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I am wanting to try pulling cranks this summer but need a little help on what I really need to start like best crankbaits for your buck and what size braid are you using . Also do most troll with there big motor or trolling motor ? All so what size crankbaits you most commonly use like the bandit 200 ,300 or 100 . I appreciate all the information just wanting to try it a little but want to keep my expense done the best I can .
You must have lots of $$$$$$. If not, DONT DO IT, I repeat, DONT DO IT!!! [emoji12]
The best crank baits are the ones on sale. Lots of guys are using the chinese knockoffs which are relatively inexpensive. I've always used the trolling motor to pull and push them. When I started, I used my BnM bgjp's with no problems. I didn't have line counter reels, but just pulled off a set distance in the driveway and put a bobber stop at that distance to give me an indication of how much line I had out. A bandit 200 and 300 both has their place. I have seen the days when they wouldn't hit a 300, but would eat up a 200. I assume this was because the 200 was further from the boat to get to the same depth as a 300. You can give it a try with relatively no additional expense at all except for the price of a hand full of crank baits. A person hasn't lived until he gets about 6 cranks hung up at the same time on a windy day. That being said, cranking is my least favorite way to catch a crappie, but it is still fun.
Like RCC said the best is what's on sale. I have been running Bandit 300 for several years now but will be changing over to Strike King. I will disagree with RCC on the 200 300 series. If you need to get the bait away from the boat use longer rods or planer boards. I troll with my Minn Kota 80# and have 2 sets of batteries so I can troll all day. The gas motor will work fine as long as it is a four stroke. A two stroke will "load up" if you idle it too long. If your gas motor is moving you too fast you can slow it down with a troll plate or drift socks or the least expensive of all a 5 gallon bucket. Line counter reel are great to have but you can measure your line out like RCC said and mark it with a permanent marker. You can also pull 3' of line at a time off your reel to get the right amount of line out. I would suggest going to a lake that is not full of timber to start with before you try to pull on Greers and end up with all your bait hung up at the same time. If you want to come by and see my set up you are welcome to come by anytime.
I agree, DONT DO IT!!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine
Attachment 202824Caught all fish pulling Bandit 300
Recently?Quote:
Originally Posted by pesce
Sounds like I might just keep spider rigging LOL , thanks for all the help , I may have to go do it with someone else before I decide if I want to invest or not !
Book you a trip with the crankin' guru, Creekslick. You'll know after spending a day with him whether you want to do it or not. Good luck!
Nice catch I hardly ever catch a black pulling cranks
Those fish were caught in southern IL last fall pulling bandits 300. I also fish the lakes around Hot Springs Ar area and pull bandits, spider rig and single pole. CA put me onto those southern pro tubes, great way to fish also.
Don't do it! Once you start its hard to stop!
If you ain't retired, I say do it. My fishing has got down to two or three trips a year. I want all of the advantage I can get. Since I don't know where they are most of the time, pulling cranks allows me to cover lots of water. You will not go wrong with Creek's advice. My first pulling experience was in DeGray. You will not get hung too much in the Shouse Ford area on the other side of Goat Island. You will catch fish too. We all know Creek catches them in Greer's. But, starting out could get frustrating there until you accumulate 40 or 50 Bandits. DP