Crank Baits

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MB916
Posts: 57
Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2015 8:47 pm

Crank Baits

Post by MB916 »

Hey guys thank for reading. This is the year that I really start throwing reaction baits, Cranks and Jerks to be more specific. I fish lakes like Folsom, Amador, New Hogan, and Camanche. Just wondering what types of cranks you guys are throwing? What types of colors? How do you retrieve or experiment with retrieves? Also what is a good cranking setup that wont break the bank, I was thinking a Shimano clarus or crucial cranking rod matched with a abu revo sx. Any input would be great. thanks.
Tony Lain
Posts: 436
Joined: Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:04 am

Re: Crank Baits

Post by Tony Lain »

There are a bunch of articles, videos, and blogs ref crankbiats and cranking tackle. I don't claim to be an expert cranker, but can catch a few! :D If you are serious about adding cranking to your tool box, think about water levels/zones were bass live and feed (Top, Middle, Bottom). Three combos to cover these three zones are needed. I like Daiwa, but there are a bunch of great tackle companies out there. Daiwa has several new reels and rods to get it done without breaking the bank. Cielo Cranking Rods, 5 different rods designed for cranking ($129-$139). Lexa reels, 3 different speeds ($139) to cover all three zones. Here are some basic set-ups: Cielo MH 7' - 7'2" with Lexa 7.1:1 for shallow. Cielo M or MH 7'2' - 7'7" with Lexa 6.3:1 for mid depths. Cielo M 7'11" with Lexa 4.9:1 for deep cranks. You can also use these 3 different combos for spinnerbaits, tail spinners, top water lures and jerkbaits. If you have specific questions, you can PM me. best of luck!! T. Lain, "TEAM BLING"!
RANGER Boats - MERCURY Marine
dwise
Posts: 381
Joined: Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:16 pm

Re: Crank Baits

Post by dwise »

If money is a concern, you might take a look at the Wright McGill Rick Clunn series of cranking rods. Tackle Warehouse has them for $64.99 and you get free overnight shipping if you're in California. These are fiberglass rods, which I prefer over graphite composites for cranking. I like Daiwa rods as well. In fact, I'm still using the little pistol grip Daiwa VIP 50's from 20 years ago, and I own two of the Clunn rods, which I like very much.

As for the crankbaits themselves....I'm a crankbait freak. I can tell you that you can spend an awful lot of money on cranks if you get "hooked" on throwing them! I like throwing cranks by Bomber, Strike King, Norman, and Rapala. For someone just starting out cranking, I'd suggest medium diver Bomber Fat Free Shads, and Strike King Pro Models (series 5). You might also consider purchasing a few shallow running square bills, a few lipless cranks, and a couple of deep divers. Colors to start with would be a natural looking shad color like Foxy or Sexy Shad, red crawdad, and something bright, like chartreuse/blue back, or chartreuse/black back. These colors should get you through most any water clarity conditions you might encounter.

Later on, when you get "hooked" you can buy all kinds of cranks! Sometimes you can look on the classifieds on this website and find someone selling a big lot of slightly used cranks. That's what I do. I don't always buy my crankbaits new. So keep your eyes peeled for the deals!

I know that once you catch your first fish on a crank, you're not going to want to put it down!

Hope this helps, and good luck!
D. Wise
Castaic Bass Club
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HawgCatcher
Posts: 243
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 5:57 am
Location: Ione, CA.

Re: Crank Baits

Post by HawgCatcher »

Hey Jake,

With crankbait colors it can get a little intimidating. I would suggest keeping it simple starting out. There are three color patterns that you should keep in mind.

1. a "Shad" pattern color
2. a "Crawdad" pattern color
3. a "Blue Gill" pattern color.

These are basically the food source of a bass.

I hope this helps
Herb
Galt, CA.

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Californiakid4
Posts: 83
Joined: Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:30 pm
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Re: Crank Baits

Post by Californiakid4 »

I highly recommend OSS CUSTOM BAITS. Check out his website or his facebook page. These baits are the real deal. Good luck
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