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When you start pulling early in the morning do you start in the shallow flats this time of year and move to the deep channels after the sun gets up or do you start in the deep channels? Common sense tells me the fish may migrate up onto the flats at night but I'm not sure.
I usually start in the deeper water. With that being said it just like spider rigging or any other style in that if the fish arent biting I will change colors, depth fishing, depth of water fishing and such until they tell you what they want.
I always start out the same way and fish my 4 favorite spots. I troll in 10 to 18 ft depths,
and like Handicrappie use different colors, and run different depths until I get a pattern.
Early or late, I work in and out from 12 to 20 FOW and so far I stay pretty busy.
I generally start around 6:00 AM and quit around 2:00 PM unless they are still
biting. When I start I do not stop for any breaks.
Dumb noob question. Are you guys running trolling motor or main pulling cranks?
what speed are you trolling and about what depth are the crankbaits runing
Im running my main mtr at 1.5-1.8 mph but dont listen to me. I'm catching more catfish than crappie.
I use my trolling motor and pull at 1.5 mph. Most of the time the motor is set on 5 and I can pull for 6 hours with no problem from my battery. I do have a kicker motor if needed.
I have a 24 volt Motorguide on the front, but never used it for trolling the cranks. I built a
mount beside my 150 hp and run a 3.5 hp outboard at about 1.5 mph. Anything over that
limit then i start catching stripe and some small smallmouth. Anything under 1.5 and I seem
to catch the cats, which are not bad when they avg 3lb or better. I would say that my long
lines are running 14 plus in depth and the short lines around 10 to 12 ft. Anytime I run cranks
that have silver sides I generally have pre-painted a small red streak of fingernail polish on them.
This routine has paid off for me since i started pulling cranks in 1985.
What type of Crank's are you using to get down to depth's from 10 to 14 ft,
Bandit 200s with 80-100 feet of line out Bandit 300s with less line out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bronzbackhunter
Yes, the bandit 200 and 300 with lots of line out will do. I also still like to use the deep wee R
Rebel lures. You can also take any deep running lure, take of the back treble hooks, and tie
a line about 18" long into the back eye, then tie a small hairy jig to the line and hold on. I like
the white and chartruse hairy jig when the cranks are not doing the job. Caught many fish using
this method.
Thank's for the info.
a bandit 200 using 10 lb. mono and pulling at 1.8 mpg will run 14 ft. deep with a 150 ft. of line out. a bandit 300 will run 14 ft. with 76 ft. of line out. 10 ft. with a 200.....57 ft. of line out.....10 ft. with a 300 you need 36 ft. of line out. This is by the Precision Angling chart.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bronzbackhunter
Where can i find the Precision Angling chart. I have never herd of it befor.
Don' know if its still active but I got it from PrecisionAngling.com
Bandit info
Thanks Handi
Thanks for this Bandit info. I am just starting out trolling crankbaits and that is invaluable info for me.
I made one of those charts, printed and laminated it then taped to my crank box. That way I don't have to remember all those numbers!
I'm not technical about my spread. I use 6 rods, 2 each in 8, 10 and 12' (BGJP) and cast the long rods furthest, and shorten each rod on that side so there is a side to side separation and length also. Helps keep them from tangling. Been waaaay busy for a few weeks now. I use all 300's but have a bunch of 200 also.
Hey Rdobbs, can you post a pic of your red streak? I'm always looking for an advantage. Thanks.
Can't post pics, but would if I could. I simply take some red fingernail
polish, and on any crankbait I have that has silver sides I just make
a small mark about 3/4 inch long down the side towards the belly.
This mimics a wounded fish which is usually easy prey. Works for
me.
Thanks dobbs, I'll give it a shot.