Crankbaits for shallow rocky river /creeks 2024
gall reply :
So as the title suggests I wanna get into cranking this spring and summer. The only problem the. Moving waters I fish are primarily shallow (2-4ft)with some areas slightly deeper and others more shallow. So I figure square bulls to bang off the rock. So I guess any suggestions on ones guys use in the type of water would be extremely helpful.
TnRiver46 reply :
You will lose a lot so I would go with a cheap (er) one. H20 express makes good ones for $3
gall reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 12:42 AM, TnRiver46 said:You will lose a lot so I would go with a cheap (er) one. H20 express makes good ones for $3
That's what I figured ha. That's the cost of chasing smallies. Do you think square out round bill would be better? I had the thought process that thr round might roll off the rock better.
Munkin reply :
Bandit 100 and Manns Baby 1- both work really well in the shallow rocky parts of the Upper Potomac. Crayfish and shad colors work best overall for me due to clearer water.
Allen
Scott F reply :
I have never been a fan of crankbaits in shallow, rocky, rivers. Besides the obvious snag potential, the current messes with a crankbaits action. Because I find most of my smallies near current and smaller rivers are often narrow, I find myself casting into the current. To get a crank moving and wiggling the way they are supposed to while moving with the current, you really have to wind fast. Casting downstream in the current, all you have to do it hold it steady for it to vibrate. That can, at times, be a real advantage. Retrieving in against the current you can only reel very slowly before it spins and rolls. There are too many other baits I can work more effectively in a wider range of situations than crankbaits for me to spend much time using them in rivers.
gall reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 12:58 AM, Munkin said:Bandit 100 and Manns Baby 1- both work really well in the shallow rocky parts of the Upper Potomac. Crayfish and shad colors work best overall for me due to clearer water.
Allen
Funny you mention those I was just looking at them. Also the area you fish is pretty similar to my type of waters.
On 12/15/2017 at 3:34 AM, Scott F said:I have never been a fan of crankbaits in shallow, rocky, rivers. Besides the obvious snag potential, the current messes with a crankbaits action. Because I find most of my smallies near current and smaller rivers are often narrow, I find myself casting into the current. To get a crank moving and wiggling the way they are supposed to while moving with the current, you really have to wind fast. Casting downstream in the current, all you have to do it hold it steady for it to vibrate. That can, at times, be a real advantage. Retrieving in against the current you can only reel very slowly before it spins and rolls. There are too many other baits I can work more effectively in a wider range of situations than crankbaits for me to spend much time using them in rivers.
Yeah I agree with you a 100% in the current. Though some of the areas the current is minimal until you hit riffles. I also have an area the water treatment plant the water is deep. The only time you see real current is when they flush and drain the water back into the creek. That always gets them pretty active.
padon reply :
Bandit 100s and kvd 1.5 are both good and inexpensive,relatively.I fish both of those on the Susquehanna and do well.cast up and across and retrieve diagonal through the current.also fish behind rock current breaks and grass islands
gall reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 7:30 AM, padon said:Bandit 100s and kvd 1.5 are both good and inexpensive,relatively.I fish both of those on the Susquehanna and do well.cast up and across and retrieve diagonal through the current.also fish behind rock current breaks and grass islands
I was hoping someone from thr susky would chime in. What branch you fishing? That's funny cause that's exactly how I do my topwater and jerk baits. Especially the topwater tight to the shore up and cattyeompas
padon reply :
I fish the main branch from selinsgrove down to about Marysville.I fish most of my moving baits that way
Oh I see you from the area.great fishing in the rivers around here.
gall reply :
If you're down the Marysville way some time give me a shout. My girlfriend is my main fishing partner now, always be happy to go out with someone new.
heavyduty reply :
I agree with Munkin and would add Spro baby fat john 50
Mumbly reply :
Kvd 1.5 shallow might be a good option. Runs to 3 feet but you can control that a bit more line size and rod positioning.
padon reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 10:32 AM, gall said:If you're down the Marysville way some time give me a shout. My girlfriend is my main fishing partner now, always be happy to go out with someone new.
