Rigging a crankbait to go deeper

[foo]

Just looking for some input and or new ideas. What are some ways you guys or girls rig your favorite cranks to get down deeper. I use rubbercore sinkers but, I would like to try some new ideas.

Thanks in advance

[Team Otter]

Depending on the depths you're looking to get to, snap weights, Jet Divers, Dipsy Divers and lead core line may allow your crank bait to go where you'd like it to go.

[Rost]

Also, if you are currently trolling mono, switch to a super braid such as 10/2 PowerPro. A thinner line dia allows your cranks to dive a lot deeper.

[foo]

Thanks for the input. I'll have to give the dipsy diver a try. I was thinking about going the 3-way swivel route. Seems that tangles may be a problem though. I basically want to fish some Rapalas in 30 to 40 feet of water so, I am looking for the quickest and productive ways. Snap on weights seem like the best choice so far. Thanks again for the ideas.

[markkstanley]

If you are using snap weights with braid make sure to loop the line through the clip. Braid is very slippery and the clips might come off the line - then no snap weight. I use some inline keel weights that Bass Pro sells. They are painted in several hologram colors and range in weight from 1/2 to 3oz. Work well for me. Run the crank about 4 to 8ft back. Also Deep Taildancers will hit 30ft depths on braid with no added weight.

[wazz]

How do you fish with a Dipsy Diver?

I have never even heard of them before.

Wazz

[Team Otter]

It's a clip-on style of accessory that dives nearly straight down. A leader and your presentation runs off the back of it. I call them a "poor man's downrigger".

[tunrevir]

Just like otter said, and on that note, you would want a rod that can handle the constant pull of a dipsey depending on the size you are running, longer glass rods like a ugly stick m-mh in the 7-9' range with a slower action to take the pull of the dipsey. Another option is to use bottom bouncers with a crank behind much like the snap weights. I prefer the snap weights because I can change the leader length easily by moving it up or down the line with just a quick clip. I just threw out the bottom bouncers idea cuz alot of guys already have those in their box. Good luck!

Tunrevir~

[PerchJerker]

I've used dipsys for walleyes and salmon and although they work okay I think there are better options to get more bites, especially from walleyes. A thin superline is probably the best choice if it will get you enough depth. Snap weights and 3-way rigs are effective ways to get more depth, so is leadcore although that is a little more involved. I haven't done much crankbait fishing with keel sinkers, rubbercore sinkers, or split shot on my line.

[Muddog]

Just remember, if using Dipsy divers or lead core you will need to be working flats or basins due to the amount of line out. If you will be working structure/ledges, snap weight and bottom bouncers work best becase you can get the bait down quick and close to the boat. I would not use a downrigger near structure. If the cannon ball hangs up on something you can be in a world of hurt.

[Kyle Sandberg]

There are some smaller DD's at cabelas. Has anyone tried them and how well do they work?

[DinkADunk]

I use DT10's and husky jerks behind downriggers, just set the downrigger 10' higher than you want to go and let the crank pull itself down the rest of the way. Set the tension on the ball a bit on the lighter side incase of a hangup and make sure you have bolt cutters - just in case.

[foo]

Thanks for all the input. After trying a couple of different ways, I think I like the bottom bouncing rig. It is what is was designed for to get the rig to the bottom. Anybody had any luck with a bottom bouncer and floating rapala for walleyes. If so, what length snell did you use?

[bigbucks]

We did several years ago a little, but haven't really tried it since. I think we used a 2-3' snell. According to the 3 way rig descriptions on In-Fisherman, which of course have the weight dropped lower, they said use a 6' snell, at least that's what my memory's telling me. I'm going to try some 3 way rigs this week. It seems to me with a floating rapala you could move those awfully slow if you wanted to.