Alternative Crank options

My work hours have been reduced, leaving more time to fish, but less money to spend on fishing.

Was wondering if anybody has found cranks that run similar depth to the Bandit 300's. For example Norman DLN run similar. What about offerings from Cotton Cordell, Rebel, Brad's, Matzuo, Storm, Berkley etc?

Anything run a little deeper or slightly shallower? I would still be interested in hearing about them too.

I am wanting to add about 60 cranks this year, but $5 a pop is too much for me. Hopefully I can catch alternative crank on sale. :twocents

Don't worry, I will be hitting the bandit sale page too. :biggrin

Don't ever pay $5+ for a Bandit anything. You can by them direct from Bandit for $2.99 on their "Specials" page.

https://www.banditlures.com/shop.asp?view=specials

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Originally Posted by yikess

Don't ever pay $5+ for a Bandit anything. You can by them direct from Bandit for $2.99 on their "Specials" page.

https://www.banditlures.com/shop.asp?view=specials

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Usually limited colors tho.

Cheaper baits are prone to not run true.

As Feelay says the cheap ones need tuning a lot most times. I have caught crappie on those cheap CB's in boxes on the bottom shelf from WM but only after tuning. I think you are better off going with Bandit 300 from their Specials, if you don't like the colors doctor them up with spray paint if nothing else. May not last long but do it again. My partner ScottV,goes whole hog with air brush and lots of colors, he does paint some fine, fine looking baits. And we do catch fish.

Rebel Crappie CrankR's run about like the Bandits and do very good...Lindy Shadlings in Sizes 5 and 7 work great also and I have used some Bomber Model A's. Brads Wigglers are good and also Storm Wiggle Warts. THe Crappie Max Crappie Crankbaits that BPS has are good also.

I heard tooth brushes work.

I've tried them all and imho the only ones that compare to the Bandits as far as quality goes are the Rebel Crapie Crank-R cranks. I've caught fish on all of them though but the Rebels just look to be higher quality when you look closely and hold them in your hand.

I have some Hot Tots I will let go of at a good price, they swim good and have prolly 25 or so different colors I just dont ever pull em.

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Originally Posted by BigKyd

I've tried them all and imho the only ones that compare to the Bandits as far as quality goes are the Rebel Crapie Crank-R cranks. I've caught fish on all of them though but the Rebels just look to be higher quality when you look closely and hold them in your hand.

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The Rebel Crappie Crank R's are very good....I have a little bit of everything but I use the Rebels the most. Best colors for me are Firefly and Taillight

Seasick is my go-to color on the Rebels, its very similar to Bandits' chartruse sparkle but a shade or 2 darker. It will catch fish in any watercolor and it dont care if its sunny or cloudy.

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Originally Posted by "G"

THe Crappie Max Crappie Crankbaits that BPS has are good also.

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I catch more fish on the Crappie Max brand than I do on Bandits. They seem to run same depth as bandits and you can pick them up for about $3 when they are on sale. The color selection is quite limited tho.

Rebels,Normans, and Bombers. Normans have gamakatsu hooks!I check yard sales, flea markets, E-bay, craigslist.Sometime you just happen up on some good cheap ones!

thanks

What size flicker shads are people running?

I like bread twist ties.

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Originally Posted by Gomer Snerd

I like bread twist ties.

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I hear that the fish like em too......

Attachment 149974Attachment 149975 Think these will work on Greers Ferry!!

Heck no they wont work.....send them to me and I will properly dispose of them for you

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Originally Posted by bfish

What size flicker shads are people running?

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Have 5/6/7's I like #6 best over all.

http://www.overstockbait.com/Rebel-C...-R-p/dc935.htm
http://www.overstockbait.com/
http://www.fleetfarm.com/search/?q=B...hSubmit=submit
http://www.fleetfarm.com/search/?q=S...hSubmit=submit

Need to check fleet farm on a regular basis. They run some really good buys on these baits at times.

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Originally Posted by cray

They run some really good buys on these baits at times.

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My not so local BP has them for 2.64 in the sales flyer (plus $4 rebate on purchase of 4 or more).

Right now OVERSTOCK has the Rebels for 2.50. They are 2.99 but if you spend 75.00 you pay 60.00 plus you get a free box of caramels worth 9.00.

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Originally Posted by wilbur

Right now OVERSTOCK has the Rebels for 2.50. They are 2.99 but if you spend 75.00 you pay 60.00 plus you get a free box of caramels worth 9.00.

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Sweet....I know pardon the pun

Picked up 26 more cranks....for $67 shipped

I have a few Normans and they pull about the same. Fish like me pretty good too!