Sure.actually duncanonn to Marysville is my main stomping ground.I'm always looking for guys to fish with.what do you fish out of?
Spankey reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 12:03 AM, gall said:So as the title suggests I wanna get into cranking this spring and summer. The only problem the. Moving waters I fish are primarily shallow (2-4ft)with some areas slightly deeper and others more shallow. So I figure square bulls to bang off the rock. So I guess any suggestions on ones guys use in the type of water would be extremely helpful.
Yes I agree with square bills but in those conditions they don't have much of anything over a rounder bill. The Footlooses and -1 are good baits but they ain't touching bottom of 4' of water. Great when taking off the surface. I'm a river rat and in my experiences the deeper diving crankbaits serve me well also. If I'm fishing 4 ft. Of water I want a CB that will go to 6 ft. Touching bottom will get you some nice fish. I'm not dismissing a very shallow running CB. I don't want to make it sound like 1.5's, baby fats, -1's, or bandits and bombers are not the way to go either. I'd like to have $.10 for every one I caught on them. But try fishing some longer minnow type baits. They don't have to be 4" long. They'll work through your depth zone. Some baits that represent a true shape of a minnow. Conntdowns and some husky jerks. Just an opinion.
fishballer06 reply :
Don't be afraid to try a 2.75" Keitech or Rage Swimmer with a 3/16oz. head. I bet you'd clean house with that little bait.
gall reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 9:45 PM, padon said:Sure.actually duncanonn to Marysville is my main stomping ground.I'm always looking for guys to fish with.what do you fish out of?
Kayak right now but working on getting a jon. Come summer mix between kayak and wade.
On 12/15/2017 at 10:00 PM, Spankey said:Yes I agree with square bills but in those conditions they don't have much of anything over a rounder bill. The Footlooses and -1 are good baits but they ain't touching bottom of 4' of water. Great when taking off the surface. I'm a river rat and in my experiences the deeper diving crankbaits serve me well also. If I'm fishing 4 ft. Of water I want a CB that will go to 6 ft. Touching bottom will get you some nice fish. I'm not dismissing a very shallow running CB. I don't want to make it sound like 1.5's, baby fats, -1's, or bandits and bombers are not the way to go either. I'd like to have $.10 for every one I caught on them. But try fishing some longer minnow type baits. They don't have to be 4" long. They'll work through your depth zone. Some baits that represent a true shape of a minnow. Conntdowns and some husky jerks. Just an opinion.
My go to in winter is jerk baits suspending them and drifting them. I've caught some monsters trout on that right there. I was also thinking some craw colored cranks for that reason. The way they scuttle across rocks.
On 12/15/2017 at 10:06 PM, fishballer06 said:Don't be afraid to try a 2.75" Keitech or Rage Swimmer with a 3/16oz. head. I bet you'd clean house with that little bait.
That's my next bait I'm gonna start using. I know they crush flukes, so they will deff key in on that. I've watched them go crazy on baitfish and craws when they start pouring water from the plant.
roadwarrior reply :
Another vote for the Bandit 100.
padon reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 11:07 PM, gall said:Kayak right now but working on getting a jon. Come summer mix between kayak and wade.
My go to in winter is jerk baits suspending them and drifting them. I've caught some monsters trout on that right there. I was also thinking some craw colored cranks for that reason. The way they scuttle across rocks.
That's my next bait I'm gonna start using. I know they crush flukes, so they will deff key in on that. I've watched them go crazy on baitfish and craws when they start pouring water from the plant.
Ok,I'm gonna let you in on a secret.lol well not really but a very productive bait in the rivers.3.8 keitech fat impact on a 1/8-1/4 depending on depth and current will hammer fish.also in summer flukes are great especially the last hour of light.really in summer Yuri don't need much stuff.some swimbaits,fluke a few cranks topwaters and senkos will get you bit all summer.throw in some tubes if you wanna fish low and slow and that's it.
bowhunter63 reply :
Rebel crawdad shallow runner.Kills Smallies
gall reply :
On 12/16/2017 at 4:16 AM, padon said:Ok,I'm gonna let you in on a secret.lol well not really but a very productive bait in the rivers.3.8 keitech fat impact on a 1/8-1/4 depending on depth and current will hammer fish.also in summer flukes are great especially the last hour of light.really in summer Yuri don't need much stuff.some swimbaits,fluke a few cranks topwaters and senkos will get you bit all summer.throw in some tubes if you wanna fish low and slow and that's it.
