Crankbait Recommendations

[Mikell]

Ive mostly fished soft plastics with the occasional reaction bait. Im looking to get a couple all purpose, good to start with crankbaits to add to my tackle.

Anyone got some recommendations.

My heaviest rod is a 7'3 MH Duckett ghost so it needs to be atleats 1/4 but would prefer not to be throwing a brick either.

Im not really sure whats all out there so let me know what you guys enjoy using.

Also, since im just getting into them, I would like to hold off on spending 10 dollars per lure lol but i know there are good ones out there.

Brands? Colors? Weights?

So shoot some ideas my way!

Thanks!

[AK-Jax86]

I love the KVD Squarebill Crankbaits (I mainly use the 1.5s but the 1.0, mimick smaller bait fish, and the 2.5s, mimick big baitfish, and the 1.5 is the perfect median IMO). Then run about 2-5ft but will go deeper depending on which model and rod position Id say you can get them to 8ft,. They are very good and not that expensive around $5-$6 per. You can fish them through heavy cover they are a very versitle reaction bait that covers a lot of water. As far as colors I tend to try to match the colors of baitfish that I have in that particular fishery.

I just started using River 2 Sea crank baits and Storm Arashi cranks (silent ones they have rattling as well, forgot to mention the KVDs have a rattling version as well but I only have 2 out of the 17 or so KVDs that I have). So far I like the Arashi they are similar to the KVDs just have a wider wobbling action, they need to offer some more colors but that may come in time.

Rapala shad raps and scatter raps are good as well. They have shallow running and deep running as well, good action and you will catch some good quality fish.

Check those out I am a huge crank bait guy, second only to FROGGIN!!!

[smalljaw67]

I'm not sure what the action of your Duckett is but if it is a MH with a fast action, well I wouldn't be throwing crankbaits on it. The other thing is there isn't what I would call an "all around" crankbait, you choose crankbaits based on what depth you need to cover, the closest thing to an all purpose crank would be lipless cranks, there are a ton of those but a good one that works well and won't break the bank is the Cotton Cordell super spot, they normally run in the $2.00 range, and they are often in the discount bin at Wally world, just get the ones in the box, not the blister package.

[jbsoonerfan]

I prefer Xcalibur square bills in rayburn red and oxbow and Xcalibur xr50 lipless cranks in rayburn red and royal shad.

[Bass NC]

I also am a fan of xcalibur baits. They are expensive online but at my local Dicks Sporting Goods they are $2.99 apiece! They make a very good square bill and lipless crank. Another brand lure that is high quality and low price is Norman's. Some of their stuff is a little pricey but most of it is very fair and I have had a lot of success with their deep diving cranks.

Good luck and happy crankin!

[jhoffman]

The 1.5 in my eyes is too small until the gills/shad spawn and theres little baits running. This time of year a 2.5 is about perfect. Look at the norman lures too

[RoLo]

Mikell, in my opinion the best entry-level crankbait is a Lipless Plug.

Billed cranks (diving plugs) have a prescribed depth zone whereas lipless cranks

can be fished as deep or as shallow as the operator desires. 

You'd be wise to wet your feet with the time-honored and reasonably priced Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap.

It would be pointless for me to recommend colors, it's more fun to select your own colors (they all work)

 

Roger

[BrianSnat]

I like Shad Raps, Rat-L-Traps, and Bombers.

[plumworm]

A #200 series Bandit  (dives to 6-7 ft.) in red and spring craw. A SK KVD  sq. bill in sexy  shad and a 1/2 oz. Cordell Spot in silver/ black back. Under $20.00 and a real good start. 

[CRANKSTER]

All of those are good baits.  Another good set is the H2O cranks.  Well worth the money.

[Mikell]

Thanks yall i appreciate all the input!! Ill be buyin a variety soon!

[iceintheveins]

Use a glass or a composite rod for crankbaits always. There are too many I like to list. Shad raps, dts, bombers, bandits, strike kings, and the list goes on. The main thing to do is group your cranks by how deep they run, and get plenty of cranks in shallow, medium, and deep diving. For colors, use ones that most closely match local forage in clear water, and brighter colors like fire tiger, red craw, and chartreuse in heavily stained or murky water.

[primetime]

I usually by the less expensive lipless cranks and crankbaits in General with Rapala, Strike King, Bandit making up most of em and Pradco etc..

 

However, I would be lost without the Sebile Flatt Shad 77Suspending with glitter filled and flat sides without rattles. It stops head down on a dime, stays near surface, and is one of the best lures I have ever used period, and always have one tied on. Such a great design and action and can be fished anywhere....The sk version is killer as well.

 

I like the Reaction Strike LV lipless cranks and they are only a few bucks right now and not 10

[Mikell]

Is it necessary to have a specific rod? Cus i jus spent money on rods and reels i was hopin not to drop any more cash in them lol i have a 7'3 Mh duckett ghost 7'3 MF *** and a 7' M st croix LTB rod

[Pz3]

Maybe play around with some cheaper ratl traps, KVDs, and Rapalas and when you feel comfortable get some more expensive ones. If I had to recomend any...

Try an Xcalibur XR50 in pearl melon. Its one of my favorites.

[aavery2]

Take a look at Academy Sports and their H2O brand of crank and jerkbaits, great value to cost on these. The finish is good, hooks that you can fish without having to change immediately, and a whole range of baits to cover every depth. Most of them run 4.99 - 5.99 and are on sale all of the time for 2.99.

[JaxBasser]

1/2oz Red Eye Shads and Shallow Shad Raps catch me a lot of fish.