Deep Cranking 2025
Djamesbond3 reply :
Hey guys I'm just wanting to ask some questions about deep cranking. I've never tried it and have a 7'10" medium heavy rod and 5.4:1 gear ratio reel coming in this week to get started. I've read about fishing structure and ledges but I just want to know is learning to deep crank worth it? I've always fished shallow or used lipless cranks in under 10 foot of water and I love cranking. Are there any other tips or stories about others who finally took up deep cranking and have you had success? If it helps I live in south Mississippi and the water temps are over 80 so I imagine they are in deep water.
basseditor reply :
I'm not sure the depth of the structure your targeting. It takes a long cast to get maximum depth out of big deep cranks. If it is permissible, I like long lining. (Some tournaments have rules against it.)
Strike King 6XDs can get down to 20-23 feet. My personal best, as well the PBs of my sons all were caught on these. We've caught many 6 to 13 lb bass deep cranking.
scaleface reply :
I've been doing a quite a bit of it the past few years . The 6XD has been my deepest diving lure . I purchased some Berkely Dredgers this winter but have not got a chance to fish this year . I hope so soon .Its worth it . I fish structure such as long extended points and sometimes I'll just find bass accidentally with the depth finder . I use the Red Eye Shad a lot too in deep water , working it on the bottom like a worm .
I like the crankbait to hit the bottom quickly but not dig in to deep . So I use different cranks on 12 lb mono to cover depths from 10 to about 18 foot . Some of The Dredgers are suppose to dig deeper than 20 foot .
Djamesbond3 reply :
On 5/21/2017 at 6:42 PM, basseditor said:I'm not sure the depth of the structure your targeting. It takes a long cast to get maximum depth out of big deep cranks. If it is permissible, I like long lining. (Some tournaments have rules against it.)
Strike King 6XDs can get down to 20-23 feet. My personal best, as well the PBs of my sons all were caught on these. We've caught many 6 to 13 lb bass deep cranking.
Yeah I have quite a few 5 xd's and a couple of 6 I'm just waiting on my gear to get in. I know you can fish shallow all day in some areas but I just want to learn to fish that 10'-25' range during the day cause I've heard that's when you can catch some big ones or find some schools. Everywhere I've fished I'm just usually banging the banks so the bite really slows down in the afternoon for me.
On 5/21/2017 at 8:52 PM, scaleface said:I've been doing a quite a bit of it the past few years . The 6XD has been my deepest diving lure . I purchased some Berkely Dredgers this winter but have not got a chance to fish this year . I hope so soon .Its worth it . I fish structure such as long extended points and sometimes I'll just find bass accidentally with the depth finder . I use the Red Eye Shad a lot too in deep water , working it on the bottom like a worm .
I like the crankbait to hit the bottom quickly but not dig in to deep . So I use different cranks on 12 lb mono to cover depths from 10 to about 18 foot . Some of The Dredgers are suppose to dig deeper than 20 foot .
Yeah I've tried to use the lipless in deep but I'd much rather fish the 5 or 6 xd quicker. I'm the type of guy that would rather fish quickly and try everything before I settle for working a worm haha. Don't get me wrong I use a worm frequently but that's after I've tried crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or jerkbaits usually.
scaleface reply :
I use a depth finder to locate how deep the bass are . I find in the summer that a lot of fish are holding at the same depth all over the lake . They will likely be at that depth on structure .
Djamesbond3 reply :
On 5/21/2017 at 11:18 PM, scaleface said:I use a depth finder to locate how deep the bass are . I find in the summer that a lot of fish are holding at the same depth all over the lake . They will likely be at that depth on structure .
Yeah honestly I think I need another depth finder. I have like a 200 dollar one but I may need to upgrade to a better structure scan and side scan.
WRB reply :
2 things to remember; 1) thermocline depth, 2) actual lure diving depth.
No reason to fish deeper than a thermocline depth.
Most deep divinig crankbaits can't reach maximum rated diving depths by casting 40 yards.
Think of a lure hitting the water and starting it's dive as you retrieve the lure, it takes 10 yards or more to dive down, another 10 yards to get further down while your retreiving the lure is trying to pull it upwards, the lure starts coming back up the remaining 20 yards. Your deep diving crankbait is only at it's deepest dive for maybe 5 yards. This means you need to cast well beyond the structure you plan to fish and have a short area the lure is at the deepest depth. The only way you know how deep a lure dives is casting in an area you know the depth and can feel the lure hitting bottom. I suggest you test each lure to know exactly how deep it will run for you.
Tom
scaleface reply :
On 5/21/2017 at 11:24 PM, Djamesbond3 said:Yeah honestly I think I need another depth finder. I have like a 200 dollar one but I may need to upgrade to a better structure scan and side scan.
I have ab inexpensive Lowrance down scan on my boat . My portable unit that I use in small waters is an old single color Eagle Fish Mark . The fish show up in text book arches.
