Cranking... A learning curve

[jchag1718]

I started trolling crankbaits last year. My first trip was June 1st to Larto. It was productive. I caught 25 fish. And it was a blast. The way my boat is set up, it idles at 1.5-1.6mph. Most trips last year I could start right there and never look back. It plain worked. I caught fish on Bandit 200's, Slab Hammers and Arkie 350's. That lasted all summer and into the fall. It was a no brainer. It produced. Very seldom did I have to slow down to get bites. This year couldn't have been more different.

Overall, the fish have wanted the bait slower. With the exception of 1 or 2 trips, most of my fish have been caught at 0.9-1.0mph. And it gets better. The only lures that have produced for me are Bandit 300's, C-55's and Deep Lil N's. Now I consider myself a Novice at Cranking at best. But I thought it sure was interesting how different this can be from year to year. Also bear in mind that my experience is coming from the two lakes that I fish most; Larto and Dubisson. Both are susceptible to large influxes of fresh water due to run-off and rising bayous/rivers. I'm still learning. Can't wait to see what changes next year has in store.

[Skippa Chippa]

Having just started pulling crank baits this year and limited to only 220 and 300 arkies my last 3 trips to Larto have produced 4 keepers and numerous trash fish ( catfish goo and garfish ) I dont know whats wrong the water has been peity clear and the temp about 80 deg. marking plenty fish on the depth finder about 8-12'. I've hadn't had a good trip sense the storm blew through. Its discouraging when I here reports of people catching fish there and you pull in the parking lot of the boat launch and I'm the only one there. I cant wait for that black cloud over my head to pass on.

[jchag1718]

I took my dad to Larto Wednesday. We got a late start and probably missed the sun up bite. We started around 8 and finished at 12. We had 13 + 2 catfish. We lost 7 or 8 fish. For the first 45 min to an hour, we didn't get a bite. I was trolling at 1.3-1.4mph. I said to my dad, "let's turn back down wind and put the trolling motor over (0.9-1.0mph). We caught two fish in about the first 200 feet. We caught all of our fish on Bandit 300's 10 ft deep in 13-14 fow. For some reason the Arkies haven't produced this year. If you go back Skippa, try slowing down.

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[jchag1718]

Ok now I'm confused. LOL. Reading TGE's post from Cypress... I'm gonna have to rethink my strategy. I haven't tried any speeds that fast this year. I've only caught fish above 2.0 once. I WILL try some speeds above 1.8 next trip out.

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[Bossier_Rob]

I'm normally running around 1.4-1.5, but a few weekends ago, I noticed when I sped up a little for one reason or another, I'd catch a couple pretty quick. It didn't take long to put two and two together and pull no less than 1.6. TGE dropped me a tip last Saturday that he was running around 1.8. The next day, it seemed closer to 2.0 for me to get fish. I try to avoid those speeds with my battery setup because the fun doesn't last long. It might be 1.2 next weekend. You never know. They will change their minds on speed, color, and depth in a heartbeat, just like jig fishing. I've learned a lot not only with tips but trial and error. It's really pretty simple. If what you're doing with what you're doing it with ain't working, try something else. If all else fails, pray someone like TGE is on the lake and ask them what's working.

[jchag1718]

Anything from 1.2-1.6 didn't really produce for me this year and I have limited experience with speeds in the upper range, (1.8-2.2). I actually stumbled upon the lower speed (0.9) that I've been catching on back in early June. I caught a fish that was pretty tangled up with another pole. I was going downwind so I stopped the outboard and drifted. While I was drifting, I caught another fish. And before I started the outboard, I could see a fish smacking one of my baits that had floated to the surface. Go figure. Lol

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["G"]

I normaly run 1.6 to 1.8.....then if they dont bite i run 2.0 to 2.2