Deep Cranking

[1simplemann]

I'm not much of a deep crank'r. Mostly because where I fish is too shallow. I'm planning 2 trips this summer where deep water will come into play. After watching KVD and other have success targeting the deeper fish. It's probably a good idea to at least get the basics. As I understand it, the smaller the line the deeper the plug will go. The longer the rod, the longer the cast, the deeper the plug will go. Although I don't have a rod specifically set up for deep cranking I do happen to have a 7'10" spinning rod with a lower gear ratio reel on it. I understand it's not what these guys are using but it's what I have and i don't have the jingle for a new set up right now. the reel is set up w/ 15lb which is like 4 or 6lb diameter mono equivelent. In theory that braid fished w/ a fluro leader should get down pretty good because of the line diameter. I realize I won't have the stretch of using all fluro. Will this set up work? A new deep crank setup isn't in the budget right now. Just trying to make do w/ what I have. Anyone have any experience w/ deep cranking?

[WRB]

3/4 oz Scrounger jig with 6" Sluggo or Fluke will work on what you have and catch lots of deep "crankbait" bass. Cast it as far as you can, let it sink to whatever depth or to the bottom and crank it back with varying cadence. The bill is upright where you tie on the line.

Tom

[A-Jay]

Will this set up work?

It may depend on your definition of work. 

Seems you know enough about the technique to realize that fishing a bait that offers above average reeling resistance is often done on casting gear and for good reason.  I believe that you'll find out what I mean about an hour or so into your first serious deep cranking outing.

So will it work - Yes.  About the same as presenting any lure with somewhat mismatched equipment.

A-Jay

[j bab]

WRB's alternative plan is pretty genius. It'll get you used to positioning and casting like you would with a deep crankbait but it'll work really well on your setup rather than just well enough to get by. 

A-Jay said you'll find out what he means after an hour of throwing, I think it'll only take a handful of casts before you find out what he's talking about.

[scaleface]

I like WRB's idea . Lots of sinking baits will work  , spinnerbaits , lipless cranks... get weights  that your combo will handle easily .I like those Strike King Rocket shads in deep water . Its a good idea  to wrap a bit of wire on the double hook though , to keep it from coming off  during a fight with a big fish .  

[Catt]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Will this set up work?

It may depend on your definition of work. 

Seems you know enough about the technique to realize that fishing a bait that offers above average reeling resistance is often done on casting gear and for good reason.  I believe that you'll find out what I mean about an hour or so into your first serious deep cranking outing.

So will it work - Yes.  About the same as presenting any lure with somewhat mismatched equipment.

A-Jay

X2 - If ya need a crank I suggest Bill Norman's DD 22 HD

[1simplemann]

4 hours ago, WRB said:

3/4 oz Scrounger jig with 6" Sluggo or Fluke will work on what you have and catch lots of deep "crankbait" bass. Cast it as far as you can, let it sink to whatever depth or to the bottom and crank it back with varying cadence. The bill is upright where you tie on the line.

Tom

I've seen this jig head before but never tried one. Just checked them out. You have me intrigued. Certainly won't have any trouble getting down to them. Do you have much success with them?

1 hour ago, Catt said:

X2 - If ya need a crank I suggest Bill Norman's DD 22 HD

Too late. I ordered some 6th Sense cranks from TW last week.

4 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Will this set up work?

It may depend on your definition of work. 

Seems you know enough about the technique to realize that fishing a bait that offers above average reeling resistance is often done on casting gear and for good reason.  I believe that you'll find out what I mean about an hour or so into your first serious deep cranking outing.

So will it work - Yes.  About the same as presenting any lure with somewhat mismatched equipment.

A-Jay

Is it all about the gear ratio? I guess my main concern was would braid improve the cranks ability to get deep. I kinda figured my forearms would be sore. I've always been a small water, small bait kinda guy so I don't own a single BC setup. all spinning. No time to learn now. I leave Thurs for the 1st trip.

[WRB]

You can search the site for "Scrounger" related threads

Tremor heads in TN make a good Scrounger jig. 

