crankbait ???

[buzzfrog]

so if i am using mono, the larger the lb the less it sinks because mono floats. so if i am fishing lipless rattle traps, square bills, and normals in 3-5 foot water what would be the best lb mono, thinking 15?

[jocko]

what size cranks ?  3-5 is fairly shallow.  You should be fine with 15lb test.    I've used 15 -17 lbs before ,  but mostly 12lb test.

[bassindude]

I rarely us Mono smaller than 17lb and never had a problem. 

[buzzfrog]

using kvd small red eyes, kvd 1.5, few rattle traps, bill lewis's cranks, clackin raps, all my billed cranks are rated no more  than 5 foot

[bluebasser86]

I like 14lb for my traps, 10-12 for my cranks unless I'm in heavy cover then I'll go up to 20 if it's really bad.

[bigjim5589]

so if i am using mono, the larger the lb the less it sinks because mono floats

I think in the 3-5ft depth you're talking about, there won't be much difference. If you're going deep, like over 20 ft, you may see a difference, or if you go from 6lb to 20lb with a small crank you may see some difference, but between 12-17lb test, not likely enough to worry about.

You also have to remember that water temp will also have an effect on cranks, and the line. So if you're cranking in 40 degree water with 12lb line, you won't get the same depth as you might with the same line in 70 degree water. Colder water being denser than warmer. 

[buzzfrog]

oh ok, so with me not buying seperate rods for diff cranks, what your saying is that 12 lb is all around ok, also didnt even cross my mind about the denseness of the waters.. hardcore stuff

[bigjim5589]

I just used 12 lb as an example. It may be fine for the waters you're fishing, and could likely be a good all around line to use with cranks. But, as some of the others have said, you may want to go lighter or heavier depending on the conditions. For example, if you're water has a lot of grass in it, or the fish in your area are of a larger average size, you may want to go heavier. For most open water cranking, where there's really nothing to hang up on, except possibly the bottom, it becomes a matter of personal preference, so choose a size that fits the depth & the size of the fish, and for the 3-5ft depth, that could be what ever you like.

[buzzfrog]

ok, thanx, nuttin but an ocasional branch, i am usally on the shore so run it along the bank and over rock beds i find.

[ffnbutta]

I have a question also for everybody. I just put 30lb Moss Green Spiderwire Stealth Braid on my baitcaster. My go to lure on that bait cast is a Strike King Pro Square Bill Crainkbait. Is 30lb line to much for that crainkbait to run effectively underwater. If it is to much would a Carolina Rig be a better choice of lure. Or what should I put on there that will work the best.

[bigjim5589]

Some folks don't like braid with cranks because it has no stretch, which they say causes the hooks to tear loose too easily. Plus, the stretch in other types of line acts as a shock absorber while playing the fish. The main issue that has an effect on crankbaits is line diameter, not the breaking strength. Larger diameters don't dive as deep as smaller diameters, especially with mono type lines, which tend to be buoyant. Braids usually have a very good line diameter to strength ratio.

Since it's a square bill, and they make good lures for bouncing & deflecting off of structure, braid may be a good idea, in case you get hung up.

I'm guessing that 30lb will have a diameter about equal to 8-10lb test mono, which should be fine for crankbaits.

That should also be a good line for Carolina rigging or even jigging as long as the cover is not extremely heavy.

Myself, I use Yozuri Hybrid for crankbaits & braid for most everything else. Although I do use braid with some of my larger saltwater crankbaits & jerkbaits. 

[ffnbutta]

ok. Thank you for the tip. It's really helpful.

[buzzfrog]

picked up a 7ft croix premier, MH-moderte today and hope this is my new rod for cranks it is damn nice

[ffnbutta]

I was looking at buying a Bass Pro Shop Tourney Special Combo MH 6ft 6 or 7ft baitcaster. I read reviews on them and people like them so i figure get one because i would like to have a 2nd Baitcaster.

[buzzfrog]

them there baitcasters get addicting, gotta have one for everything, lol i started on cause i couldnt figure why my ole 33 zebco couldnt keep a buzz on water, now i have like 7 rods, and ALL but one fall under a hundo, lol

[jesse1378]

the tournament special are on sale right noe for 30 bucks at my bass pro...i use the bps cranking stick. i have a med/lite and a med. i started with 10lb mono and the med lite... perfect combo...i put 12lb flouro on there and it just doesnt cast the light cranks..which are the shallower one for me...shad raps, bandit 100/200....so for that i will still with the 10lb mono but the deeper cranks get the 12lb flouro and the med action rd.

[ffnbutta]

yeah the one I'm Looking at is $80. But i have to wait untill my tax money to come back. So I can go shopping at Bass Pro Shops. I was going to try 15lb Spiderwire Stealth braid on it. Any ideas on the best line for a Tourney Special Combo Bait Caster MH eather 6ft 6 or 7ft ??

[jesse1378]

the tournament specials are stiffer than the cranking sticks. so i would go with mono. if you put braid on one of those it might be too much and rip the hooks out of their mouth. i just bought a 7ft med/hvy and use it as my frog rod. i think its a bit much for cranks...but thats just my opinion.

[jocko]

picked up a 7ft croix premier, MH-moderte today and hope this is my new rod for cranks it is damn nice

Should be a great rod.  I bought two St. Croix CB glass rods that were moderate action M,  and I had to sell them.  They were WAY too soft.  Is yours graphite?  I think that's the way to go.  I also paired these rods with 5:1 ratio curados and had to sell them too.  I can't stand a slow ratio reel.  If I want to go slow,  I can slow down with my high speed reel!

Everything about fishing is addictive.  Last count,  I have 27 rods and reels, and more bags and boxes of baits then 1 person needs.  This doesn't include my panfish and catfish gear!  Crankbaits are especially addictive. 

[ffnbutta]

That sounds like me. I have a good amount of fishing good for a guy my age. But everytime I go to Walmart or Gander Mountain. I try and buy a new fishing lure or something. Then I always mange walking away with more then i planned.

[buzzfrog]

yea mine i s graphite,  yea dont get me started on catfish, thats is my first passion and  i have alot in that, well dont have to many catfsih reel that cost over a 100.. though, got some custom rods though