Finesse Cranks

[Cranks4fun]

I am about 45 days late on this topic, but "finesse" cranks or ultralight cranks are a favorite of mine unless I am fishing exclusively for BIG LM bass. Those H2O Xpress (Academy brand) ultralight cranks (box item description "crul" and "cruld") are great for LM bass, SM bass, white bass, spawning crappie, and large bluegill. White bass and smallies really love them when they are feeding actively. Those rebel teeny R's are pretty good too for spawning crappie and schoolie bass. The small #5 Shad Raps can be real productive too, but I usually do much better when I'm trolling with them as opposed to casting and I am not really sure why. The teeny rebel craw (smallest size) can be killer too, especially in clear water like creeks and streams. I have even had good trout fishing days with those Rebel craws but the hooks bend out very easily and larger hooks seem to change the action. The SK Bitsy minnow is great for bluegills and occasionally crappie. And then there is the one ultralight crank that has been a BIG fish as well as a numbers bait in years past: The Norman deep Tiny N. I caught 16 smallies in about an hour on one last year before my line broke.  

   I have Shimano, Daiwa, and Quantum baitcast reels but I cannot cast any of these reels well with true UL cranks. I use spinning gear with 4-10 test line (based on conditions). Sometimes the light-line battles are unbelievable. I LOVE fishing these little cranks. If you and a buddy are having a bass numbers contest, using a tiny crank with two sticky trebles and just the right speed or cadence can mean game over - unless your buddy also keeps a stash of these skunk killers! I have a few UL cranks in every tackle box but I have one box dedicated to UL fishing (shown below). 

[Dorado]

12 minutes ago, Cranks4fun said:

I am about 45 days late on this topic, but "finesse" cranks or ultralight cranks are a favorite of mine unless I am fishing exclusively for BIG LM bass. Those H2O Xpress (Academy brand) ultralight cranks (box item description "crul" and "cruld") are great for LM bass, SM bass, white bass, spawning crappie, and large bluegill. White bass and smallies really love them when they are feeding actively. Those rebel teeny R's are pretty good too for spawning crappie and schoolie bass. The small #5 Shad Raps can be real productive too, but I usually do much better when I'm trolling with them as opposed to casting and I am not really sure why. The teeny rebel craw (smallest size) can be killer too, especially in clear water like creeks and streams. I have even had good trout fishing days with those Rebel craws but the hooks bend out very easily and larger hooks seem to change the action. The SK Bitsy minnow is great for bluegills and occasionally crappie. And then there is the one ultralight crank that has been a BIG fish as well as a numbers bait in years past: The Norman deep Tiny N. I caught 16 smallies in about an hour on one last year before my line broke.  

   I have Shimano, Daiwa, and Quantum baitcast reels but I cannot cast any of these reels well with true UL cranks. I use spinning gear with 4-10 test line (based on conditions). Sometimes the light-line battles are unbelievable. I LOVE fishing these little cranks. If you and a buddy are having a bass numbers contest, using a tiny crank with two sticky trebles and just the right speed or cadence can mean game over - unless your buddy also keeps a stash of these skunk killers! I have a few UL cranks in every tackle box but I have one box dedicated to UL fishing (shown below). 

I really dig this collection. Awesome stuff! Do you own any of the Rapala ULs?

[iceintheveins]

1. Shad Rap

2. 1/4 Ounce Live Target Bluegill

3. Bomber Model 5A

4. Strike King Mini 3

5. Strike King KVD 1.0

 

Also the Rapala Rattlin Fat Rap 4 and Risto Rap #4, but they aren't made anymore.

[dmainor]

I am kind of surprised that the Yozuri Snap Bean didn't make anyone's list. 

 

Dug

[Cranks4fun]

Dorado, I have not used the "Rapala Ultralight crankbait" but I love the way they look! I do have some of the old Rapala Rattlin' fat Raps in 3 sizes and the smallest size is an ultralight size (not the tiny sinking balsa fat rap). I have caught bass on that small Rattlin' Fat Rap but I have not given them much time on the water, to be honest. I should probably use them more. I'll throw a picture in below. I just saw Iceintheveins mention the Rattlin' Fat Rap #4. I believe that is the smallest one.

  Dmainor, I have some Yozuri Snap beans (gold and silver ones) but I have never caught anything on them. I have not given them much time on the water either. I have read on some forum that lots of guys love them though.

[Munkin]

Size 4 and 5 Risto Rap

LC BDS 1.2

 

Allen

[Deleted account]

On March 13, 2017 at 1:45 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

Depends on your definition I suppose. The H2O baits are great baits for the money. I like the 1.0 Strike King, the 0.5 Lucky Crafts, Duo Realis shad 62DR or 59MR, and the #5 Shad Rap. 

 

Great list. I'm down to a handfull of the original Rick Clunn .05. My smallest CB is a Combat Crank mini, mi largest "finesse" CB is a Daiwa Peanut. 

[fishwizzard]

I got really excited about finesse cranks last year and bought a pile of them off ebay.  Sady the only ones that have ever produced for me are J5 jointed Rapals or 1/8oz  Sebile lipless cranks.  I should really clean out the rest of them as I don't think I am gonna fish them much anymore. 

[Columbia Craw]

1/8 Luhr Jensen Speed Trap. Money.  Normans Tiny N's are also great baits.  

[Comfortably Numb]

Some of my favs....

 

Berkley Flicker Shad #5

H2O CRUL

H2O CRULD

Storm Smash Shad #5

Rebel craw

Rebel Super Teeny R

Rapala Shad Rap #5

Storm Pee Wee Wart