What they fail to tell you about cranking

[Chris]

Most anglers don't understand depth control. It is not a factor of being lazy. When you learn about cranking the key is learning the dive angle and at what point the crank bait will reach it's max depth. Many don't understand that a crankbait reaches it's max depth about a good pitch with a jig away from the boat. At that point the bait makes it's upward climb. Depending on the lip angle and how steep the lure digs depends on at what point the bait hits it's max depth. If the bait slowly dives it is going to take awhile to reach its depth if it ever does at all. The shorter you make your cast the less time you give the lure to meet its max depth there for you lessen the lures ability to dive.

Off shore bass are easier to catch because most people don't fish for them. When fishing with crankbaits it is just a matter of angles. A cast this long will give my bait this much running room to reach a target. You now position the boat so that your target is not at the point that my lure makes it's upward climb. When you know what depth your bait runs and how long of a cast you need to make to reach a certain depth the rest is just boat positioning. The hard work is watching your depth finder to find the structure. Many people have this vision of a guy out in the middle of the lake catching bass. More often then not they are fishing the same stuff the bank beaters are just deeper. One angler hits the first 5ft of a point the other crankbait angler fishes the whole point. Then they narrow down where the bass is holding.

Anglers use lures that dig the bottom because they don't know what depth their lure actually runs. To compensate they run the lure on the bottom to maintain contact with the bottom contour. Lures that bounce the bottom speed up and slow down and cause a strike. Now what is going to happen when your point is filled with weeds. Understanding the diving curve and running depth is more important and more accurate. Many times bass will suspend on structure in the thermocline. If your still playing the bottom bouncing game all the way to the boat your lure might only be in the active fish zone for about 10 feet of your cast. If you understand your lure and at what depth the lure hits a certain depth your lure is in the same zone most of your cast. Some anglers look for gentle sloping points to maintain contact the whole cast. The more productive points will be the ones that slope within the thermocline. Bottom bouncing then becomes the more productive method because the contour follows the thermocline. If the point or structure because of angle only has a set portion sitting in the thermocline layer then knowing the dive curve gives you a more accurate presentation to catch these bass. Some potions the bass will suspended up in the thermocline where the thermocline meets the point the bass might be tight to the point. Bass will move as the thermocline moves which changes throughout the day.

I use glass rods for beating the bank because when I play a fish to tire it out most of the fight is near the boat and the rod aids in preventing the hooks from coming free. Glass has less vibration transfer then graphite because it is like using a wet noodle. Many anglers reel the bait in with their index finger under the line to compensate for the lack of feel. For long distance graphite gives you the best feel and long distance vibration transfer in the rod. Many use glass for deep cranking because the rod loads better and you can cast farther. Composite is the best of both worlds.

Fluorocarbon because it is denser will telegraph vibrations at a distance better. Here is some science http://www.bigindianabass.com/big_indiana_bass/the-truth-about-fluorocarbon.html

When you use a crankbait that dives deeper then the depth needed to overpower the depth to remain in contact with the bottom line size is less relevant to achieve depth because you are using a deeper lure than the depth needed. Many times anglers use line diameter to gain extra depth also consider that different companies have different line diameters for the same pound test. There can be a vast difference in the depth your lure runs between line company (a) and line company ( because different diameters. Thinner lines produce less drag on your lure and help gain depth but if one rod has 10 lb line that has the diameter of line company ('s 12 pound line it is going to effect your depth. So it pays to read the diameter and choose the thinner line. In the larger pound lines the diameters between company (a) and ( can become more dramatic.

Most guys who crank deep have their drag set tight because when you run a crankbait the drag will slip and you loose depth. It also aids in driving hooks at a distance because of line stretch.

When bass make a quick lunge many times anglers have trouble with bass becoming unbuttoned. This was the reasoning for David Fritts building the glass rod he had. The rod absorbs the pressure of a fighting lunge while maintaining the pressure that keeps hooks stuck. This also is why Rick Clunn's signature rod is composite rods. The key is that the rod will apply enough pressure on the fish not to tear the hooks or wear larger holes in the fish. With graphite you rip more hooks because of the pressure you unknowingly put on the fish close to the boat. Style hooks, hook gap, size of the wire all effect how the hook wears on a fighting fish.

[Paul Roberts]

You've got some really good points in there.

To be fair to Elias (and I know this is a jumping off point for you, not a challenge to Elias), when on the spot in an interview, lots of those contingencies get forgotten.

Good post.

