Crank Lures Looping In Circles?

[Brett Strohl]

I have three crank baits that are looping in circles when I real them in.  Is it possible I'm working the lures too fast, or is the swivel interfering with the bait action, or is just that the lure defective?  

 

The lures I'm having trouble with are a Rapala scatter lip, a rebel deep diving crank, and some chinese jointed minnow I got off ebay. 

[IndyGlockMan]

I had the same issue with a Rapala scatter lip.   I returned it to the store and got another one.

the 2nd one was better.

Looked fine on the outside but I think it was out of balance or something.

[CRANKENSTIEN]

I wasnt impressed by the scatter rap I purchased and as far as the other two they could be questionable as well.  If you usually dont have that issue with other cranks and your line isnt somehow tangled in the bait, I would blame it on the individual baits.  

[Cody S]

I have had this problem as well and with my experience the rebels circled when cranking too fast but work just fine when cranked moderately...as for the others I would try to return them and try with another lure if it continues to happen adjust your cranking speed and see what happens

[Jrob78]

Why are you using a swivel with crankbaits?   Get all that crap off of there, make sure your hooks aren't tangled, your lips aren't cracked, your line tie is straight and reel the baits slowly.  If they still don't work, the baits are probably bad.

[scaleface]

 Take the swivel off and make sure the groove in the slit ring isnt touching the eye. I always tie  my knot on the groove .

[Brett Strohl]

I'm not proficient enough in my knot tying yet to get rid of swivels unfortunately

 

I've been fishing multiple other cranks and honestly haven't had any issue with them.  I might just get rid of the Rebel and the Chinese lure (You pay $1.60 for something and it's hard to expect much).  One of the things I'm starting to dislike about cranks is that if I'm not using at least a moderately expensive lure, they aren't even worth having on the line for the most part.  

[jbsoonerfan]

The scatter rap sucks!!!! Plain and simple. I bought 3 and they all did the exact same thing. I threw them in the trash.

[Mccallister25]

Def. Get rid of the swivel. Learn to tie an improved clinch knot, or a palomar. Two simple and very good knots.

As far as the scatter raps are concerned.. I purchased two about a year or do ago. They've only seen the water maybe three times. They're garbage IMO.

[Brett Strohl]

I caught 15+ fish on my shallow scatter rap the first day I used it.  I bragged so much about it I think someone I was fishing with stole it lol.  The only complaints I have about it are is that they're just too freaking expensive.  

[Jrob78]

Knot tying is a mandatory skill if you're going to fish.  Like Mccallister said, the improved clinch and palomar are simple knots to tie.  Get some line and practice until you have it down.  Using a cheap snap swivel and never re-tying is going to cost you a fish and a lure.  Might as well learn to do it right.

[Brett Strohl]

I'm not saying your wrong, but I just haven't.  I like swivels and  switching lures out every 15 or 20 minutes, since it's so hard to find something they'll take.  

[Scott F]

Use a snap if don't like to retie, but loose the swivel.

[Brett Strohl]

what are the advantages of snaps?

[CRANKENSTIEN]

Take the swivel off and make sure the groove in the slit ring isnt touching the eye. I always tie  my knot on the groove .

I always tie on the groove of the split ring. If you don't it can screw up the action and the way the lure tracks. I can see how you can argue to tie around the fat of the swivel but with a palomiar I have never had an issue.

[jbsoonerfan]

I have tied direct and used snaps. I have NEVER had a problem with a bait like I did the scatter rap. Pure junk.

[Brett Strohl]

well if any of you guys have shallow scatters that you don't want I'd give you $4 or $5 bucks for one since I had mine stolen.  

[iceintheveins]

Get rid of the swivel. Scatter raps need a slow retrieve on a slow speed reel or they spin out of control. I've had crankbaits that worked for years start swimming in circles. When that happens, they are almost impossible to fix.