Crankbait trolling distance?

[Dragonfisherman]

How far back do you guys usually troll you cranks for eyes in general. I know that it varies on the lure and such, but just a general number of feet is what I am looking for. Thanks

[john.wells]

for me it's pretty much just enough to tick bottom or weed tops without dragging. Usually just an average cast back.

[Valv]

It depends on location, type of crank, etc.

If you troll in shallow waters (less than 10ft) you might want to keep a longer line, your boat will spook fish below you, when I fish Cass shallows many times I keep 100ft/150ft behind me.

If you troll in deeper waters it depends what depth you need to reach and what lure you are using.

Precision Trolling is an excellent book to read and learn from.

[Paul Waldowski]

Generaly for me, I start anywhere from 80 to 100 feet and go from there.

[DinkADunk]

Generally between 40-180ft of line. If I'm attempting to keep closer to structure then it might be shorter and we'll pull in lines on the outside of my next turn. I use Precision Trolling as a starting point, great book.

[Questor]

There's a book called Precision Trolling which gives depth at various line lengths for many popular trolling crankbaits. It is very popular among serious trollers.

[cold one sd]

I usually let line out until my lure starts bumping bottom and then I reel up until it stops bumping. Some days the fish like it to bump bottom and some days they don't.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I'm having a tough time with this. Sorry. So the more line you let out, the deeper the crank will travel is my assumption??

[heiman507]

Quote:

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I'm having a tough time with this. Sorry. So the more line you let out, the deeper the crank will travel is my assumption??

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Not exactly, the depth range is more of a flattened "U" pattern. As you let line out, the crank will travel deeper and deeper, but once you hit a certain distance, the crank bait will begin to come up some. But each crankbait is different and the depth and rise points will vary.

Go to just about any baitshop, and they will have a booklet explain how many cranks will run(has pics for easy to understand )

I tend to run about 85-100ft out while trolling, but often adjust it accordingly.

[cold one sd]

I use different plugs for different depths of water. I will use certain plugs for 16' and under, others for 16 to 20' and ihave plugs that I have had stuck in the bottom in 41' of water. I have learned over the years which plugs to use for different depths of water. One of my favorites on Oahe is a Thunderstick Jr in about 16 feet of water. I let out 100' of 10# Trilene XT and I have had Walleyes come out of 22' to hit the plug. I guess everyone has their own way.

[tunrevir]

Trollers bible and you have it made. #5 shad rap-60-70' back 8-9 fow #7 shad rap 60-70' back 10-12 fow depends on what your looking to go to for depth

Tunrevir~

[Mike L]

If ya intend to get half-way serious about cranks, then for sure pick up a copy of "Precision Trolling".

Trolling speed is also a factor in depth, particularly for floaters like the original Rap minnow.

[federline]

Another source of good info, if you are a Rapala user, is the little chart-packed booklet that comes with the Rapala line counter attachment for about $15. It has dive charts for all the popular Rap cranks and sizes, it tells you how much line to put out to get a particular Rapala to a specific depth. After 5 minutes reading how to use it, it will end up in your tackle box for quick reference and you'll wonder how you ever did without a line counter.

[Dances with Walleye]

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How far back do you guys usually troll you cranks for eyes in general. I know that it varies on the lure and such, but just a general number of feet is what I am looking for. Thanks

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Well there is no "In General" amount of line back...

You really should pick up the trollers bible, just for it's education value alone.

Lures Varry Widely...

100 feet back on a Rapala DT16, and 100 feet back on a shallow diver, are two different Galaxies in the water Column.

Conditionally speaking... I would set a lure back until it ticks whatever structure... Real it up 3 cranks... If it still Ticks... Another 3 cranks... Rinse and repeat until the only ticking you get is few and far between...