Thread: Brands of Crankbaits

I know that Bandit crankbaits seem to be the most popular used crankbaits for crappie but I'm wondering what other brands and what models do others use. I tried the Bass Pro Shops Crappie Max Crappie Cranks and like them.

Strike King XD's , Crank R's, Flicker Shad, Wiggle Warts, Smash Shad. There's lots of good ones. There are more that I haven't used. I know "G" uses one that I haven't tried YET!!!

I use them also but have found I really like the Rebel CrankR baits better. Seem to have a much tighter wobble to me. Tried a couple of the Strikeking baits without much success. Hope this helps some. Flicker shad is another bait to look at.

I had a similar question just a little while back. You can see the response on this thread:
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/missi...k-options.html

I caught them on Bandits,Bass Pro Xd's,Storm Smash Shads,and Crappe Maxx. I was pushin and used 1 1/2 oz. of lead to get them down to the right depth. It doesn't matter if its a 200/ 300 cause the lead took them down like a downrigger and did not have to rely on the diving bill to pull them down.I didn't try any Rapalas Shad Raps with no rattle but I bet in clearer water or using a bright color, that they would work pushing!Just my 2 cents.I like to experiment and the challenge to catch fish on different things.I think I'm gonna try pullin cranks with the barrel sinkers the next time I go and even use my 12 foot trolling rods on the back to space those cranks wider.

ScottV makes a 3 oz trolling weight that's works perfect for pushing. It dives 2/3 of the line out, plus 1 ' more for any crank you use on a 3' leader from the weight.

If I were to try this pushing method, would I need speed or just the weight to keep the crank down? I was wondering if I would go about it like regular trolling. I don't think I've considered this before. My boat is set up for trolling, but not for pulling cranks. I've always steered away from cranks due to the cost of setting up for it. I might be able to swing this.

I've pushed Rattle Traps with some success

If you use a weight to get it down I have done well with the original Rapala in #3 and #5 and Storm Thin Fin (or Bass Pro McShad).

I really like the Rebel CrappieCrank-R's best of all....they seem to have a better wiggle. Also the Lindey Shadling in size 7 is good.