Tucson reply :
The problem seems to be as WRB stated: It takes most of your cast distance to get down to depth, then it starts to come back up on the retrieve.
Wouldn't be nice if we had some means of quietly moving the boat while pulling our lures behind us for extended periods? Maybe something electric so it's quiet, slow, and maneuverable. Not sure what to call this technique, maybe something like "towing" or "trailering" or something. Well, we can only hope.
Djamesbond3 reply :
On 5/22/2017 at 1:14 AM, Tucson said:The problem seems to be as WRB stated: It takes most of your cast distance to get down to depth, then it starts to come back up on the retrieve.
Wouldn't be nice if we had some means of quietly moving the boat while pulling our lures behind us for extended periods? Maybe something electric so it's quiet, slow, and maneuverable. Not sure what to call this technique, maybe something like "towing" or "trailering" or something. Well, we can only hope.
Yeah that's why I bought the 7'10 so that I can get as much distance as possible on The cast
papajoe222 reply :
Deep cranking is a great presentation for catching fish that you have already located, either with a presentation like a C-rig or football jig, or with your electronics. It will wear you out if you use it to probe structure in search of fish.
Just be sure that the area you're targeting is around half the distance of your cast from you.
If the bite slows, go back to whatever you used to locate them and you can usually pick up a couple extra fish.
RoLo reply :
On 5/21/2017 at 11:24 PM, Djamesbond3 said:Yeah honestly I think I need another depth finder. I have like a 200 dollar one but I may need to upgrade to a better structure scan and side scan.
For my cartopper and for rental boats on vacation, I use a cheap portable sounder with dry cell batteries.
As a matter of fact, I use the same one as scaleface, the Lowrance Fish Mark 320
You do not need an expensive depth sounder and you CERTAINLY don't need side-scanning 
Roger
Djamesbond3 reply :
Just an update. I have went deep cranking twice now and today it went great. Caught 12 fish and in the lake I was fishing, 12 is an awesome day. One was 5.5 pounds. I'm learning that it definitely has to bounce off the bottom or off of something to get a strike. Really glad I started doing it cause I'll do anything to avoid finesse or worm fishing haha
Hez reply :
On 5/21/2017 at 8:52 PM, scaleface said:I purchased some Berkely Dredgers this winter but have not got a chance to fish this year . I hope so soon .
Yes sir...we are patiently waiting on your feedback...although I do believe you did mention it would likely be July...
On 5/31/2017 at 3:10 PM, Djamesbond3 said:I'll do anything to avoid finesse or worm fishing haha
haha don't come to Florida then. That is what the bass love to eat down here...soft plastics is king...
NHBull reply :
I have tried the dredgers and find they do get down faster than anything else I have tried and come well balanced. I now try them in my usual jig conditions
Getting to the desired depth also has a lot to do with the line you choose. I am running 10lb braid GAMMA on a baitcaster with leader and prefer it over FC......and I know I am in the minority
Hez reply :
On 5/31/2017 at 7:01 PM, NHBull said:I am running 10lb braid GAMMA on a baitcaster with leader and prefer it over FC......and I know I am in the minority
Interesting. I wanted to start experimenting with different lines while deep cranking this summer...I will definitely add this to the list. Very thin diameter...yet very strong....the only cons I see are what little buoyancy the braid would create...and the castability...but I definitely understand the pros....
Thanks!!!
scaleface reply :
On 5/31/2017 at 6:25 PM, Hez said:
Yes sir...we are patiently waiting on your feedback...although I do believe you did mention it would likely be July...
haha don't come to Florida then. That is what the bass love to eat down here...soft plastics is king...
I used two of them Memorial day the 10.5 and 14.5 . The lake is high and muddy so it was not idea deep cranking conditions . Like NHBull said , they seem to dive steeply and both ran true . The 10.5 was hitting bottom at 8 foot and the 14.5 was touching at 12 foot . They have a tight action and feel good . The profiles are a little smaller than similar running baits but they are a little wider . Theres a lot of weight there to be thrown a long ways . I only caught two white bass , I'll hit the points this summer when the water clears up .
Edit : Using 12 lb Big Game .
Scarborough817 reply :
On 5/31/2017 at 7:01 PM, NHBull said:I have tried the dredgers and find they do get down faster than anything else I have tried and come well balanced. I now try them in my usual jig conditions
Getting to the desired depth also has a lot to do with the line you choose. I am running 10lb braid GAMMA on a baitcaster with leader and prefer it over FC......and I know I am in the minority
i've joined you in this but i went with 30lb 832
On 5/31/2017 at 7:48 PM, Hez said:
Interesting. I wanted to start experimenting with different lines while deep cranking this summer...I will definitely add this to the list. Very thin diameter...yet very strong....the only cons I see are what little buoyancy the braid would create...and the castability...but I definitely understand the pros....
