Crankbait fix... Good/bad idea?

[rtwvumtneer6]

Good evening!

 

I'm having an issue with a crankbait (photo attached) where the small gap between the hanger for the split ring and the bill collects every piece of grass, debris, etc.  I'm considering ways of filling the gap (maybe baking soda and super glue) but I'm not sure what effect it will have on the bait?  

 

Is this a good idea?  Or does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

[DanielG]

Filling shouldn't hurt but even if you do the debris will still follow the line down and get caught between it and the bill wouldn't it?

[rtwvumtneer6]

@DanielG I understand it won't be weedless, but it should help from getting wedged.  Had to use the tip of my pliers today to get some of it out 

[Fishes in trees]

I'm thinking that  when you feel the debris build up, a sharp snap of the rod  should dislodge most of the stuff, nearly every time.  I do that with my Falcon Bucco Trap Caster all the time, generally using lipless cranks on that rod, but it works ok on square bills & shallower divers as well.   Perhaps a crank rod that has a little more backbone might be the ticket.

 

 

[rtwvumtneer6]

13 minutes ago, Fishes in trees said:

Perhaps a crank rod that has a little more backbone might be the ticket.

I see your point, but I don't use a true crank rod for square bills.  

[papajoe222]

Because the line tie is on the bait's body and not the bill, this is going to happen with regularity.Two things you can do to avoid it. First is get very familiar with the bait in question. By that, I mean get a good feel for when the bait has picked up a blade of grass on the lip, on one of the hooks, or is rolling on its side. Even with a rod that isn't designed for cranks, you should still be able to feel the slight difference from when the bait is running normal  As soon as you detect grass on the lure, pause it and let it float up for a count of two. maybe more if it's a slow riser. A quick rip of the rod tip should clear the bait and you won't be digging it into the weeds as it will be above them when you do this.  The second thing you should do is relegate that bait to fishing timber or rocks and use one with the line tie on the bill for fishing weeds.