I crushed them in flukes in the fall transition. Also something about a torpedo early in the morning,even musky will crush it. I've been on a big tube kick here lately.
smalljaw67 reply :
I fish the same waters and I do well with crankbaits. I have 2 cranks that are tough to be in the river for smallmouth, both are Mann's, the Baby 1 Minus and the Baby X. The 1 Minus is for the ultra shallow stuff and the Baby X runs around 2', the X is the same body as a 1 minus but it has a square bill, the bill looks kind of crude but it is made that way on purpose. It makes that crank deflect really hard, it has been one of the best river smallmouth cranks in my arsenal. Another really good one for me has been the Bagley Rattlin' Kill'R B, it is a plastic version of the Kill'R B and has a low pitch rattle that is surprisingly effective in clear water. If the smallmouth are aggressive and eating larger baits I like the Yo-Zuri 3DB square bill and the Rapala DT Fat 3 and the DT Flat 3, the flat 3 is an absolute must in early spring. That is just a small list, I use an entire different set of cranks when the water is over 4' along with some killer baits that have been discontinued but what I mentioned are my best shallow water producers.
drew4779 reply :
My home water is also a small shallow creek and cranks can be very effective. I recommend having some options. Have some wide wobble, tight wobble, plastic, balsa, silent, and rattle cranks.
Spring and fall, my go to are yozuri 3dr flat cranks. Summer I like silent xcals, lucky crafts, and sebile cranksters. Balsa cranks like some Rapalas rise through the water column a little quicker which can generate strikes and get you out of trouble in particularly snaggy areas.
gall reply :
On 12/16/2017 at 6:55 PM, smalljaw67 said:I fish the same waters and I do well with crankbaits. I have 2 cranks that are tough to be in the river for smallmouth, both are Mann's, the Baby 1 Minus and the Baby X. The 1 Minus is for the ultra shallow stuff and the Baby X runs around 2', the X is the same body as a 1 minus but it has a square bill, the bill looks kind of crude but it is made that way on purpose. It makes that crank deflect really hard, it has been one of the best river smallmouth cranks in my arsenal. Another really good one for me has been the Bagley Rattlin' Kill'R B, it is a plastic version of the Kill'R B and has a low pitch rattle that is surprisingly effective in clear water. If the smallmouth are aggressive and eating larger baits I like the Yo-Zuri 3DB square bill and the Rapala DT Fat 3 and the DT Flat 3, the flat 3 is an absolute must in early spring. That is just a small list, I use an entire different set of cranks when the water is over 4' along with some killer baits that have been discontinued but what I mentioned are my best shallow water producers.
I was hoping you would make a post sooner or later. I'll have to make a order of cranks maybe go to sft too. Have you ever tried Adam's custom lures? I was cursing his site look like they might work nice.
On 12/16/2017 at 11:35 PM, drew4779 said:My home water is also a small shallow creek and cranks can be very effective. I recommend having some options. Have some wide wobble, tight wobble, plastic, balsa, silent, and rattle cranks.
Spring and fall, my go to are yozuri 3dr flat cranks. Summer I like silent xcals, lucky crafts, and sebile cranksters. Balsa cranks like some Rapalas rise through the water column a little quicker which can generate strikes and get you out of trouble in particularly snaggy areas.
I like the idea of balsa a lot especially in some fo the waters I fish. The problem is some of the limestone over the years they cut put crevices and boy oh boy those things eat lures. The boulders are prety easy to work with irs those shelf thst are they tricky part.
Djohn reply :
On the Shenandoah the Rebel Wee Crawfish works well around shallow rocky areas. Be prepared to lose a few.
gall reply :
On 12/17/2017 at 10:10 AM, Djohn said:On the Shenandoah the Rebel Wee Crawfish works well around shallow rocky areas. Be prepared to lose a few.
