Trolling Cranks

[fishermn]

I havent tried trolling crankbaits a lot in the past, but I've heard it can be a great presentation in the fall (especially at night). Just a few quick questions: Structure - I assume trolling the weedlines and breaklines would be the first place to start? Depth - Is it best to keep the crank real close to the bottom, or let it ride higher up? Speed? What type of rig do you all typically use for this?

Thanks much,
D

[PAULLY X]

i would also like to add to this topic what type/brand/ test/color of line would you prefer use.
most specific to Ida,

thanks

[soldoncass]

Try a search on trolling cranks right under "post reply" above. There's info on here in the past on some of your Questions

[PAULLY X]

Soldoncass

Alot of good stuff on the search, thanks

Dough!!

Homer

[Schnauzer]

yes, cranks are a great night weapon in the fall, but I would add they can be effective in the day, and all season too... even right at opener. You can cover a lot of ground and get those active fish. I'd recomend a super line (not mono) although some guys always use 10 lb. mono. I like the braided or fused lines because their smaller diameter allow the cranks to get deeper. Breaklines are great but trolling across shallow flats at night during the summer is also a favorite of mine. In the fall, trolling rock ridges, rock piles, and rocky breaklines after dark is great in shallow water (3-10 feet). Weedlines can also be great fall spots. As the weeds die down, there are usually patches of stubborn ones that stay up later and attract bait fish like an oasis. Walleyes will cruise the edges of them. You trade some weed entanglements for fish but it is worth it. Trolling cranks is a huge subject but that is a few ideas off the top of my head...

[AaronM]

For getting your cranks down a little deeper, try using dipsy divers, although you'll probably need a rod-holder to hang on when fishing with those. Another option is using in-line trolling weights. They are very good for fishing depths up to 25 ft, and have little added drag to your line. Speed can vary, and it depends on the conditions you are in. Let the fish tell fish tell you how fast they are willing to take it. Usually for me it can be anywhere from 1 mph to 3.5 mph. Good luck!

[Northlander]

Precision Trolling is a book you should have if your going to get into trolling sticks/Cranks. Also remember that superlines will get your baits deeper quicker.

Just a word of warning. Trolling like this can get addicting and very costly. Things like big tackle boxes, 100's of sticks/cranks, planer boards, trolling masts, snap weights, releases, special rods and holders,GPS, spoons, downriggers and DR Balls really ad up quick!

[LocalGuide]

I agree with Northlander, I bought the book Precision Trolling too. I'm glad I got it. Its really easy to pick out baits that I am going to use now if I want to hit a certain depth.

And it can get pricey too! Buying tons of Crankbaits, planner-boards, box's for them all, and etc.

This year alone, besides bottom bouncing, trolling has produced most of the walleyes I have caught this year. And some have been some nice quality fish too. Its a great weapon to have in your back pocket when fishing for eyes.

[abens1078]

Make sure you set your drag accordingly if you use superlines/braids. The no-stretch quality is excellent for seeing how well the lure is running but it can make it easy to pull hooks out when your fighting a nice fish.

I like to run a stick bait like a Husky Jerk up high and then anything from a Shad rap to a Reef Runner depending on the depth and size of the fish being targetted.

Hint, before you buy a set of snap weights, it's cheeper to buy some releases and then find someone with a bottom bouncer mold. Make the wires shorter and then twist a loop so the release ring has something to hold on. My Uncle made a set for me and it saves you about $20 even after you buy the releases

Good luck, trolling can be a blast as you can be as techninal as you want or you can just go for a cruise and pitch out a shad rap and see what happens. It's a good strategy this time of year because it keeps your hands out of the minow bucket.

[Chad711]

FYI I troll ALOT in the Summer, and do great. However the last few times out after the water got under 60, I rarely get a Walleye on. I guess this is normal. I am trolling the same shallow spots I was nailing them in the summer, at night..Just not many there now I guess.. Must be deeper cause of the colder temps...