Lipless crank baits

[Catt]

Never fall into the false assumption that ripping grass is the only productive pattern for fishing lipless crank bait.

Never fall into the false assumption that one brand of lipless crank bait is better than any other, each brand have unique sounds and vibrations.

Never fall into the false assumption that speed reeling is need to keep lipless crank baits near the surface, simple hold your rod tip higher to achieve the same thing.

When: Year round

Where:

Feeding/spawning flats 3 to 8' of water

Main lake points 10-20' of water

Feeder creek channels 15-25' of water

Techniques:

Reel keeping the trap a couple of feet below the surface and bounce it off wood.

Make a long cast, let the trap free fall to the count of 10/12, kneel on the deck, sticking 1 ½ to 2' of your rod tip in the water and slowly reel.

Stop N Go

Slow roll like you would spinner baits  

[Sam]

Catt,

How about adding your thoughts on rod, reel and line.  

[Catt]

My thoughts on rods, reels and line for any technique is just thatmy thoughts

I use Shimano Calcutta & Cardiff because I like the feel of a round reel in my hand; probably something left over from years of using Penn's and Abu Garcia's. 5:8.1 gear ratios is what I'm comfortable with, I adjust lure depth by raising or lowering my rod tip and reeling faster or slower.

I use a 6'6-7' medium heavy rod which gives me shock absorbency which is critical with lipless crank baits. I do like a rod with a longer handle which I keep along side my forearm.

I use Berkley Big Game 15# Mean Green; again I want shock absorbency

I do not buy into technique specific equipment; Joe Pro can not tell me what I'm comfortable with. If Joe Pro call it a Carolina Rig rod and I'm comfortable using it for traps that's what I'm gonna use. Joe Pro says I need a 7:0.1 gear ratio and I say just turn the handle one more time.  

[Matt Fly]

      One of my first vertical lessons was on Amistad early 70's vertically jigging and deadsticking Pico perchs in deep water.

Dont fish a trap enough anymore, no brainer bait.  Kinda like a senko, hard to fish it wrong, just throw it. 8-)

[Paul Roberts]

What about hooks? What do you like?

[Catt]

Mustad

My personal best of 12 pounds 8 ounces was caught slow rolling a trap in the dead of winter.  

[cbfishalot]

Triple grip or round?

[Catt]

Mustad Elite Series 1x Treble Hook is chemically sharpened; round bend, extra strong, short shank  

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

each brand have unique sounds and vibrations.

Also known as the frequency of the lure

[NewAngler]

Thanks, Catt. I've always wanted to throw the couple o have in my bag. I now have a little more confidence in it.

Any one brand you reccommend for a better overall trap?

[Tin]

I wish you would come fish up north.  ;D

[chubaka]

Good info.

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

Thanks, Catt. I've always wanted to throw the couple o have in my bag. I now have a little more confidence in it.

I am not Cat but....

Any one brand you reccommend for a better overall trap?

I would recommend you try several different brands, especially since you are not being paid to fish only one. Each brand/lure will have its own action, noise, and frequency. I have been on bites before and tried each brand with the same color and find only one that produces.

I personally recommend Yo-Zuri and XCaliber but they are expensive. A better one as far as cost is concerned is the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps. You can get those at any Wal-Mart, Bass Pro Shops, etc.

Also, I always change out the hooks. Except on the XCalibers. They use the Tx3 hooks with VMC® InLine Technology and are awesome. I can't tell you how many times I have caught myself by grazing one of them.

[Mottfia]

What do you do when the trap comes into contact with grass?

Mottfia

[Catt]

What do you do when the trap comes into contact with grass?

Mottfia

Ya rip it out but grass is not the only place lipless crank baits shine try bouncing em off wood

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

What do you do when the trap comes into contact with grass?

Mottfia

Rip em out. This is typically when you will get the hit.