What size are they? And do you swap hooks or Anything or do you run them stock?
Djohn reply :
Depending on the model they range from 3/4" to 2 1/2". Run the stock hooks. They work equally well for both large and small mouths.
smalljaw67 reply :
On 12/17/2017 at 4:33 AM, gall said:I was hoping you would make a post sooner or later. I'll have to make a order of cranks maybe go to sft too. Have you ever tried Adam's custom lures? I was cursing his site look like they might work nice.
I like the idea of balsa a lot especially in some fo the waters I fish. The problem is some of the limestone over the years they cut put crevices and boy oh boy those things eat lures. The boulders are prety easy to work with irs those shelf thst are they tricky part.
Adams Custom Lures uses predator bass blanks and they put a custom paint job on them. They now have a blank that was made for them and that is the one the river guys seem to like and I may get a few next season as well. The Atak 1.25, it is 3/8oz and runs 1'-3', I can't tell you much but I know several river anglers that hold them in high regard so they should be checked out.
gall reply :
On 12/17/2017 at 6:30 PM, smalljaw67 said:Adams Custom Lures uses predator bass blanks and they put a custom paint job on them. They now have a blank that was made for them and that is the one the river guys seem to like and I may get a few next season as well. The Atak 1.25, it is 3/8oz and runs 1'-3', I can't tell you much but I know several river anglers that hold them in high regard so they should be checked out.
Those are the ones, I might make an order for some here soon. Also probably be making an order here from you after the holidays.
On 12/17/2017 at 6:30 PM, smalljaw67 said:Adams Custom Lures uses predator bass blanks and they put a custom paint job on them. They now have a blank that was made for them and that is the one the river guys seem to like and I may get a few next season as well. The Atak 1.25, it is 3/8oz and runs 1'-3', I can't tell you much but I know several river anglers that hold them in high regard so they should be checked out.
Those are the ones, I might make an order for some here soon. Also probably be making an order here from you after the holidays.
On 12/17/2017 at 6:30 PM, smalljaw67 said:Adams Custom Lures uses predator bass blanks and they put a custom paint job on them. They now have a blank that was made for them and that is the one the river guys seem to like and I may get a few next season as well. The Atak 1.25, it is 3/8oz and runs 1'-3', I can't tell you much but I know several river anglers that hold them in high regard so they should be checked out.
That's the one I first saw jaun talkinf about them. I'll probably put in an order after the holiday with them and also you. I love your slither heads I only lost one so far. The reason I lost it was o gave it to an old timer who went crazy over it.
gall reply :
So I went and pulled the trigger on the adam's custom lures. He was beyond nice and down to earth after trading emails. All said and done 6 cranks for 30 bucks which isn't a bad deal. The biggest plus is he's in state. He said he ideally made these cranks for river guys. So when I get them even though the bite not be there I'll put them through their paces and see how they do.
fishnkamp reply :
I lived in New Buffalo for 5 years and fished mostly from Selinsgrove to Front Royal. I fished a lot of twintail grubs ( think beetle spins), 3 to 5 inch grubs and my favorite has always been the Kalin Lunker grubs. Use some 1/8 to 3/8 ounce heads. For hard baits I used to fish Tiny Torpedoes, and regular sized torpedos, my favorite crankbait was a Rebel Humpy and the Baby 1 minus. Also throw the 3 or 5 inch minnow baits like a Rapala original floater/divers. Both Norman and Berkley make some reasonably priced shallow divers as well.
The flukes and Bass Assasins were just coming out back then, but today I would seriously fish baits like a Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper and regular dipper on belly weighted swimbait hooks and the fish head style swimbait jigheads like Picasso makes. i would throw them on 1/8, and 1/4 ounce weights. By the way if you throw the grubs, try using some bass Pro Shops. All of these exist in my tackle box.
gall reply :
On 12/21/2017 at 12:55 PM, fishnkamp said:I lived in New Buffalo for 5 years and fished mostly from Selinsgrove to Front Royal. I fished a lot of twintail grubs ( think beetle spins), 3 to 5 inch grubs and my favorite has always been the Kalin Lunker grubs. Use some 1/8 to 3/8 ounce heads. For hard baits I used to fish Tiny Torpedoes, and regular sized torpedos, my favorite crankbait was a Rebel Humpy and the Baby 1 minus. Also throw the 3 or 5 inch minnow baits like a Rapala original floater/divers. Both Norman and Berkley make some reasonably priced shallow divers as well.
