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I have trolled for 20 years everything from minnow rigs to jigs to roadrunners but never crankbaits. I get more time in summer to fish now and want to start pushing cranks. I have seen several ways from a 1-5 oz weight and different leaders. I need help on how and what I need to have to do this any help will be greatly appreciated. Would rather push than pull thanks the more details the better. I fish in Mississippi
I can only tell ya what I do, and what my buds do :
My buddy's method:
14 to 20ft rods - line counter reels - 30lb test braid main line - 2oz trolling weight - swivel - 5ft mono leader of 6lb test - duo-lock snap - crank ... @ 1.8mph via 24v trolling motor & electronics with map cards (for following contours).
My method:
14ft rods - baitcast reels - braid or heavy mono - 1/2 to 3/4oz barrel sinker - large plastic bead - duo-lock snap - 3-5ft mono leader of 6lb test - duo-lock snap - crank ... @ 0.8-1.2mph via 12v trolling motor & Down Image unit (w/o map card).
But, just to be clear ... I have very little personal experience (in my boat) with pushing cranks, and am limited by my trolling motor & electronics. But, I have caught Crappie with my method, and I'm hoping to expand my use of it next year. Most of my "pushing" is done with jigs.
I can't elaborate on how my buds determine the depth of their cranks, because they never told me, but I'm sure others will when they reply & give you their methods.
I'm with his buddy's method. I use 2oz trolling weights and the three way swivel has a split ring and duo lock snap so the weight can be changed easier. Stiffer rods to handle the weight are used. I use shorter rods than mentioned, mostly cause I'm too cheap to buy them. My presentation is more of a 45* angle instead of straight out the front. Best part is that you can turn on a dime with the shorter rigs. I used to push 4 while my buddy in the back pulled 6, and we were both busy. I used yellow braid and beginning at 10' I would magic marker a dot every 2' so I could control the depth. Backreeling a spinning reel would also work to get you started but the baitcasters cut down on the line twist.
Depth chart for pushing.....I use a three oz weight.....adjust speed to keep line no more than a 45 degree angle.
Oops, here is the depth chart Attachment 254425
I didn't want to invest in a ton of extra poles, etc. to start pulling cranks so I went to the "pushing" method as well. Most of the time I am pushing minnows/jigs but during the summer I also like to switch to crankbaits sometimes. My setup includes all 14ft Ozark rods and have had no issues with their trolling rods handling the extra weight. I mainly use 3oz weights (bought from ScottV on this site). As far as speed I really just vary it depending on what seems to be working, anywhere from 0.9-1.6...just a lot of guessing on my part really since I am still pretty new to the crankbait scene. I have fished with other guys that use the pulling method but with my boat setup and equipment I just push when using crankbaits. Hope that helps a little.
I use some 14 foot glass poles with 2 oz weights and Arkie 220 series cranks. I use the 45 degree method as well. Speed varies from .7 up to 1.8. As you can see here, lots of variables. I think the main thing is to make sure your poles can withstand the pressure of pushing.
I use Arkie 350s and 220s They both come in these colors Attachment 254428
planning on trying this next year. have trolled out back but not pushing. what are pro's and con's of pushing against pulling? thanks
Can make tighter turns......can run any kind of crankbait even rattletraps because depth is controled by the three oz weight.
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