Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Bass Fishing => Bass Fishing Tips, Techniques & General Discussion => Topic started by: korean_bassmaster on March 18, 2014, 12:17:30 AM

Title: deep cranking!
Post by: korean_bassmaster on March 18, 2014, 12:17:30 AM
Hey guys I'm looking to get into deep cranking.   I was wondering if it'd b better to get the med or med/heavy and 7'6"ish or 7'10ish?   Any info would b appreciated.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: TimH on March 18, 2014, 07:34:09 AM
Get the medium heavy and go for the 7'-10" rod.  With deep cranking you need some serious backbone in the rod for when you catch a fish down deep.  Deep diving crankbaits also "pull" harder on your rod than a medium or shallow running crank, so its important to have a strong rod.  The longer the rod the better for deep cranking as well.  In order for the crankbait to achieve maximum depth, and for it to stay at the depth for as long as possible, you need to be able to make as long a cast as possible.  A long rod will help make that possible because longer rods have an ability to "load up" that shorter rods just don't have.
Also, you'll want to run only fluorocarbon line because it sinks.  Mono and braided line float and even though it doesn't seem like it would matter, it definitely does.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Waterfoul on March 18, 2014, 11:26:36 AM
If you want to get into it and not break the bank, check out Bass Pro Shops Crankin Sticks.  I have a couple and really like them, especially for the price.  They make several of the longer ones in a telescoping model, so they will fit in your rod locker or car/truck no problem.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: thedude on March 18, 2014, 01:25:22 PM
power is less important than action. I prefer fiberglass, MH 7'6".  they pull hard but the blank is going to aborb most of that. They make some good graphite blanks with moderate actions but i think they pull pretty hard. The fiberglass is well help you hook and land fish also.

these are good articles:
http://fishpaa.com/2014/02/championship-cranking-made-easy-part-one-the-rod/
http://fishpaa.com/2014/03/championship-cranking-made-easy-part-two-the-line/
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Manxfishing on March 18, 2014, 04:52:59 PM
A DD crank will over power a med
Your best with a MH, And like other have said the longer rod will help launch the crank
Powell & Dobyns makes some nice crank rods

There's a great book for Cranking called Precision casting by Mark Romanack
(he also did the Precision trolling book) it's out of print but if you find a copy it's a good read
It will explain why line dia. efects the depth, and how far you need to cast to get the baits to get the
baits down.

So what do you consider deep cranking? 15', 20 plus
And what kind of cranks aare you planning on useing?

Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: korean_bassmaster on March 18, 2014, 06:49:16 PM
Ya I was thinking of getting the Powell endurance cranking stick and running 10# flouro. Ive been using strike ki g 6xds and Normans dd. Any other preferred brands?   I fish usually 15-20ft
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Manxfishing on March 18, 2014, 07:42:41 PM
Both good cranks, you'll need the MH
The Norman dd22 might hit 15' that SK 6xd should go 17-18'
Rapala does have DT 20 that will go that deep.

I like the Powell, just a good solid crank rod

Dive curves are all based on holding the rod tip 2' above the water
And for every foot lower you hold the tip, you'll gain that amount
So if you hold the tip at the water line your 2' deeper, get on your knees and hold the tip 2-4' under water
you can get the cranks 4-6' deeper. so you can the hit bottom at 20'

It also works for running the cranks higher if your hanging up.




Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: korean_bassmaster on March 18, 2014, 10:16:30 PM
Sweet thanks for the help. Now just have to wait
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: korean_bassmaster on March 18, 2014, 10:21:44 PM
Ne thoughts on the shimano crucial d. Cranking rods
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Coop on March 18, 2014, 11:48:59 PM
Personally I have had great luck running deep cranks with a Shimano Crucial 7'7" MH Flippin Stick with an Abu Garcia 5:4:1 Revo Winch Reel. The nice thing about this setup is it also works as a great deep water structure jig or Carolina rig setup. Im a huge Shimano and Veritas / Veracity fan.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: korean_bassmaster on March 19, 2014, 07:42:49 AM
What r the pros and cons of a low speed (6.3:1-) reel vs. A high speed (6.3:1+) reel?
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: BIGSHOW on March 19, 2014, 08:48:54 AM
I think this about sums it up. http://www.wired2fish.com/choosing-the-right-gear-ratio-reel/
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: thedude on March 19, 2014, 01:13:00 PM
the spro little john DD is my favorite. That or a fat free shad. I use xds quite a bit also.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Manxfishing on March 19, 2014, 04:48:49 PM
Quote from: korean_bassmaster on March 19, 2014, 07:42:49 AM
What r the pros and cons of a low speed (6.3:1-) reel vs. A high speed (6.3:1+) reel?

For me
I like 5:1 on the cranks
And i have 6.3:1 for lipless and jerk baits

The thought is
I'm never burning the the cranks, and the lower gear ratio keeps them slow (and I have a habit of going to fast)
The lipless I'll burn some days and the jerk baits the higher speed helps to gather line faster
I like 7:1 for jigs and frogs 
Just a personal choice or fishing what I have
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Coop on March 19, 2014, 10:06:44 PM
Im also looking into possibly picking up a Revo Rocket 9:1 ratio. Insanity!! I think it would be an excellent choice for heavy cover or froggin'
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: bigjc on March 19, 2014, 10:17:57 PM
Quote from: Manxfishing on March 19, 2014, 04:48:49 PM
Quote from: korean_bassmaster on March 19, 2014, 07:42:49 AM
What r the pros and cons of a low speed (6.3:1-) reel vs. A high speed (6.3:1+) reel?

