Getting Started Pulling Cranks

I have done some trolling pulling cranks and bottom bouncers for Walleyes, but never for Crappie. I assume that I should use something lighter than the MH Ugly Sticks and size 27 line counter reels I have. Since I live in PA I can only have 3 lines per angler in the water at a time. I usually fish alone but want to setup my boat for 2 anglers for pulling cranks.

I'm thinking of from starting from the stern to bow having a 6', then 10' and then 14' rod. One of each when I am alone and 2 of each when someone else is with me. I am also thinking of size 17 Daiwa Accudepth line counter reels with 10# mono. I do have a lifetime license for the precision trolling app and I also have Off Shore Tackle Snap weights if needed. The layout of the boat doesn't really support pulling from the back of the stern, it will have to be from the side (gunnels). I do have rod holders mounted in the Scotty mounts. I also usually do 2 piece rods since I don't have rod storage on the boat so about 5' is the longest rod section I want to have.

I'm looking for feedback on that setup along with Rod recommendations.

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Originally Posted by markedman1132

I have done some trolling pulling cranks and bottom bouncers for Walleyes, but never for Crappie. I assume that I should use something lighter than the MH Ugly Sticks and size 27 line counter reels I have. Since I live in PA I can only have 3 lines per angler in the water at a time. I usually fish alone but want to setup my boat for 2 anglers for pulling cranks.

I'm thinking of from starting from the stern to bow having a 6', then 10' and then 14' rod. One of each when I am alone and 2 of each when someone else is with me. I am also thinking of size 17 Daiwa Accudepth line counter reels with 10# mono. I do have a lifetime license for the precision trolling app and I also have Off Shore Tackle Snap weights if needed. The layout of the boat doesn't really support pulling from the back of the stern, it will have to be from the side (gunnels). I do have rod holders mounted in the Scotty mounts. I also usually do 2 piece rods since I don't have rod storage on the boat so about 5' is the longest rod section I want to have.

I'm looking for feedback on that setup along with Rod recommendations.

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Sounds like you already have a big leg up as far as trolling crankbaits for Crappie. I have used 7 and 61/2 foot mh ugly sticks and 17 size daiwas, 10 and 12 lb line for years. My weapon of choice. My preference is rods up and down the gunnels too. I love using inline planer boards, and that just works best for me. Other advice, don’t be afraid to use walleye-sized baits that you probably already have.
My kind of rule of thumb, suitable sized crankbaits usually come equipped with #6 hooks, but some I love have #4. So 21/2 - 3 inch baits, and some minnow profile baits even longer. And the wild color schemes common on walleye cranks can be killer on crappie. My experience is with mostly southern open water white crappie, so it may be different in your home waters.


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I run Daiwa Wilderness MH Rods 7 or 8 foot. I run Offshore Planer boards as well to get the cranks out away from the boat. I use Okuma Magda reels spooled with 12lb fluorocarbon and a snap swivel.

Many thanks for the feedback. I like the idea of the planer boards because I really don't want to buy or have to deal with the 10' and 14' rods if I can avoid it. I have never used planer boards before. Which ones do you use and do you use the tattle flags? Also, do you use snap weights?

I am planning on using the following crankbaits for crappie. Flicker Shad #5 and #7, Berkley Bad Shad #5 and #7, Storm Hot 'N Tot's 2" and Bandit 200's and 300's. I also have a few Arkie 220's and some Storm Wiggle Warts. Probably will also buy some Bomber Model A cranks.

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Originally Posted by markedman1132

Many thanks for the feedback. I like the idea of the planer boards because I really don't want to buy or have to deal with the 10' and 14' rods if I can avoid it. I have never used planer boards before. Which ones do you use and do you use the tattle flags? Also, do you use snap weights?

I am planning on using the following crankbaits for crappie. Flicker Shad #5 and #7, Berkley Bad Shad #5 and #7, Storm Hot 'N Tot's 2" and Bandit 200's and 300's. I also have a few Arkie 220's and some Storm Wiggle Warts. Probably will also buy some Bomber Model A cranks.

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Boards, I’ve got a million miles on Offshore OR 22, with the tattle flag.
Have one pair of Churches won in a giveaway, like how they ride in the water but don’t like the clips on them. Been meaning to hybridize them with Offshore clips but haven’t got around to it yet. I have 4 OR22’s, and that’s about all I care to keep up with by myself. Most of my fish come on bandit 300s nowadays, nothing wrong really with the 200, but have to have more line out for same depth. More line out = more time for head shakes/hooks pulling out and losing fish. You can use 300s effectively in shallow water, just put em on short leash. Sometimes I’ve ran them only 15-20 feet behind the planer. Have used Hot-n-tots too, they catch crappie. Just not easy to find around here. I’m just starting to play around with some of the Berkley baits. Don’t have any Arkies, but have been looking - favorable pricing. I’m just getting into them, but Pico makes a good bait too. INT I think it’s called.
I’m playing around with snap weights, but mainly so I can add more rods into the mix without tangling. Seldom need the added depth outright.


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PM sent to ya markedman1132

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Originally Posted by BuckeyeCrappie

PM sent to ya markedman1132

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Received the PM. Thanks