[Catt]

Chris or Paul? Or how about add them both together 

[Chris]

The wider the wobble the more time it takes for the bait to reach it's max depth. Many anglers use the wobble to telegraph when a fish strikes. With a wide wobble the line is moving from side to side at a set distance which is the thump you feel at the rod end. You catch more fish when you can feel your vibration pattern at a distance then at close range. Lures that tilt from side to side have the same telegraph vibration as the wide wiggle. The problem with equipment is that it makes it hard to tell the difference between the lure vibration and the structure. They both feel the same causing you to miss fish. Then you have some who say fish hook themselves which means they really didn't have good contact between the lure vibration and what you feel in your hands. I use deep tone rattles to give off the sound of a larger prey. The deeper you go the less light penetrates the water so it would be like fishing stained to murky water even though the upper layer might be clear. The lower frequency travels farther under water than high pitch frequency rattle. Paul uses the vibration pattern I use rattle frequency. I choose a medium wiggle because it offers less resistance in the water and dives quicker which means I waste less time reeling to a depth and less effort. Also with a thinner bill in the front cuts the water better with less resistance than the bait he mentioned. By the same token the Manns lure is better to bounce the bottom because the lip stands up to the abuse. Many times lures with the longer bill work well in heavy cover because the lip strikes first and helps shield the hooks. Paul's fishing style is bottom bouncing and this lure stands up for that application. My style differs because I try to hit zones so my choice in lure will differ. The faster you reach a depth the more time you have to fish the depth before it makes its climb back to the surface which fits zone fishing.

Many times after catching a few fish the bass might seem to become wise to your lure. It is the change in vibration patterns that draw strikes. If you run a crankbait the same way all the time what makes it different. What makes this cast different then the ten before. When you strike an object you change the vibration pattern and sometimes the direction of the lure for a second. If you don't know at what point you will strike the object and just bottom bounce to the object nothing has changed. The bait will react to the structure the same giving the same presentation until you change angles. If you don't understand your dive curve you might miss the object. What I do is slow the bait until it is about to hit the object then smack it. Sometimes pausing the bait then make the lure smack the object. You are also better to change the lip you use to also change how the bait deflects off the object. Some guys just adjust their cranking speed or move their rod to change the vibration pattern. If you slow the bait enough it will stop vibrating (use a slow floating model) and you can sneak the lure by the fish pause it then jerk the rod for a strike. It is the vibration pattern that makes the fish think the lure is a healthy baitfish and active fish will bite. When you toy with the vibration pattern offering the bass something different you force the other fish to strike out of instinct.

Many people like to bottom bounce a crankbait off of the bottom. Each time a lure hits the bottom it sends off pressure waves. Much like how spinnerbait guys use a Colorado blade you can use a bottom bouncing bait to give much the same thump vibration pattern outside of the wiggle.

[cart7t]

Tomorrow, BassResource.com member tartus, smacks down Hank Parker on spinnerbait fishing.

:

[Paul Roberts]

Tomorrow, BassResource.com member tartus smacks down Hank Parker on spinnerbait fishing.

:

;D

No worries Chris, I didn't take it that way. Good jumping off material. Don't know why I had the urge to speak up for Elias...Guess I like his gentle manner.

Real good stuff Chris.

[Chris]

Bass position on structure to either chill out or to intercept food. With most structure there is a natural flow of bait. Meaning that the bait normally moves through the structure at a certain direction either coming to the structure like a point or leaving the structure like when a shad school follows the edge of the point to move off to suspend in deep water. Each time you strike the object at different angles the bait reacts to the structure object different. Many times if you find either the right direction because of bait flow or the right direction because of the way the lure deflects off the structure both need to be explored and can make a difference in getting a strike or not.

When you lower your rod in the water you also loose feel because the rod is not able to vibrate as much as the lighter open air medium. When fishing close to objects this technique works well at getting extra depth. If your making a long cast where the depth is gained is before the lure makes its upward climb. It changes the point where the lure stops digging and starts climbing.

[CJ]

A very good read no matter who you agree with.

Chris, you know your crankbaits that's for sure.

[Chris]

Her favorite color is chrome

Chrome

Most crankbait anglers like to use chrome colors in clear to stained water. Many chalk up the success of this color to the fact that it mirrors light and gives fish a flash of light that draws the bass's attention. Many think that what they see above water is about the same as under water. But is it? Above water remember color is light wave lengths and the deeper you go the more light is filtered out. When you view chrome above water you see all colors that is why it has a mirror flash. Under water the lure will take on the color of the sky above. If you took a look under the lure while it is running the lure might reflect the image of the lake bottom. When looking at the same lure from the side you are going to see the reflective light or flash as the light bends as it moves. It will also take on some of the surrounding color. So around different cover or surroundings the bait will constantly change colors. Now if you ever watched baitfish they tend to try to blend into its surroundings to make it harder for predators to pick it out. Chrome very closely mimics this.