The flukes and Bass Assasins were just coming out back then, but today I would seriously fish baits like a Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper and regular dipper on belly weighted swimbait hooks and the fish head style swimbait jigheads like Picasso makes. i would throw them on 1/8, and 1/4 ounce weights. By the way if you throw the grubs, try using some bass Pro Shops. All of these exist in my tackle box.
I don't think you realize how badly I was hoping to hear from you and small jaw. I honestly take both your guys advice to heart and hasn't let me down. Torpedo are hands down my favorite hard bait after swapping hooks tweaking props etc. The smallies and musky got nuts over the bullfrog pattern around here. Funny you mention the swimbaits I was gonna throw those a lot more this coming spring and summer. Also I hope Santa got me a bps gift card for Xmas ha. Like I said I ordered some cranks from adam's customs,thsy dice 1-3ft with a nice wobble and heavy enough (3/8oz) I can use casting gear. Sorru for the rambling but I'm glad your back and doing well.
fishnkamp reply :
I did forget one more favorite toy and that was the Pop R. Another good crank is definitely the Bandit 100s
gall reply :
On 12/21/2017 at 9:11 PM, fishnkamp said:I did forget one more favorite toy and that was the Pop R. Another good crank is definitely the Bandit 100s
I never gave poppers much of a try in current might be something new too. I'll look up Bandit right now and see what they got. I was hoping to find one that had smallmouth coloration to it not sure where to start.
fishnkamp reply :
When I fished the river I had one rod rigged with the bottom bouncing lures one with a crank and usually one spinning rod to throw the light Pop Rs. I would float a section of the river and the topwater was used when I stopped above a rock ledge and fish the face where the current was slower. It would also get used at the"shoot" where the fast water went through the rock ledge and the backwash just below the shoot meet. Some of my biggest bass came from places like that. Also if you fish around a grass bed the current is just a bit slower just above and below the grass bed. I loved dropping an anchor and getting out to wade these type of fishing opportunities. Some of my favorite sections to fish were near Selinsgrove, Liverpool, and Middletown. The ledges near the Airport used to produce a lot of fish.
gall reply :
On 12/21/2017 at 9:50 PM, fishnkamp said:When I fished the river I had one rod rigged with the bottom bouncing lures one with a crank and usually one spinning rod to throw the light Pop Rs. I would float a section of the river and the topwater was used when I stopped above a rock ledge and fish the face where the current was slower. It would also get used at the"shoot" where the fast water went through the rock ledge and the backwash just below the shoot meet. Some of my biggest bass came from places like that. Also if you fish around a grass bed the current is just a bit slower just above and below the grass bed. I loved dropping an anchor and getting out to wade these type of fishing opportunities. Some of my favorite sections to fish were near Selinsgrove, Liverpool, and Middletown. The ledges near the Airport used to produce a lot of fish.
Middletown that's one nice area, even the swatara produces nicely. I used the torpedo in the same fashion a lot also above current breaks or seems where they would hold up waiting for food. The spots always had a dug out before the break and they would hold up in there or in the tail waters of thr riffles. Also in calmer water around isolated boulders that always drew up a strike with torpedo. I forgot to mention gaines cripples killer it quiet possibly edges out the torpedo for me. I notice myself using a lot more finesse approach overall. Whether it be tube, shakey head light Texas right etc. I think that's why I'm trying to get into these other baits more to get more confidence in other areas in moving water.
fishnkamp reply :
One other bait to try is a chatterbait in like 1/4 to 3/8 with a swimbait body like the Keitech or Reaction Innovation Skinny Dipper. These work really well.
gall reply :
On 12/22/2017 at 12:09 AM, fishnkamp said:One other bait to try is a chatterbait in like 1/4 to 3/8 with a swimbait body like the Keitech or Reaction Innovation Skinny Dipper. These work really well.