Yes I have had very good success with Scroubgers jigs.

Tom

[A-Jay]

8 minutes ago, 1simplemann said:

Is it all about the gear ratio? I guess my main concern was would braid improve the cranks ability to get deep. I kinda figured my forearms would be sore. I've always been a small water, small bait kinda guy so I don't own a single BC setup. all spinning. No time to learn now. I leave Thurs for the 1st trip.

Gear ratio does play a role here but the thing that will be working against you is simply the spinning reels design itself.  Just not the right tool.  You can certainly try it - and using cranks with a spinner down to 8-10 feet may be OK.  But I do believe that asking that gear - regardless of line choice, to consistently work a crankbait down to 20 ft is going to be a chore you'll get tired of quickly.  

 As for the line - there are many opinions - I'll say that yes, a thin braid on a spinning reel would probably be you best option.  It will allow for a long cast (which you'll need to get max depth) and the thinner diameter can equate to depth. 

  All That said, instead of fighting your gear (which is what you'll inevitably be doing) I'd encourage you to select baits & techniques that you'll be able to work correctly at that depth with the tackle you have.  You'll have far more confidence in a proper presentation. 

A heavy spinner bait - a swimbait on a jig head and the already mentioned Scrounger are all excellent choices.

Good Luck

A-Jay

[1simplemann]

15 minutes ago, WRB said:

You can search the site for "Scrounger" related threads

Tremor heads in TN make a good Scrounger jig. 

Yes I have had very good success with Scroubgers jigs.

Tom

I'm searching scrounger heads as we speak! I like what I'm reading so far.

5 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Gear ratio does play a role here but the thing that will be working against you is simply the spinning reels design itself.  Just not the right tool.  You can certainly try it - and using cranks with a spinner down to 8-10 feet may be OK.  But I do believe that asking that gear - regardless of line choice, to consistently work a crankbait down to 20 ft is going to be a chore you'll get tired of quickly.  

 As for the line - there are many opinions - I'll say that yes, a thin braid on a spinning reel would probably be you best option.  It will allow for a long cast (which you'll need to get max depth) and the thinner diameter can equate to depth. 

  All That said, instead of fighting your gear (which is what you'll inevitably be doing) I'd encourage you to select baits & techniques that you'll be able to work correctly at that depth with the tackle you have.  You'll have far more confidence in a proper presentation. 

A heavy spinner bait - a swimbait on a jig head and the already mentioned Scrounger are all excellent choices.

Good Luck

A-Jay

Thanks a bunch for info. Swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and tubes are my go to confidence baits. Although i do like throwing medium cranks for smallies. Two methods I've been looking at are hair jigs, and spoons for deep fish. This will be my 1st trip where deep bass may come into play although I hope not.  A buddy caught 27lb Smallmouth limit in practice for the State Championship. They were all at 25 - 30'.

[1simplemann]

WRB, You have me sold. I really like what I've read so far. What sizes? Looks like the Tennessee River makes some good ones. Standard or finesse?   1/4 oz for the river, 1/2oz medium deep for rock piles on the lake, 3/4oz for the deep rock piles? What size bills?

[WRB]

2 hours ago, 1simplemann said:

WRB, You have me sold. I really like what I've read so far. What sizes? Looks like the Tennessee River makes some good ones. Standard or finesse?   1/4 oz for the river, 1/2oz medium deep for rock piles on the lake, 3/4oz for the deep rock piles? What size bills?

With your spinning tackle I would try 3/8 oz med bill with 5" soft plastic fluke or sluggo and 3/4 oz long bill with 6" fluke or sluggo.

Don't overlook Catts suggestion for deep diving crankbait when you get the right outfit, Normann DD 22's are very good lures and is what I use. I don't think any fresh water spinning outfit works for deep diving crankbaits, unless you troll them.

Tom

 

[1simplemann]

11 hours ago, WRB said:

With your spinning tackle I would try 3/8 oz med bill with 5" soft plastic fluke or sluggo and 3/4 oz long bill with 6" fluke or sluggo.

