Good, big, deep-diving crawdad pattern crank ???

[Fish Chris]

I swear I haven't thrown a crank bait in close to 20 years. I used to throw Bomber's sometimes.

But anyway, the need has arisen, for a big, deep-diving, crawdad patterned crank bait.

I'm hoping I can get it down to 20 to 25ft depth, trolling on a long line (with very thin, low drag, 30 lb braid).

Hoping to get a monster Smallie on it.

What would be your pick, for a quality crank to fit this situation ? Don't really care about the hooks, as I will replace them anyway (unless they are Owners).

Nor do I care about the price. I've paid $75 for swimbaits ;-)

Thank you,

Fish

[roadwarrior]

Lucky Craft Flat CB D-20, 286 "Mad Craw"

http://www.luckycraft.com/luckycrafthome/Products/crankbait/flatcbd20.htm

I think you should try "White & Gray" too.

p.s.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to change out the VMC Hooks

on Lucky Craft lures.

8-)

[J Francho]

What he said, though I have no color preference. ^^^

Lucky Craft use VMC hooks, sharpened by Daiichi of Japan. In some ways, they seem stickier than Owner Stingers. I do find that they occasionally bend out, usually my fault when removing the hooks with pliers. In that case, the Owner Stinger makes an excellent replacement. You can also get OE Lucky Craft hooks from Tackle Warehouse.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

The Lucky Craft sounds like a good choice.

On another note, if you want to go that deep I think Fluoro might be a better option than the braid.

Just a thought, as the fluoro will sink while braid will float.

[Willzx225]

You see a bunch of guys around here throwing the Lur Jensen 3/4oz Hot Lips when they want to reach 20+ on a cast so I would definitely think it would get down there on a long line troll.

[kbkindle]

i would try  slow rolling a  1/2 oz spinner bait   like a s.king sexy shad color  i like the  s.k. spinner because it has  double willow blades and they are smaller in size   works great for me

[fourbizz]

Fish

Get the DD22 Suspend and some Luhr Jensen Hot Lips.

They eat them there

[bmadd]

Braid will work great. I might even drop to 20 lb to increase the depth.

Speed- 20-30 braid will work because of the smaller line diameter which in turn has less resistance.

[BassnMan Mike]

Yet another vote for the Norman DD22 Suspend

[5bass]

Mann's 20+ will hit your depths although the color patterns aren't real pretty. The LC CBD20 is another good bait that will give you a little tighter wiggle than a DD22 which I recommend but it may come up a little short of 25'.

If you can find any Rapala DT-20's, I'd definitely try that one in the brown craw pattern. That pattern is one of the best craw paint schemes you can find.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I would say a Luhr Jensen Hot Lips, Poes Super Cedar 400+, Manns Go 2 20+, or even a Bomber Fat Free Shad BD7

[airborne_angler]

Although they dont come in a craw pattern,have you considered these?

http://www.rapala.com/products/luresdetail.cfm?modelName=deep_tail_dancer&freshorsalt=Fresh

Must say the adverisement is misleading though:

Freshwater

Specifically designed to get deep into where the lunkers lie during the mid-summer to early fall months, the Deep Tail Dancer will prove to be an angler's best companion. Incorporating all the positive attributes that have made the Tail Dancer a success, the Deep Tail Dancer features an enlarged extreme diving lip that plummets the lure to 30-plus feet with ease. Front red VMC Pyramid Point hooks (for a wounded minnow simulation) offer quick piercing and the strength to withstand the fiercest battles. New smaller size allows the Deep tail Dancer to work the bottom in 15 feet.

And then below it goes on to show specs:

SPECIES: Walleye, Bass, Pike, Trout & Salmon

TECHNIQUE: Casting & Trolling

RECOMMENDED LINE:

RUNNING DEPTH: 6' - 15'

RECOMMENDED KNOT: Rapala knot

I have one in Rainbow Trout Flash and it says right on the lip TAILDANCER 20 FT

The website also has this info on it:

HOW TO FISH THE DEEP TAIL DANCER

A unique trolling lure designed to reach 30 feet on its own the Deep Tail Dancer will hold its tracking even at fast speeds without any compromise in action. The unique color patterns were chosen by the Rapala Pro Staff and proven with over a years testing under tournament conditions prior to release. The intent for design was for triggering fish suspending at deeper depths with a hard wobbling action and high visible flashing color patterns for open water conditions. To fish the Deep Tail Dancer tie directly to the split ring using the double clinch knot. Lob cast the lure out, release 100 feet of line, engage reel and get ready. Trolling speeds play a critical part in the effectiveness of any trolling lure. Here's a tip for successful trolling: Check action at various speeds, next to the boat on short line. Now run the Deep Tail dancer at a variety of speeds until you discover the desired action.

I cant say whether this would be a good choice or not,as I havent used the one I have and am not known to throw crankbaits(cant hurt to try), im just trying to help with suggestions.

[FishDontLikeMe1301600221]

Lucky Craft Flat CB D-20, 286 "Mad Craw"

http://www.luckycraft.com/luckycrafthome/Products/crankbait/flatcbd20.htm

I think you should try "White & Gray" too.

p.s.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to change out the VMC Hooks

on Lucky Craft lures.

8-)

x2 i have this in the sunfish,tomato craw,violet,albino craw and japan craw....fish seem to love 2 of them the most,my albino and tomato craw.

[flechero]

FC,

I can't say which baits but since you are not opposed to spending some money on good baits, buy the best bait for your depth and situation and have one of the crankbait guys custom paint them to your specs or to match a local craw pattern.  Just thinking out loud.

[Fish Chris]

Much thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll probably buy 3 or 4, and just see what works best for me.

Anxious to try these....

Peace,

Fish

PS, I'm not much of a "color fanatic"...... but as long as they are reddish, or brownish, I'll be happy, colorwise.

[bmadd]

Forgot to give an opinion but since money isn't an option, I know Big M has made some baits that have hit 20+ and he's pretty talented with his brush as well. Top notch quality. As for baits on the market, Poes Competition Cedar 4500 longreach.

[Stringjam]

Forgot to give an opinion but since money isn't an option, I know Big M has made some baits that have hit 20+ and he's pretty talented with his brush as well. Top notch quality. As for baits on the market, Poes Competition Cedar 4500 longreach.

+1 on both counts.  

Since you mentioned trolling - - I personally would go for a crank with a fairly tight action....they can be worked faster than wide action cranks.  

The Poe's 4500 LR has a tight, rolling action and can be fished very quickly for a big deep crank.   I can cast and retrieve it 20', so depth will certainly not be a problem trolling.  They have several variations on the craw theme......  

Another note......I've never tried the DT-16 on a troll, but it is a FANTASTIC deep crank for burning (I know I keep bringing up speed.....but it is very important - sometimes a burn is the best way to trigger smallies on a crank).  It's a breeze to get it to 16', so I wouldn't think 20' would be difficult trolling.  

BTW......I use 20 lb. braided line for all my cranking needs (with a short mono leader to absorb rock abrasion).   Braid will get you MAXIMUM depth.