I'm so glad your back and active on here ha. Honestly you and smalljaw are a Stephen hawking and Einstein of current smallies.
Boomstick reply :
I fish a lot of shallower areas that often tend to be rocky too, so I use 17lb mono on my cranking reel. A KVD 1.5 or Norman Fat boy is always a good bet, but I'd start with the KVD's because you can get them cheaper until you figure out how regularly you use them.
gall reply :
On 12/22/2017 at 8:54 AM, Boomstick said:I fish a lot of shallower areas that often tend to be rocky too, so I use 17lb mono on my cranking reel. A KVD 1.5 or Norman Fat boy is always a good bet, but I'd start with the KVD's because you can get them cheaper until you figure out how regularly you use them.
I was looking at those too I like the bagley also,im still waiting on the order from adam's customs to get here.
Boomstick reply :
On 12/25/2017 at 5:07 AM, gall said:I was looking at those too I like the bagley also,im still waiting on the order from adam's customs to get here.
I just realized that I meant to say to start with the KVDs until you figure out how much you LOSE them, not use them. But the Norman Fat Boys are probably my all around favorites, they aren't terribly expensive and they move a lot of water.
gall reply :
I really started looking into them and the Manns. I figure maybe get some of the BPS ones and Ave some money on that avenue too.
Turkey sandwich reply :
There are some really good suggestions on here. Like usual, I agree with @smalljaw67. I fish the North Branch a bit further upstream pretty regularly and crankbaits are some of my favorites for covering water, especially while working shorelines, 3-6' runs, and tailouts. I have always loved Rapala's Fat Raps, and have really, really grown to like the DT series. DT 4,6, and 10s have boated me a lot of fish in the last 2 years. They deflect extremely well and by swapping between depths, I've found that I can cover a ton of different retrieves, whether the smallies prefer something lightly nicking the tops of boulders or something dredging gravel.
During the summer and through the fall, I will always have at least one crank bait rod on my kayak. There's lot of good advice on here already, but I'll add a few. During the day, especially bright days during the heat of summer, the very heads and tail outs of pools can be incredible patterns as fish will often hold just a little bit deeper. Having something that runs a little big deeper here can be clutch and a great way to pick up big fish. Also remember, predators are generally going to prefer a presentation that mimics baitfish moving WITH the current versus against it. (it's more natural, fewer spines to deal with, etc). Another great time and place to fish a crank bait is along weed edges in the mornings and evenings. This can be a great way to catch big fish, as (in my experience) this is when you're most likely to find larger fish, typically 16"+ crashing shallow weeds chasing baitfish, frogs, mice, crayfish, and anything else roaming the shallows as daylight begins to fade. This is also another time when poppers and prop baits like @fishnkamp mentioned shine. In 2017, the Whopper Plopper 90 also really earned my respect in these conditions.
A few notes for fishing crankbaits in fast, turbulent water: Bulk and noise can be good things. These are going to be super active fish if they're holding in the fast stuff, even if they're stacked behind a giant boulder. The water is going to be fast and loud, so don't be concerned about rattles and subtlety. The good thing about KNOWING that these fish are going to be super active, means you can fish big, wide wobbling baits (Those big, fat Normans someone mentioned above can be GREAT here).
Smbass19 reply :
I fish a shallow river sometimes as well. I like xcalibur XR100. They're discontinued but you can find them on eBay and other sites. Bandit 100 also excellent. Also, check out the rebel humpback. They were discontinued for a long time, but they just brought them back. Run very shallow, but are great for smallies. Strike King Pro model Series 1 are very similar to bandit 100.
Boomstick reply :
On 12/15/2017 at 12:42 AM, TnRiver46 said:You will lose a lot so I would go with a cheap (er) one. H20 express makes good ones for $3
Seconded. Plus you will take the paint off of them as well.
gall reply :
Thank you guys for all the great advice. I got some cranks from adam's and they look amazing and perfect running depth. A local tackle shop is having their bass fest so I'm gonna try to stock up on stuff for up coming thaw out .
