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| Alright, I'm pretty much a Musky novice and haven't tossed many lipped wonders to pick up on the nuances of the multitudes of cranks out there. So, how different is a leaky though reputable Jake from a Slammer or a Rapala or a Salmo or a Cisco or a Windel or a Bomber or a...you get it, right? If it's a 5' to 8' caster, and a 10' to 15' troller, I want to believe that if it's in Joe Musky's face, it's considered dinner.
Not only am I curious about the subtle differences but I'm concerned about my pocketbook. I'd really like to get a few to cover depth and color options and leave it at that. Looking at R & H's cataloge, I fear I have to sell the house to cover the bases. | |
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Posts: 477
Location: Iowa | Well, you've got the right idea. Get the for sale sign ready. There are so many baits out there that work very well. I'm by no means a pro, or even close, but I think that if you pick the baits that look good to you and learn how to use them well, then you will catch fish on them. My personal favorites are the Grandma for trolling, and the DDD for casting. This is only because they were my 2 top crankbait producers last year, but they were also the ones that saw the most time on the end of my line. The DDD is a GREAT bait, what sets it apart from some of the others is that it suspends, you can make it just stop and sit there, then a small twitch or rip and the fish can't stand it. But there are many other great baits out there too. Slammers, Jakes, Believers, Ernies, Cranes, Big Games, the list goes on and on. Pick something you like and stick with it. I think all the fancy paint jobs are out there to catch the anglers eye(and I'm a sucker for that). I agree with you, if the fish is hungry and you put the bait in front of it in a convincing manner it is going to eat it. | |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | This question could be answered with a whole book written on the subject, but I'll try and keep it short. Crankbait variations are just like jerkbait variations. Each lure style produces it's own unique action, vibration, and running depth. In fact you may have two lures, lets say an Ernie, that you think are exactly the same. However, just in minor mfgr differences they act totally different in the water (to a certain degree at least). You need to find the brand of lure that matches your fishing style. You can find out what lure matches your style in two ways: Buy all the different makes and models and test them yourself, or tell somebody your style and ask them what lures they think will accomodate it.
Each crankbait has it's own situation it is good for, thus you can't have just one! My advise would to buy a couple different styles that will give you a varity of actions. I could tell you what lures I like are, but that doesn't mean somebody else would agree on the same lures for their choice because of our fishing styles.
I hope this helps a little. If not feel free to ask for more jibberish!
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Posts: 240
| I will give you the best bang for the buck if that is what you are looking for.
#1 Salmo Whitefish in the 8" size sinking with diving lip is amazing.
The grey silver, firetiger, and blue are all good catchers. Works
great trolled or casting. My number one lure last year!!!
#2 Rapla Super shad rap. Another awsome producer that won't empty the
bank account. My two fav's are the Silver black spot, fire tiger and
perch.
#3 Rapla 8" magnum with steel lip. Again another great producer.
#4 Now this is getting up there in price but Jakes or Jake like lures
work good too. I like to use them as a change up bait but when
when times get tough, I stick with the first three.
#5 Believers. Again, price is higher on this bait and they are not always
good producers. They do catch big fish though, so they always spend
some time in the water.
In summary, these are the Cranks that I always have stocked in my box and have all caught fish for me in diffrent situations. I do find though that the Salmo will catch fish at anytime, and in anycondition when others are not and won't break the bank.
Good luck
Cory | |
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| To start, get a DDD (best crank now made), a 10" Jake (my best producer), 6" Jake (best early season producer), a 10" Jointed Believer (best troller), a jointed Baby Shallow Raider (triggers fish mid season out of weed pockets), a regular Depth Raider (deeper water coverage casting or trolling), and an Ernie (deeper water trolling). All of these you can cast or troll if you like, and go with the color options that you think best. Also pick up some jerk baits/gliders like the Slammer Drop Belly Glider, Reef Hawg, and Phantom. Finally, have some bucktails (Musky Marabous), Spinnerbaits (ERC Dick Pearson Grinder), Plastics (Bull Dawgs, Lindy Tubes), and Suicks and you will be on your way. Caution...Lure collecting becomes almost as addictive as musky fishing!
Steve | |
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| Thanks, guys. It does seem that experimenting is the way to go. I have to confess that I do enjoy buying lures 'till I drop. I guess it's time to apply for a second mortgage. Good thing the rates are still low...
Scott | |
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Posts: 107
Location: milwaukee | What kind of rods are you guys/gals using to cast/retrieve the bigger cranks? It seems like you loose the feel of the lure vibrating through the water with the heavy rods, but the medium-heavys aren't up to casting big baits. Is anyone making a "musky crankbait" rod? | |
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| I have no problem casting crankbaits using St. Croix Premier rods in 7'6" or 6'9" lengths, or the Pete Maina Bass Pro Shop rods, all Medium Heavy or Heavy action. | |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | I'll agree with Muskyboy on the St Croix's. I ahve a 6'9" Premier that I just love for heavy cranks and jerk baits. | |
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What's with all those crankbaits?