Thread: Pulling Cranks 101

Originally Posted by wish4fish

Ok Majfly here is another question. I have done a lot of reading on cranks and people say that the crank dives based on the lb of line used. If you notice the bandit charts say 10 lb test. Is this true for pulling cranks? Will 12 lb test run the cranks shallower and 8 lb test go deeper? This makes since when casting and retrieving but if you are pulling these lures for long times I think they will run to there depth no matter what lb line used. If this is true then will braid that is 10 lb test 2 lb diameter run them deeper than 10 mono? A lot of you guys use braid pullin the cranks but I think I'm gonna stick with mono because it stretches and I think that will result in fewer hangups.

Wish4, sorry I missed your question, however, I don't know what effect the lb line you use will have on the depth. I'm still a beginner too.

Originally Posted by G-3 Fisherman

I printed out the charts and trimmed them down and plastic laminated them. I keep them in the boat for referance.

Thanks for that tip G-3, got mine laminated this morning.

Question for all the "Pulling Crank Baits" 101 professors.

I'm finishing up the mounts for a trolling setup on the stern of my pontoon boat. Any thoughts as to the angle of the rods coming off the sides? Do you find it best to run them 90 degrees off the beam, or slightly towards the bow, or does it matter? I'm setting them parallel with the water, just was wondering if there was any advise relative to the fore and aft perspective? 4 rod holders off each side, with 6, 9, 12, and 16', with the shortest toward the stern.

Also was wondering about the angle of the rods coming straight off the stern. How much angle upward will prevent a big cat or wiper from pulling the rod out of the holder? I'm using Driftmasters, and can set the angles as needed.

Thanks,
boatstall

Boatstall, from what I have learned since starting this thread is like you suggested, straight out and level or slightly down. But, I'm still learning so if this isn't correct, someone will correct me. And that's a GOOD thing.

I'm pretty sure the one they are talking about is the top one thats pink with silver sparkle.
Bandit Lures Crankbaits - 200 Series

Originally Posted by Slabologist

I built those myself it is just some steel gas pipe with two 1" angle brackets welded to each end. It has a couple of T-bolts that hold it to the gunnral of the boat. My rail on my boat has a t-slot for accesories (Xpress boat) the rod holders are driftmasters from wal-mart and the brackets are pipe hanger clamps that are threaded 3/8-16. The nice thing about it is you can take it on and off the boat with just two bolts.

Where did you buy the T-bolts or did you just grind down some carriage bolts?

Boatstall, as far as the ones out the side, I actually angle mine slightly to the bow, but 90 degrees would be fine too. The reason I do it that way is so the tips are in front of me rather than behind me with the bow in the rod. Keeps me from having to look behind me and has the added benefit of maximizing the spread. Course, my holders are mounted in front of my console slightly, so that may not be a consideration for you.

As far as the stern holders, the higher the angle, the less depth you're gonna have. Just another way of fine tuning your depth. As far as getting a rod pulled out by a fish. Saw a thread not too long ago where a fella had taken a big carriage bolt and taped it down a the end of the handle with the bolt head towards the reel. Gave it just enough of a stop to prevent it from slipping through. Cheap and effective. Either that or a Rod float would eliminate the worry for ya.

Wannabe...

Bandit, I've seen that color on the shelf at Academy in Jackson more than once. Think I bought one but sacrificed it to a tree line one day when I got a little too cute for my own good.

Wannabe...