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Guys,
I have been slowly buying rods, cranks and all the other necessary equipment to try my hand this summer at pulling cranks. Can anyone give any pointers as to a general rule of thumb for how much line to let out, what depths to target, and what speeds to pull by. I understand its all based on conditions but just looking for a basic starting point. I have never attempted this before. My plan was to target Shelbyville and Clinton lakes.
This might help: http://www.crappie.com/crappie/off-t...-yall-geezers/
Run each rod different to start. Stagger depths from 40ft. of line out to 80ft. When a fish hits run line out 15ft. each way of what he hit. Narrow it down from there. Same with colors start with all different ones. Darker early lighter as sun comes up.. Good luck
And stay away from the pushing game that everyone is hooked on. Not productive on our water up here. Flat line everything off the back and side of the boat. Join us at crank fest on the Ville. We will get you going and show ya a few set ups.Quote:
Originally Posted by wilbur
I push and have success. Better depth control...easier turns...not worried about someone running across my lines out back. Each their own.
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I seem to catch them pushing also
Can you use bottom bouncers to pull cranks?
Nats
[QUOTE=Nats;3440342]Can you use bottom bouncers to pull cranks?
Probably if you didn't let them hit bottom. All you need is a 2 or 3oz. weight. About 2/3 of line out is approximate depth.
[QUOTE=wilbur;3440562]Wouldn't that depend on your speed ??Quote:
Originally Posted by Nats
Crank pushers around here use 2oz & run at 1.8mph ... and use ~55ft of line out to run a 300 Bandit at around 15ft deep. That's a lot closer to 1/3 of the amount of line out equals the depth of the crank.
I use 3 and 4 ounce weights. run 1.8 and figure around 75% , that is 20 ft out 15 ft deep
Congrats on getting into the pulling/pushing crankbaits. You will benefit from using the search engine here and do a lot of reading cause a wealth of info are in those threads. If you use the word pulling charts threads will appear with posted pulling charts for bandit 300/200, arkies, and c-55 crankbaits. It will also give you the pushing depth chart for trolling weights. These charts will get you in the ball park. these charts are based on 10 pound diameter line and remember for braid line diameter is different than line test. With these charts as a base you can fine tune your set up. Position of rods, rod holder, and boat design will cause slight changes to these charts. Once you get set up use the charts on a know smooth bottom flat and watch your rod tips. When they start jumping you know your hitting bottom.
With cranks make wide slow turns pulling when turning around or if just making slow s turns. If pushing you can make smaller tighter turns. If you are doing both it will be slow and wide turns. Speed up a little bit in the turns will help keep cranks running tight and tangle free. In turns one side will go faster, cranks dig deeper, and one side goes slower, cranks rise shallower. If in turns you get habitual strikes on either side it's telling you to adjust crank depth shallower or deeper. My advise is to get comfortable pulling before getting into pushing or get comfortable pushing before getting into pulling. Trying both at once in the beginning can be complicated.
Things that will happen. You will get hung and lose baits. You will get tangles and lines/bait bird nest big enough to hatch condors when thing go terribly wrong. Often these happen with regards to contrary catfish. You just have to cut and retie and fish on. Lol. If this bothers you do not get into cranking. Having good electronics and lake mapping cards are essential to increasing catching potential and reducing hangups. Target bait running depths to the depths of fish being marked on your units.
I encouage you to get set up and get out on the water. Nothing beats water time for experience. Cranking is a good way to introduce fishing to your spouse and family. You will catch multiple species and have a good chance of catching the largest crappie of your life. Good luck, be safe, and have fun.
Suggest you watch "Crankbaiting For Crappie" by Kent Driscoll on YouTube!!
Really solid advice from a great pro! Wish you the best and have fun!
Numbers???? The best method on the water up here Especially the Ville is Flat LineQuote:
Originally Posted by clfarms1
I'm sure it's in the thousands, catch them all on Busch Light Charters up in the junk yard, only way you can catch fish thereQuote:
Originally Posted by Toad Frog
have any of you guys ever pulled or pushed the Rapala ultra-lite shad? What color works the best?Quote:
Originally Posted by Toad Frog
I'm gonna have to show that Junk Yard Sometime!! And so you know I only show my BEST FRIENDS!!Quote:
Originally Posted by clfarms1
Nope But I Do Run The same Flicker Shads that I run for Walleye and they do ok. As far as colors go keep it simple. Darker colors on cloudy days or stained water and Bright or natural colors on sunny days or clearer water. I like to pick baits that are both to get the best of both sides of the guess. And obviously the bait of choice for me would be the color Toad Frog!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by hairy lures
tried pulling crankbait trolling yesterday caught 25 lm bass to 4 1/2 # 2 drum perch 1 -13" crappie .had much better luck vertical jigging brush piles 20 keeper crappie 10 to 13" long.
Im pretty sure Steve knows where the JunkYard is. And Im pretty sure he knows your full of beansQuote:
Originally Posted by Toad Frog
Trust me it takes years to figure me out. And I've got more than one Junkyard on the Ville!! My lips are going zipped from here on out!! See ya at the Finish line WilburQuote:
Originally Posted by wilbur