Thread: GETTING STARTED CRANKBAITING

You must have lots of $$$$$$. If not, DONT DO IT, I repeat, DONT DO IT!!!

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.

Like RCC said the best is what's on sale. I have been running Bandit 300 for several years now but will be changing over to Strike King. I will disagree with RCC on the 200 300 series. If you need to get the bait away from the boat use longer rods or planer boards. I troll with my Minn Kota 80# and have 2 sets of batteries so I can troll all day. The gas motor will work fine as long as it is a four stroke. A two stroke will "load up" if you idle it too long. If your gas motor is moving you too fast you can slow it down with a troll plate or drift socks or the least expensive of all a 5 gallon bucket. Line counter reel are great to have but you can measure your line out like RCC said and mark it with a permanent marker. You can also pull 3' of line at a time off your reel to get the right amount of line out. I would suggest going to a lake that is not full of timber to start with before you try to pull on Greers and end up with all your bait hung up at the same time. If you want to come by and see my set up you are welcome to come by anytime.

Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

You must have lots of $$$$$$. If not, DONT DO IT, I repeat, DONT DO IT!!!

I agree, DONT DO IT!!!!!!

Caught all fish pulling Bandit 300

Originally Posted by pesce

Caught all fish pulling Bandit 300

Recently?

Sounds like I might just keep spider rigging LOL , thanks for all the help , I may have to go do it with someone else before I decide if I want to invest or not !

Book you a trip with the crankin' guru, Creekslick. You'll know after spending a day with him whether you want to do it or not. Good luck!