crankbait info needed

[SkilletSizeBass.]

Stringjam, is this the Charlie O that Big M makes your talking about? This crank is awesome looking. I'm going to talk to Marty about one of these soon.

Yes - - those are actually my cranks, too - among the first of Big M's "Charlies."

I'm a big fan of tight action....and not just tight, but "lively" action. Think high-frequency wiggles. When I'm fishing in cover (and in general), these characteristics give the bait a quick start-up.....in other words, more wiggles per distance pulled.

It's the action I find most consistent, whether the water is clear or not.

I was working on a few designs to try to nail the action I was looking for (just for personal fun) last year. I'm pretty happy with the results, but I never really got them totally past the prototype phase.

Making your own cranks is fun, but really time consuming. I haven't messed around with it since I started going back to school, but I want to get back around to it again one day.

Stringjam, Yea I think I saved these pics posted from one of your previous post. I liked it when you posted it last year, and even more now as you described the tight, lively action Big M's Charlie has. I've been talking to Marty, I just got to figure out what I want. Another one of your baits that Big M done that you have talked about is the Petey style cranks, how would you describe its action?  The pics you posted, is that the prototype you were working on last year? They are awesome bad stringjam    One of them sure would look good in my grandkids collection  ;D

[Stringjam]

Stringjam, Yea I think I saved these pics posted from one of your previous post. I liked it when you posted it last year, and even more now as you described the tight, lively action Big M's Charlie has. I've been talking to Marty, I just got to figure out what I want. Another one of your baits that Big M done that you have talked about is the Petey style cranks, how would you describe its action? The pics you posted, is that the prototype you were working on last year? They are awesome bad stringjam Wink One of them sure would look good in my grandkids collection Grin

I love Petey-style cranks. The action varies from different makers, but they're all in the tight to tight/moderate category.

The bait I was working on isn't really a Petey, but the action is in that vein.

[INbassMAN]

Some crankbaits come through wood better than others, but remember to use your rod to bring it through, not your reel. When you feel your line coming over a limb or other cover, stop reeling and using your rod to "finesse" it through. It will reduce your hang-ups.

That's the first time i've heard or read this advice. I've tried alot more cranking this year with very little luck and I have lost alot of lures. Does anyone have any other tips for getting cranks through thick cover without getting hung up as often?

[Kevinator1]

I love the square billed Strike King series 4 for shallow timber. I've beaten these lures all to heck and they keep on going with very few hangups. I hate to pay for them except when BPS puts them on sale but the LC's are very good. 

[kikstand454]

i typically use bandits or manns model cranks in shallow timber. i dont do it a whole lot and so i dont spend a terrible amount of money on it. one thing i have done with some great success is cut the forward facing treble hook off the front hook. this makes the bait so much more "woodless" that its insane. this may help you out INbassMAN. i havent noticed any change in hook up ratio with this hook missing. i do it on deep cranks too.

[Grey Wolf]

i typically use bandits or manns model cranks in shallow timber. i dont do it a whole lot and so i dont spend a terrible amount of money on it. one thing i have done with some great success is cut the forward facing treble hook off the front hook. this makes the bait so much more "woodless" that its insane. this may help you out INbassMAN. i havent noticed any change in hook up ratio with this hook missing. i do it on deep cranks too.

Excellent advice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SkilletSizeBass.]

I haven't tried this bait yet, but I'm curious to see how the Zoom Z-1's and Zoom  Killer2 does.

[catchnm]

one thing i have done with some great success is cut the forward facing treble hook off the front hook. this makes the bait so much more "woodless" that its insane.

Ah yes....an old tried and true trick that works superbly.

Here's another vote for Strike King cranks #4, #5, and #6 sizes.