Don't overlook Catts suggestion for deep diving crankbait when you get the right outfit, Normann DD 22's are very good lures and is what I use. I don't think any fresh water spinning outfit works for deep diving crankbaits, unless you troll them.

Tom

 

That figures, placed a a small order last night. 1/4,1/2, and 3/4. All medium bill. Oh well, trying something new is fun. We'll see. As far as the deep diver go, I did see that option(DD22's). I honestly went w/6th Sense because we are having good luck on their squarebill cranks and they seem to be made well. Also they are a lot of good reviews down in Texas. Gotta go make a living. I'll check in tonite. Thanks again

[Catt]

16 minutes ago, 1simplemann said:

 I honestly went w/6th Sense because we are having good luck on their squarebill cranks and they seem to be made well. Also they are a lot of good reviews down in Texas. Gotta go make a living. I'll check in tonite. Thanks again

6th Sense $9.00-12.00

DD22 HD or NXS $5.50

DD22 has more available models & colors

DD22's has more tournament wins & has caught more big bass...especially in Texas!

[Fishes in trees]

I frequently use spinning gear as my deep cranking gear.  My current spinning set up is a 6'11" Kistler MH spinning rod. ( The blue one, Argon I think, probably discontinued by now}  For a reel I use an old, but in perfect snap Diawa 2600, which is a pretty large reel.   Spool is filled with 14 lb Fireline and a 2' or so 15 or 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Casting distance is practically unlimited with this rod.  The diving cranks that I throw with this rod are at least a half ounce and more likely 3/4 oz.  Works for me

[d-camarena]

Dont worry. It will work. You might have to put a little more effort with spinning gear but its all worth ir when your fishing

[1simplemann]

11 hours ago, Catt said:

6th Sense $9.00-12.00

DD22 HD or NXS $5.50

DD22 has more available models & colors

DD22's has more tournament wins & has caught more big bass...especially in Texas!

Catt, It's too late. They've been shipped. Be here tomorrow. I'll give em a try if these don't work out. I'm sure they'll work in Texas and Montana!

10 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I frequently use spinning gear as my deep cranking gear.  My current spinning set up is a 6'11" Kistler MH spinning rod. ( The blue one, Argon I think, probably discontinued by now}  For a reel I use an old, but in perfect snap Diawa 2600, which is a pretty large reel.   Spool is filled with 14 lb Fireline and a 2' or so 15 or 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Casting distance is practically unlimited with this rod.  The diving cranks that I throw with this rod are at least a half ounce and more likely 3/4 oz.  Works for me

Sounds like you and me are the only ones using deep cranks on spinning gear! I see your using braid as well, does that present any problems?

[papajoe222]

I'll offer another alternative that works well with spinning gear.  A Booyah Boo Rig.  It's a smaller version of an umbrella rig with spinner blades rather than jigs on all but the center arm. That arm is flexible and has a clip or snap to which you can attach any number of baits.  It's a great way to get any size crank down deep.

[1simplemann]

3 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

I'll offer another alternative that works well with spinning gear.  A Booyah Boo Rig.  It's a smaller version of an umbrella rig with spinner blades rather than jigs on all but the center arm. That arm is flexible and has a clip or snap to which you can attach any number of baits.  It's a great way to get any size crank down deep.

Your putting a crank on an umbrella rig? Never heard of anyone doing that before. Interesting concept.

[papajoe222]

For years I Carolina rigged small cranks to get them deep, mostly to offer the fish something different at that depth. The past few seasons, although I have a lot of confidence in deep cranking, I've been physically unable to.  I saw Bill Dance using that rig with a lipless crank and figured any bait could work with it. 

[1simplemann]

6th Sense Crush 500's were delivered by the Brown truck yesterday. These babies are HUGE. Testing them this weekend!

[WRB]

Back in the dark ages before we knew any better the 3 way swivel rig was used to get "plugs" to run deep. 3 way swivel with a 12" dropper leader on the right angle swivel for what weight you need and about a  3' leader to the lure. A little cumbersome to cast but a Rapala balsa minnow can be worked at 40 feet or deeper or any other floating diving crankbait.

Tom