Thanks!!!
in the one time i went out to test the rod i found the casting to be very good i had one issue with a backlash but that was me being stupid and not setting up my reel before casting. i suggest a longer leader though say 10'
NHBull reply :
On 5/31/2017 at 7:48 PM, Hez said:
Interesting. I wanted to start experimenting with different lines while deep cranking this summer...I will definitely add this to the list. Very thin diameter...yet very strong....the only cons I see are what little buoyancy the braid would create...and the castability...but I definitely understand the pros....
Thanks!!!
While it floats if unattached to anything, it sinks like crazy once surface tentioner is acquired. Also 832 will sink on its own.....size diameter outweighs natural characteristics. .....
WRB reply :
On 5/31/2017 at 7:01 PM, NHBull said:I have tried the dredgers and find they do get down faster than anything else I have tried and come well balanced. I now try them in my usual jig conditions
Getting to the desired depth also has a lot to do with the line you choose. I am running 10lb braid GAMMA on a baitcaster with leader and prefer it over FC......and I know I am in the minority
10 lb braid could be a major problem using a bait casting reel.
Tom
RoLo reply :
On 5/31/2017 at 7:48 PM, Hez said:
Interesting. I wanted to start experimenting with different lines while deep cranking this summer...I will definitely add this to the list. Very thin diameter...yet very strong....the only cons I see are what little buoyancy the braid would create...and the castability...but I definitely understand the pros....
Thanks!!!
Though I've used lots of 10-lb braid for smallies, I'm really not a fan.
The diameter of 20-lb braid is only 1/1000th inch more than 10-lb braid (0.009" vs. 0.008")
but your getting "twice" the breaking strength.
Roger
NHBull reply :
On 6/1/2017 at 1:15 AM, WRB said:10 lb braid could be a major problem using a bait casting reel.
Tom
Tom,
I get it, and will likely settle on 20 lb smackdowwn, but so far the 10 is working well and I want to be able to speak from first hand knowledge.
Scarborough817 reply :
On 6/1/2017 at 1:51 AM, NHBull said:Tom,
I get it, and will likely settle on 20 lb smackdowwn, but so far the 10 is working well and I want to be able to speak from first hand knowledge.
any reason for smackdown over 832?
NHBull reply :
On 6/1/2017 at 3:27 AM, Scarborough817 said:any reason for smackdown over 832?
..I have 2 CB rods and have 832 on the other
...SD is.19 vs 832 at.23
I was just gifted a 150 you spool
I do like the feel of SD, don't think I have ever had a backlash...except flipping
It is really a coin flip and I have not tried 20 lb SD
mooneyes reply :
I love to fish deep crankbaits, and to me deep means about 20ft. I don't need to fish deeper than this as the thermocline on most of the lakes I fish forms about this depth or even a little less. I use a 7ft 6" Heavy Moderate rod and 12lb FC for my line. I prefer the Revo Winch for my reel, both the gen 2 and gen 3 have worked well for me. IMHO there is no incredible secret to deep cranking other than your casting, make sure you cast far enough that your bait spends as much time in the strike zone as possible, this and understanding structure and how the fish are relating to it. The rest comes with time on the water.
scaleface reply :
On 6/1/2017 at 5:46 AM, mooneyes said:I love to fish deep crankbaits, and to me deep means about 20ft. I don't need to fish deeper than this as the thermocline on most of the lakes I fish forms about this depth or even a little less.
Same here . 15 to 20 foot is the norm .
uncustered reply :
I've had a lot of problems with fish coming unpinned on treble hook lures with braid.
The "stretch" in mono helps reduce shock, which I've found to be a problem when using braid.
A limber parabolic crank bait rod can reduce the shock, but even using that type rod, i prefer mono.
Now, IMHO, with large trebles (2/0 or larger) shock usually isn't that big a problem.
But, hey, what do I know???
mooneyes reply :
On 6/1/2017 at 7:24 AM, uncustered said:I've had a lot of problems with fish coming unpinned on treble hook lures with braid.
The "stretch" in mono helps reduce shock, which I've found to be a problem when using braid.
A limber parabolic crank bait rod can reduce the shock, but even using that type rod, i prefer mono.
Now, IMHO, with large trebles (2/0 or larger) shock usually isn't that big a problem.
But, hey, what do I know???
What do you mean by shock causing problems? Can you explain your thoughts a little more.
Columbia Craw reply :
Deep cranking is relative to the body of water you're fishing. Generally I think of deep cranking as anything 15 feet and deeper. Just about every aspect has been covered already. Get a good map and the best electronics you can afford. Learn structure and how bass relate to structure and CURRENT comes into play. CATT wrote a great thread on structure. Read that. I look for ledges, deep humps and long points. If they have cover on them all the better. Find the bait, find the fish. Some of best days I've had were on a deep cranking bite. Fish were schooled up. I like simple. Long rod, power ratio reel and #12 flouro. Enjoy yourself.
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