Tim Kelly Posted August 23, 2015 Posted August 23, 2015 Can anyone suggest a crankbait the size of a 3XD which runs a little deeper? Been doing well on the 3XD, but if I could get a couple more feet out of it with the same line I'd be delighted. 2" body length. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted August 23, 2015 Global Moderator Posted August 23, 2015 Add enough weight to sink it and you can fish it at any depth. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted August 23, 2015 Super User Posted August 23, 2015 I've been using STORM Suspendots and SuspenStrips Weights to accomplish that very thing for years. Easy on & easy off - simply ensure the bait is clean & dry. My usual spot is Center line on the bottom of the bait. You can play with the baits running & resting posture (nose down or level) by where the strips / dots are positioned. Close to or on the bottom of the bill puts nose down and seems to help with depth and more toward the middle of the lure often aids in leveling or balancing out the bait. Good Luck A-Jay http://www.basspro.com/Storm-Suspendots-and-SuspenStrips-Weights/product/202/ Quote
Tim Kelly Posted August 23, 2015 Author Posted August 23, 2015 Can you still work a weighted bait through the snags and timber on the bed? Would be a great solution as my problem is fishing through snaggy water around 10ft on relatively short casts. The standard 3XD gets around 8ft with 12lb CXX and if I could get 10-12ft out of it and still get it thorough the rubbish I'd be made. Quote
Jaw1 Posted August 23, 2015 Posted August 23, 2015 I'm not a bomber fan but I recently picked up a few square billed baits they have out that will track 12ft. There are 2 different models a10ft diver and a12. The square lip should help you difflect off of alot of your Snaggs just a thought. I've caught quite a few fish off of them so I bought a few more yesterday. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted August 23, 2015 Super User Posted August 23, 2015 Can you still work a weighted bait through the snags and timber on the bed? Would be a great solution as my problem is fishing through snaggy water around 10ft on relatively short casts. The standard 3XD gets around 8ft with 12lb CXX and if I could get 10-12ft out of it and still get it thorough the rubbish I'd be made. The buoyant properties of a bait are altered when adding weight to it. So if you need the lure to float back up & out of danger then weighing it down might not be the answer. Additionally, there are other moving baits you can use that are effective in heavy cover but don't have two treble hooks hanging off them. Right of the top of my head, Swimbaits, Spinnerbaits and Swim jigs come to mind. And if you're set on throwing a crank bait - a square bill could work as well. The 6th Sense Crush Flat X75 is killer. Also as mentioned above - The Bomber Fat Free Shad Deep Diving Square bill is an option, but it's a larger profile lure. A-Jay Quote
Tim Kelly Posted August 23, 2015 Author Posted August 23, 2015 Scouring the internet I came up with the Luhr Jensen 1/4oz Hot Lips Express (great name!) Looks like it might do what I want. Any comments about this bait? Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted August 23, 2015 Super User Posted August 23, 2015 I know you want to use you're existing line size but if you drop to #10 you may hit the mark.. I know you will with #8. Or as reccomended the suspend dots, etc, or a different crankbait are in order.. Quote
Tim Kelly Posted August 23, 2015 Author Posted August 23, 2015 Yes, thanks I realize that would work, but I think it would be expensive on lost baits. The 12lb CXX is just so forgiving. Quote
timsford Posted August 23, 2015 Posted August 23, 2015 You could try a softer rod and 20 or 30 lb braid. I dont care much for braid because i like graphite rods with a faster action but it works ok on a softer glass rod Quote
Tim Kelly Posted August 23, 2015 Author Posted August 23, 2015 Using a glass rod already. It's a system that works fairly well as the place is full of little pike. The soft rod and mono combined with a slow sweep set are good enough to set the hooks in the target species, but more often than not the pike don't get hooked. Method in the madness somewhere! LOL Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted August 23, 2015 Super User Posted August 23, 2015 Another trick I learned from Doug Hannon while living in central Florida in the 80's.. I've used it in Florida & on Cumberland river in Kentucky.. (snag city) is cut a hook point off your bait, then pin the hooks with very small rubber bands..( holds hooks snug to body & it helps with snags ) also if the fish are eating it good, it will not affect hook ups..conceived of for large floating Rapalas in Hydrilla but works very well for crankbaits in the heavy brush too, ( when necessary ) believe me, even then, you will still lose baits on Cumberland river ( it's a tough area to fish ) Best wishes.. Quote
Super User gulfcaptain Posted August 23, 2015 Super User Posted August 23, 2015 You can do the old Paul Elias (think I spelled his last name wrong) method, cast out, and stick your rod in the water and kneel and reel. The extra rod in the water should get you the extra depth you want. 1 Quote
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