Thank you guys for all the great advice. I got some cranks from adam's and they look amazing and perfect running depth. A local tackle shop is having their bass fest so I'm gonna try to stock up on stuff for up coming thaw out .
WI_Angler1989 reply :
I'm a bit late to the party, but I've had some really good luck with Spro Fat Johns in the big and small sizes. The Fat John runs 2-4 (I think) and the Baby say 0-2 roughly. They've run really well in the fast, shallow and rocky rivers I fish. Never got snagged more than I could get off of from shore even. It took a big ole Pike to finally lose my Fat John 60.
gall reply :
Thank you guys for all the great advice. I got some cranks from adam's and they look amazing and perfect running depth. And nerve too late to the party ha. I was hoping someone would mention those I've read great reviews about them. I deff need a crank that can take a good beating.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
On 1/15/2018 at 6:37 AM, gall said:Thank you guys for all the great advice. I got some cranks from adam's and they look amazing and perfect running depth. And nerve too late to the party ha. I was hoping someone would mention those I've read great reviews about them. I deff need a crank that can take a good beating.
They can definitely take a beating! Super durable bill and finish on them. I really like the smaller 50 size and have had crazy days on smallies and pike with them!
ZebcoZak reply :
Rebel wee craw is my most used crank by far in the shallow rovers and streams on central Ohio. Early in the year I fish the Teeny Wee Craw with upsized treble hooks to make it slowly sink to the bottom. With a slow "twitch twitch pause" retrieve I don't know if I have ever had as much success as with that thing. In fast moving water it gets tossed around far too much to be as effective, but in the kind of streams where you can cast to the other side, and wade through *** foot depths it is a killer. Will grab a few rock bass with it as well, which always help keep the action hot.
gall reply :
On 1/15/2018 at 7:25 AM, WI_Angler1989 said:They can definitely take a beating! Super durable bill and finish on them. I really like the smaller 50 size and have had crazy days on smallies and pike with them!
I'll have to get some, I'm trying to pull away from My usual river /creek baits. This year it's gonna be more working on other baits to. Boost my. Confidence (spinnerbaits, cranks etc.)
All Day Fishing reply :
Hair Jigs for river Smallies have had some luck up here in Idaho! Jimmy D makes some great ones! also like Kalins jigs! 
gall reply :
On 1/19/2018 at 4:57 AM, SK Fishing said:Hair Jigs for river Smallies have had some luck up here in Idaho! Jimmy D makes some great ones! also like Kalins jigs!
Hair jigs are extremely up. On the list for me. I use finesee jigs quite a bit they have worked pretty well for me so far. Something abour fur/hair jigs has as much appeal to me as it does the fish
Munkin reply :
Hands down if I could only use one crankbait to fish the river it would be a Bandit in craw or silver minnow.
Allen
Sam reply :
Bandit square bills that run six-feet on 8 pound fluorocarbon.
Use clip or snap to connect to crankbait's eye.
Sexy Shad color.
On baitcaster or spinning rig, your choice.
Check for knicks, cuts and line damage plus check your knot after each fish and if not catching anything about each 15 to 20 casts.
Bandit as they are less expensive than other crankbaits.
Second choice are Rapala Shad Raps on spinning rig with 8 pound fluorocarbon.
Don't forget your needle nose pliers.
TOXIC reply :
SPRO Rock Crawler.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
On 1/26/2018 at 9:19 PM, TOXIC said:SPRO Rock Crawler.
I really like how those look, but I fish from shore a lot, so it's not always good to fish a deep(ish) diver. I'm pretty intrigued by the new RKcrawler MD in the 4-8 foot range. That's right about what I fish.
waymont reply :
There's a great stream lure that's designed for trout fishing but is a killer Smallmouth lure in streams.
HD Trout by Dynamic Lures minnow bait. It's about 2 1/4" and is a slow sinker but it bounces off of rocks great and catches everything.
related Smallmouth Bass Fishing topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.