Lines Affect On Crankbait Depth

[Tiller]

I have 12 YZ Hybrid on my cranking rod and I noticed that I am only getting a DT14 down to 11-12ft and a SK series 5 down to 9-10ft. Do you think this is a result of the line diameter? How much more depth would dropping a line size gain me? How about going to fluorocarbon? How much extra depth do you see with fluorocarbon vs mono?

Thanks,

Joe

[gulfcaptain]

FC sinks so you will get a little depth there.  More to do with dia of the line you're fishing.  The heavier the line the more drag it inccurs causing less depth. I would say 10lb FC will probably give you the depth you are looking to achieve from your crankbaits.  

[F14A-B]

That 12 pd... In Yozuri it's not the deal for getting depth with you're DT14, I love the line... 12 is fine throwing shallow squares in 2-3 fow... Try 8 if you like Yo..... Or plenty like FC... I personally don't throw it... But I am a Yo / copolymer guy. Silver thread is good.. Pline, Triple Fish mono, made with Perlon is good stuff... Of course try FC if you want and it's gonna get trashed quick. That's my opinion. Good bait thou!

Good luck!

[BiteFiend]

Keep in mind that most of the dive depths provided by the crankbait manufacturer is typically based on 10lb test flourocarbon. Because of this, I like 10 lb flouro on my deeper to deep crank set-ups.

Also for each lb test (line diameter size difference) over 10 lb test, effects the running depth by a foot. So for example let's say I'm throwing a DT16 and I'm using 12 lb test diameter. That lure will reach a max diving depth of around 14 ft typically.

[aavery2]

Here is an easy tip to get a little extra depth out of your crankbaits if you don't already do this.  Hold the tip of your rod at water level during the retrieve, for every 3 foot above the water the tip is you lose 1 foot in running depth.    Do an internet search for precision cranking, there was an article written with a ton of good information if you read through it.

[Dwight Hottle]

Try 20lb braid & see how much more depth you will get. You will be surprised.

[Hogsticker]

Dwight is 100% correct

[BobP]

Short answer, if you go from 12 lb to 10 lb mono it will give you 6" more depth.  aavery2's point about how you hold your rod is spot on.  And yes, if you go with 20 lb braid, you'll get even more depth since it is 4 to 6 lb mono equivalent.  All that said, I think it's more important to know how deep your crankbaits actually run on the gear you want to fish with than trying to re-equip yourself to make them run to some predetermined "advertised depth" - and it sounds like you are doing that.  I'd rather select a different crank, of which there are almost endless choices these days, than tailor my equipment so that it conforms to someone else's idea about how deep crankbait X should run. 

[Tiller]

Short answer, if you go from 12 lb to 10 lb mono it will give you 6" more depth. aavery2's point about how you hold your rod is spot on. And yes, if you go with 20 lb braid, you'll get even more depth since it is 4 to 6 lb mono equivalent. All that said, I think it's more important to know how deep your crankbaits actually run on the gear you want to fish with than trying to re-equip yourself to make them run to some predetermined "advertised depth" - and it sounds like you are doing that. I'd rather select a different crank, of which there are almost endless choices these days, than tailor my equipment so that it conforms to someone else's idea about how deep crankbait X should run.

I agree, however, I bought the baits I have to cover the range I need and they're running a little shallow. If I can get slightly more depth with changing line then they'll be right we're I need them to be. YZ runs at a higher diameter for its rating so I think if I go down to 10 lb. mono or fluoro I shoul get the extra depth I'm looking for.

Thanks for the replies,

Joe

[aavery2]

I agree, however, I bought the baits I have to cover the range I need and they're running a little shallow. If I can get slightly more depth with changing line then they'll be right we're I need them to be. YZ runs at a higher diameter for its rating so I think if I go down to 10 lb. mono or fluoro I shoul get the extra depth I'm looking for.

Thanks for the replies,

Joe

Maybe I am missing something obvious, but why not just purchase the DT-16, it is going to get you a couple extra feet in depth for a few dollars vs changing line?  The bait is the same length and weight as a DT-14.

[OkobojiEagle]

... or 1/2 oz. Luhr-Jensen Hot Lips Express

 

 

oe

[Tiller]

I fish weedlines that average about 12ft and I have many dt10s, 14s and SK series 5 cranks. I just want 1-2 more feet and they'll be getting right where I want them. I can buy a spool of mono for $8 or some red label for $12. I only put on the YZ hybrid because I have lots of it.

Joe

[aavery2]

You could always employ the Paul Elias kneel and reel method, for every foot you extend your tip beneath the water surface you gain almost the same in running depth.

[Scott F]

You could always employ the Paul Elias kneel and reel method, for every foot you extend your tip beneath the water surface you gain almost the same in running depth.

 

That depends on how much line you have out. Tests were done several years ago testing the running depth of 200 lures. * One thing that was found was that you could hold the rod high over your head, or push the rod under water up to the reel and as long as there was enough line out, the lure would run at exactly the same depth.

From the book "Crankbaits, A guide to Casting and Trolling Depths of 200 Popular Lures" by Mike McClelland

[OkobojiEagle]

Scott... How much distance is that.  I'd agree with that statement if we're talking about trolling distance (a couple of cast lengths), but I frequently hold my rod high over head to keep a crankbait running at a shallower depth fishing over weeds and crank with my rod tip touching water to keep the crank banging bottom longer over deep flats.

 

 

oe

[aavery2]

That depends on how much line you have out. Tests were done several years ago testing the running depth of 200 lures. * One thing that was found was that you could hold the rod high over your head, or push the rod under water up to the reel and as long as there was enough line out, the lure would run at exactly the same depth.

From the book "Crankbaits, A guide to Casting and Trolling Depths of 200 Popular Lures" by Mike McClelland

There is another book that is highly regarded, it is named Precision Cranking, it is an in depth study of crankbaits and how the react to line diameter and casting and trolling lengths.  The book was designed to be a Bible for the walleye fishermen.  Here is a link to a  small excerpt from the book, certainly worth a look.

http://www.bassmaster.com/tips/guide-precision-cranking

[AMAC]

If you dont have heavy cover in your lake, I would crank with 10lb seaguar abrazx. Depth of your bait can also be dictated by casting distance. If your fishing offshore try a 7'6 cranking stick or longer. A slow gear ratio reel will help as well. I like the revo winch for my cranking.