eat up a 200. I assume this was because the 200 was further from the boat to get to the same depth as a 300. You can give it a try with relatively no additional expense at all except for the price of a hand full of crank baits. A person hasn't lived until he gets about 6 cranks hung up at the same time on a windy day. That being said, cranking is my least favorite way to catch a crappie, but it is still fun.