My new go to crank

[Jim Uran]

I'm no expert when it comes to crankbaits. I don't run planer boards or even line counter reels, I don't have any rods specifically designed for pulling crankbaits, I don't do lead core or snap weights. This is what I do, I tie on a decent snap and put on a Lindy Shadling.

This lure runs true right out of the package, which is a big plus for me. I hate trying to tune a crankbait, which way do you bend the loop again?? We haven't seen color patterns on a crankbait match the colors of our local baitfish so well. The layer of colors and the finish on these cranks puts it up above the competition. They have the color patter to "match the hatch" in any body of water that you fish. From alewife to fathead to dace and many more, they have you covered. Top it all off with the realistic holographic eyes and you have a winner in my book.

I have been having some luck with the Lindy Shadlings the last couple of trips out. I've been running the #7 in the bluegill pattern along the deep edge of the cabbage in 16 to 18 feet of water. This lure will run down 14 feet with 10 pound fireline a good cast length behind the boat. I usually run this on the deep side of the boat, and on the shallow side I'll throw on a #5 in either the red tail, or the golden shiner pattern. I've been noticing that #5 runs around 10 to 11 feet down on 10 pound fireline.

The past couple trips on different lakes, they really smacked the lure too, it wasn't a subtle bite at all. The walleyes would just smack the lure and turn and burn! Hard to believe they hit it so hard. You'll catch a lot of pike on the Shadling, as well as bass, and the occasional crappie and perch.

Try to find harder bottoms out from the weed edge with a gradual drop and work the Lindy Shadlings back and forth as close as you can get to the weeds. If you hit the weeds, rip the lure through and a lot of times that's when you'll get hit. My son absolutely loves them!!

[Matt C]

Very nice! The smile says it all!

[jeffreyd]

A successful trip clearly is not when we as adults are able to catch record fish or our limit, it is seeing the smile and grin of the kids when they show off their rewards. We need to get more kids involved in outdoor sports, ask your child if they have a friend that they would like to take along. Best way to get youth involved. Contact Make A Wish, donate a fishing trip to someone who cannot do it themselves. Contact local boys and girls clubs to find kids that might want to go fishing. Give them a chance.

Great pictures, reminds me of my son when he caught his first walley and pike in MN.

[Jim Uran]

Absolutely right about the kids. My kids will be fishing fools just like their dad. Just like my dad was, that's where I got the bug from. That's Jim Jr, or Big Jim as he likes to be called . When we aren't fishing cranks he does everything by himself, from baiting hooks and taking the hook out of the moouth. Out of my 4 kids, he's the one that lives and dreams fishing.

[LMITOUT]

[Jim Almquist]

Something tells me that smile went to bed with him

Awesome job Leechbait !

[GlassEyeangler]

awesome fish!

time to get the cranks out! i just reorganized my tackle box putting all of my cranks towards the top shelf. i'm like you, nothing special, and wouldn't know how to "tune" a crankbait properly even if Linder was in my boat showing me how.

i'm a Rapala and Cotton Cordell guy myself, and the only thing I really bought into is the Rapala knot...it really gives the bait a better swim action in my opinion.

[ikeslayer]

gotta like a little dude who will hold a snot rocket