Deep Trolling Cranks

[buckslayer_101]

Looking for information on deep trolling cranks on superline using a line counter reel. Can a person get cranks down to 30-32 feet using a superline? If so what type of cranks? Rapala Deep Runners indicate they go down only 15 feet and so do Rapala TTM15, can we get these deeper. I would rather long line than leadcore. I read some past posts and there was discussion about using three ways not certain how to rig, any recommendations?

[LMITOUT]

A Reef Runner Deep Diver will get near that depth using superline (Fireline) and about 200' of line.

Other deep running cranks include a Bomber Long Deep Diver or a Rapala Taildancer TD-11.

My suggestion would be to get a copy of the "Troller's Bible" from Precision Trolling and that will tell you what cranks can achieve that depth and how much line you'll need to get there.

[tacklejunkie]

Looking for information on deep trolling cranks on superline using a line counter reel. Can a person get cranks down to 30-32 feet using a superline? If so what type of cranks? Rapala Deep Runners indicate they go down only 15 feet and so do Rapala TTM15, can we get these deeper. I would rather long line than leadcore. I read some past posts and there was discussion about using three ways not certain how to rig, any recommendations?

Cotton Cordells claim over twenty feet trolled with there deep divers. If that is true, might be able to get a little more depth with superlines.

Deep diving reef runners claim 20 also and both are cheaper than Rapalas.

[LMITOUT]

Deep diving reef runners claim 20 also and both are cheaper than Rapalas.

That's the Deep Little Ripper. The Deep Diver will get another 10' more than the Little Ripper.

[tacklejunkie]

I've used the Reef Runners and they cosgt less than the Rapalas and are very effective.

The drawback is they are a &%$# to tune

[whitebassman]

A Reef Runner Deep Diver will get near that depth using superline (Fireline) and about 200' of line.

My suggestion would be to get a copy of the "Troller's Bible" from Precision Trolling and that will tell you what cranks can achieve that depth and how much line you'll need to get there.

second that well worth it

[buckslayer_101]

I seen the book at the Big C last weekend, they are $40. I have an older version in my boat which is in storage which is currently snowed in.

I really am interested in trying to troll the superline with plugs on LOW mud and reef edges. Most are using leadcore or down riggers, hoping to do it with long line and correct plugs.

When guys talked about three ways, I was wondering how much weight and how many feet below the plug line. This may have to be trial and error as each plug varies.

Appreciate your ideas!

[scott b]

snap weights

[tunrevir]

You can also look at running copper line if you want to run shorter leads to stay tighter to the structure or you could run jet divers or small dipsey divers to reach those depths without the aide of a super line or having to go to deep diving plugs. Just a thought.

Tunrevir~

[NCLaker]

I've used the Reef Runners and they cosgt less than the Rapalas and are very effective.

The drawback is they are a &%$# to tune

Love reef runners, my favorite trolling bait on the river. If you run them, buying their tuning tool is a must!

[hhguide]

Buck Slayer... I used to pull reef runners in the basin of lake of the woods. We would put out around 2oo to 210 feet of line and it would get use between 28 and 29 feet of water depending on how fast we were pulling. It wouldn't turn around on the big water. We would pull for miles on end. When you would mark fish you would catch them about the time the fish got to the left side of the locator. Good luck!

[WalleyeChaser]

3 way rigging:

Guys will use anywhere from 1 oz of weight up to 5 or 6 oz.(2-4 oz is most common). It deepends a lot on speed and type of crank you are using. Do some reading and video watching on the net to get a bunch of ideas. I could type all day and not cover it as well as is needed.

For line lengths I run 12-18" down to the dropper weight and 5-7 ft to the crank. You have to change these as necessary for your conditions. Stained waters allow shorter leaders. Start out on flats with a constant depth to get the feel with how much line you need out. And then go a little deeper and do the same. Sharp breaks are hard to troll in general but its easier to be precise if you can run the baits more vertical rather than long lining. Keep a log so you can duplicate what works in the future. Let out enough line so that you get a rod bounce every so often from bumping the buttom, you don't want to be dragging the weight as much as just bouncing it.

Another good tip is use 4lb for the dropper as it will be sacrifical and break off if the weight gets snagged saving you a $7 crank. Usually you can turn around and pull it backwards to get un-snagged. I have only lost 5 cranks in the many years I have been trolling! it takes some patients to get a hold of the learning curve but it can pay off! Its also a great way to pull spinner rigs which are killer for picking up scattered fish in the middle of summer! Good luck if you decide to give it a try

[BMaxus]

Good info river-newbie, Thanks.

Do you prefer spinning or casting rods for 3-way rigging?

What pound and type of line works best?

[tacklejunkie]

If you run them, buying their tuning tool is a must!

I did try the plier thing with those then broke down and bought the tuning tool and it's much better that way.

That's my only complaint when it comes to Reef Runners.

[walleyemaniac]

+1 on the snap weights. There should be a section in your precision trolling book on this.