Clear Cranks

Remember I said that baitfish like to blend in. Clear lures also blend in and take on the lake bottom colors. Clear lures also change colors depending on lake bottom and how much light or direct light hits it. When skies turn cloudy or water turns dirty this effect fades and the lure becomes harder to pick out. Clear lures that have metal flake in them also add to the effectiveness in stained water by throwing off a flash. Clear lures because it takes on the surounding colors looks like a real bait.

[basser89]

Like the others have said, great read Chris! Thanks for posting!

[b.Lee]

Although every situation is different, I like the critique of Elias's article

[MyKeyBe]

WOW! Great post Chris! (or should I say Mr. Crankbait?)

Who would of thought, the mod that was knows his stuff.

[Big Tom]

I got this page bookmarked.  I suck at cranking and I want to improve in 2010. 

Thanks Chris!!!

[George Welcome]

I know who Paul Elias is; who's Chris?

http://proxy.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/media/angler?anglerId=14713

[Catt]

George we have an error in your link

[Sam]

Excellent.

Thank you for sharing. 

[George Welcome]

George we have an error in your link

Thanks

[Matt Fly]

I know who Paul Elias is; who's Chris.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/media/angler?anglerId=14713

+1

[Catt]

A discerning critic is one who shows insight and understanding

Paul Elias: "The first thing that I would say, is the majority of bass fishermen are bank-beaters...the fact is, a lot of fishermen are just lazy."

Chris: "I disagree most anglers don't understand depth control...It is not a factor of being lazy."

Catt: The fact is the average angler is lazy they think if I only had this magic lure or this high tech equipment I would be a successful angler when they should be concerned with learning structure, prey species, cover and how each relate to each other.

Paul Elias: offshore structure fishing with deep-diving crankbaits is much harder. Learning to do it eats up a lot of time and it is hard work.

Chris: "Off shore bass are easier to catch because most people don't fish for them"

Catt: Off shore bass are easier to catch because they are less effected by anglers presents and weather patterns. But most anglers are unwilling to learn how to properly identify structure, learn how bass/prey relate to structure. It's a whole lot easier just to beat the bank fishing visible targets.

Paul Elias: I'm 50-50 on graphite or glass.

Chris: "Composite is the best of both worlds"

Catt: Totally and completely personal preference with neither being the "best"

I listen to every angler young or old gather information & material bit by bit that suits my bodies of water and my style of fishing.

[cart7t]

....

I listen to every angler young or old gather information & material bit by bit that suits my bodies of water and my style of fishing.

So

1 computer with keyboard + internet forum >

Classic Titles: 1

Times in the Classic: 14

Times in the Money: 131

Total Entries: 291

Total Weight: 6,912 lbs 15 ozs

     Career Winnings: $817,545.75

Avg. Per Tournament: $2,809.44

Cash Winnings: $681,257.75

Merchandise Bonus: $95,000.00

Cash Bonus: $41,288.00

Excellent.

[Catt]

To become a better angler we must discern (to come to know or recognize mentally) the information gathered regardless of source.

I fish a Texas Rig completely different than cart7t or Kevin VanDam so who is correct, only KVD?

[cart7t]

I would think that if you're going to critique the experiences of a professional angler like Paul Elias, especially on the technique of deep cranking, it would help add validity to ones counterpoint by offering up something as proof of your own success.

Pauls record is in the books and validates his statements, I only have this as a means of buying into the other .

[Paul Roberts]

My guess is Chris is not challenging Elias as much as using the interview as a jumping off for discussion. Fair enough.

I try hard not to make assumptions about poster's motives -although it can be hard to put a clamp on it at times.

No one should be compared with KVD or Paul Elias or anyone. As Catt said, you need to judge ("discern" -that's a better word) info as to how well it applies to your fishing. If you need clarity, ask. I like RoLo's footer: "It's not Who's right, but What's right." Let's not make this personal.

Much of what Chris has brought here doesn't appear to need much debate. Nor do I have to take his word for things I might question. I'm not confused by what he's said. If anyone is, then they should ask for clarity. If it's BS, it'll show. There are too many good anglers on this board for BS to get very far. And good anglers are not all tournament anglers, trophy hunters, much less top name pros. We all fish different waters, in different ways. Anyone, even novices, can come up with good insights. I'd hate to have a board where only KVD could attempt what Chris has.

[5bass]

Although there are some good points here, let's keep it civil fellas.

[GonzoFishing]

You've got some really good points in there.

To be fair to Elias (and I know this is a jumping off point for you, not a challenge to Elias), when on the spot in an interview, lots of those contingencies get forgotten.

Good post.

X2