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getting the crankbaits down


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I haven't trolled cranks much for walleye, usually just lindys. I'm wondering what the most effective method is for getting those baits down into the 20-25' range where the fish are holding. also which baits are the best. shad raps have been pretty much the only ones i've tried. any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

chris

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There are a lot of different ways to get your cranks down with many factors to consider.

First, take a look at the line you are using. A smaller diameter line will allow your crank to dive deeper. Typically braided or fused line will have a smaller diameter then the equal pound test mono.

Next, look at your crank selection. There are a ton of cranks out there that are capable of diving to 25' on their own, especially if your running with a super line.

There are a few ways to troll smaller, shallow(er) diving baits deep. Leadcore line is the first thing that comes to mind for me. Snap weights are also a popular choice as well as downriggers.

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There may be a time and place for 3-way rigs, but for trolling crank baits they are too inefficient in my opinion. There are several other options to get a crankbait down without having to resort to this technique.

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I think lead core is the most effiecent at getting down to 20 or 25 feet. You could also get that deep with mono or a super line but your lure would have to dive pretty deep to get down that far. Leadcore would allow you to get a #5 shad rap into 20 or 25 feet. The general rule of thumb with leadcore is that each color (10 yards of line) will get you down 5 feet. So you would let out 4 colors on the water to get down 20 feet for example. Also, speed is very dependant when using leadcore, if you go too fast you will not get down as deep. 1.5 mph or less is ideal.

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Fireline in 10# or 14# works well for me. As far as lures- reef runners(32'+ large size deep diver), deep husky jerks (25'large size-#14 I think), deep rapala tail dancers (32'+) and some smaller specialty cranks will get down there. Snap weights will get some of the shad rap type baits deeper. A must to get is the "Trollers Bible" (Precision Trolling), it lists alot of crankbaits and their dive curves with various line lengths, etc. It also gives some basics of snap weighting and superline use. An essential tool for the beginning troller that will greatly shorten the learning time when it comes to figuring out crankbait diving depths.

later,

toddb

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I've been using the DT series Rapalas and they will get down to 30' with mono. I've also been using the smaller size dipsey divers and the jet diver; they work quite well and you can get down reasonably deep without increasing the line diameter too much. But the most effective/accurate way would be downriggers

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