12-15' Crank

[Comfortably Numb]

So fish are suspended just above Thermocline at about 13'. What is smmallest bodies crank that will run that depth on a long cast. I use 20# power pro.

[tholmes]

I'd use a lipless crank. Cast it out and let it sink to the desired depth and yo-yo it back in.

 

Tom

[fishballer06]

DT10 or 14

[Goose52]

Luhr Jensen Hot Lips Express in 1/4 oz would be one option. It has a very small profile (2 1/8") compared to other lures with comparable depth ratings.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Series 5 SK

[Crankinstein]

Its hard to find but the ABT X2 mini is the smallest body to depth crank I've seen. It's a 12 ft diver and the body is smaller than the average square bill. Think its either 2 or 2.2 inches on the body if I'm not mistaken. Another good one is the Luck E Strike Freak Jr. Its even smaller than the ABT but I think its depth is more like 8-10ft. Be sure to get the Jr though of you go that route because the regular Freak is a pretty big bait. DT 10 and DT 14 are always good too and I like the colors better than the previous two, theres just more to choose from.

[Bass_Fanatic]

Strike King 3xd or a Bandit 250 Ledge series would do the trick.

[aavery2]

Some of the Bagley Kill R B crankbaits had large lips with a small lead weight on them.  There are a couple of them that are small and get very deep.

 

These baits only reach about 8ft.

[WRB]

Little George style tail spin.

Tom

[F14A-B]

For fast acquisition, I would think the Dt14 would do the job they are easy to get and will hit the depth you're looking for...

[Comfortably Numb]

Thanks all. I sold off most of my deep cranks as they just didnt produce for me. 

 

The suspended fish I am targeting dont hit anything so I doubt a crank will help.

 

Played video game fishing with a drop shot (bass and small baits in case they are perch), jigs, spoons, silver buddy etc. Possibly could be shad as they shocked numerous 12"+ gizzard shad in the spring.

 

I have a DT10, Old Bomber suspending Fat free shad, and an unknown big bill prob 15' diver.

[Munkin]

Series 5 SK

 

Best crank I own for that depth and don't worry about the size as I regularly catch bass under 12" on it.

 

Allen

[Comfortably Numb]

Series 5 SK

 

Regular 5 or xd?

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Regular for that depth range.

 

Also, if you know their location, drop a flutter spoon of some type down through them. That should trigger a few strikes for you as well.

[Jrob78]

This is a situation where the a-rig can really pay off also.

[WRB]

Little George is 3/4" long, fits your request for casting long distance, maintains depth by counting down, appeals to suspended bass. Tom Mann created the Little George for fall suspended bass feeding on shad.

3/16 oz white Dart head jig with 4 1/2" curl tail finesse worm, ribbed body style work good in bait fish colors.

Same count down, slower retrieve, not a long casting distance, darts are very effective presentation for suspended bass.

Structure spoons with white feathered read treble hook, cast past the suspended bass work it back through them.

Megabass X-150 crankbait, 2 1/2" runs about 10' to 12' on a normal cast.

Tom

[Comfortably Numb]

I have a Little George. I guess that one is easily overlooked. Will try it.

 

Flutter spoon and other spoons did not work.

 

I'll keep at it

 

Thanks

[fishguy613]

what about 3xd? think it runs 12ft and it's tiny

[BasshunterJGH]

Jackall muscle deep 15+ and strike king 3xd.

[aavery2]

Norman NXD will get you there.

[Bluebasser86]

The mid sized Luck E Strike Freak is very small bodied and gets pretty deep on 8 or 10 pound test and a long cast. The 3XD would be another one I'd try for sure. 

[iceintheveins]

I'd say a Strike King 3xd, the Luhr Jensen 1/4 ounce hotlips express, and ABT lures mini X2. A bandit 300 will get close to this as well.