Deep Running Crank Baits For Walleye

[katmandew]

I'm fishing deep running cb's for walleye on a cranking rod with a moderate tip. I'm losing more fish with this rod than with the fast tip I used last year and am wondering if its the rod. Seems like the hooks are not getting buried into the fish like they have on the fast tip in the past and they are able to roll the hooks out easier. I'm using the same plugs with the same gamakatsu trebles I used last year. Rod is the only thing different. Any ideas? Think the tip has anything to do with it?

[Gone_Phishin]

Are you running the same line. If so, is it mono?

[katmandew]

Yes same line. Izorline XXX COPOLYMER

[MarkH024]

You probably need to give your hook set just a little more oompf if you were using a fast action rod last time. Then again, too much could cause you to rip them out.  Are you opposed to cranking with some fluorocarbon? I think that would help some as it is a bit stiffer than copolymer and mono. 

[katmandew]

I don't really want to pay for the fluorocarbon for cranks. It stretches also. I don't think it's my line. Gonna move my LEWS BB1 back to my old rod with the fast tip and see what happens.

[MarkH024]

I don't really want to pay for the fluorocarbon for cranks. It stretches also. I don't think it's my line. Gonna move my LEWS BB1 back to my old rod with the fast tip and see what happens.

Yes but not nearly as much as mono.  You can get Seaguar Red Label for a pretty decent penny. Good luck to you, post some results when you get it figured out.

[Gone_Phishin]

If you find the same problem happening again, you may want to give braid a shot.

 

Are you casting or trolling?

[Bluebasser86]

Switch to braid with a fluoro leader and you shouldn't have a problem burying a hook. I'm assuming you're trolling for them with more line out than you would have on a long cast so the braid will help with long distance hook sets. If you're casting you might just go back to the rod you were using. Walleye have pretty hard heads that can be tough to drive a hook into but once you do they're usually hooked. 

[BradH]

I switch between casting and trolling for walleyes using the same bass crankbait rods all the time.  Braid without a doubt has been a tremendous help.  20 to 30 pound powerpro has been my go to line.  It gets deeper (6 to 8 pound mono diameter), does not hinder lure action and gives you good long range hook setting power.  I always have a 6' or so chunk of 10 pound fluoro tied on as a leader, maybe a little heavier for bigger cranks.  When trolling I actually think the more moderate rods catch more fish (about 4:1) with everything else being equal.  For casting I'll give a slightly faster action crankbait rod the edge on the far end of a long cast but not by very much.