For me
I like 5:1 on the cranks
And i have 6.3:1 for lipless and jerk baits

The thought is
I'm never burning the the cranks, and the lower gear ratio keeps them slow (and I have a habit of going to fast)
The lipless I'll burn some days and the jerk baits the higher speed helps to gather line faster
I like 7:1 for jigs and frogs 
Just a personal choice or fishing what I have

My sentiments exactly. 
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: gmetime24 on March 19, 2014, 10:54:53 PM
The bps cranking sticks are very nice rods for the price. I bought one a couple years ago and have no complaints. Right now they are on sale as well
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Manxfishing on March 20, 2014, 05:24:48 AM
Quote from: Coop on March 19, 2014, 10:06:44 PM
Im also looking into possibly picking up a Revo Rocket 9:1 ratio. Insanity!! I think it would be an excellent choice for heavy cover or froggin'

I've seen 8:1, didn't know there's a 9:1 out there
Yea, that's crazy fast. If you pick one up. Please let us know how you like it

Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: korean_bassmaster on March 22, 2014, 11:39:59 PM
So I'm between the Powell endurance 7'5" med/ heavy $199 or shimano crucial 7'6" or 7'11" $179 and dont kno what to do
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Manxfishing on March 23, 2014, 10:31:02 AM
My advice
That's retail

Bass tackle depoit will be having another sale soon
There st. patricks day sale was 20% off, I picked up a Dobyns champion for 199 with free shipping (no tax)

Hang in there a couple more weeks
there sould be a Easter sale at BTD (plus there a sponser of the site)
They sell Powell, Shimano and Dobyns
With 20% off the Shimano is 145, Powell is 179 with free shipping
Dobyns has a 805 cb rm rod that was made for throwing DD22's it's a 8' MH


(no there's not)
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Mike S. on March 23, 2014, 02:33:44 PM
I use a Skeet Reese Magnum Crank Bait Rod with a Revo Winch.  It's a 7'10" medium fast action glass rod. It works great for me, and I caught a lot of fish on it last year. I even threw the 10xd's with it last year. Almost effortless.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: korean_bassmaster on March 23, 2014, 04:47:28 PM
Ok I'll try! Haha I'll keep checking both sites
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: dartag on March 23, 2014, 05:20:54 PM
BPS has Crankin Stiks on sale now.   Don't see a lot of crankbaiters on inland lakes.

There was a guy named Cheetam who was a crankbait guy.  I think he moved out beyond the Dune Sea.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: jgip087 on March 23, 2014, 06:36:28 PM
and don't forget to try "long lining" or "strolling" if you like fishing 20 + feet with a crankbait.  I've had awesome luck doing that, but 1 cast takes about 10 minutes!
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: bigjc on January 04, 2015, 02:29:48 PM
1) long rod is critical.
2) mh is important
3) I agree with Justin, that fiberglass is ideal


Has anyone tried the Strike King new deep series?
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: thedude on January 07, 2015, 02:06:55 PM
i used teh 10xds a lot this year. They are insane.
I got some LC SKT Mag DRs which are actually bigger. I'm still throwing these 3+oz baits on my 7'6" lamiglass fiberglass (MH) rod. I'd like a 7'10 i think, but the action is rite.

I've had some good luck including a giant inland smallie that i lost at the boat. Big fish eat big baits, don't be afraid to use them.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: bigjc on January 09, 2015, 11:32:15 AM
This may sound crazy, but I just ordered a Browning Silaflex, fibergalss, 7' MH rod for deep cranking, from BPS for 40 bucks.  I have an old browning silaflex 5' 6" pistol grip that I used to use many years ago, and it has an excellent parabolic action, so I figured why not try it for that kinda cash.  Worst case, I send it back.  I had a gift card to burn and was wanting a rod for deep divers, so we shall see.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: gmetime24 on January 10, 2015, 09:51:11 AM
I tried an all fiberglass glad for medium and deep cranks a couple years ago and didnt like the feel. I switched up to the bass pro shops cranking sticks for my medium and deep cranks and like the feel of those rods much better. I use a 7'6" for my medium divers and a 7'10" for deep cranks. Everyone is different with what they like to use, it just depends on how you fish your cranks and what fits you best
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: mike12 on January 10, 2015, 10:22:44 AM
I use the abu Garcia veritas wench and it is awsome but broke the first one amonth into summer.they warranties it and haven't had a problem since good long casting rod with a lews reel 5.1 and I love it.it u look for sales they go on sale alot
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: bigjc on January 11, 2015, 02:44:58 AM
Quote from: gmetime24 on January 10, 2015, 09:51:11 AM
I tried an all fiberglass glad for medium and deep cranks a couple years ago and didnt like the feel. I switched up to the bass pro shops cranking sticks for my medium and deep cranks and like the feel of those rods much better. I use a 7'6" for my medium divers and a 7'10" for deep cranks. Everyone is different with what they like to use, it just depends on how you fish your cranks and what fits you best
I have nothing but good to say about BPS Crankin Sticks.  Excellent rod for the money, but with the resistance of deep diving rods, I prefer the action of glass.  For medium divers, my fav. rod is a Kistler 6'6" Medium action composite crankin rod.  Perfect balance of parabolic action and sensitivity, but just not quite enough rod for DD's.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Skulley on January 11, 2015, 10:41:33 AM
Quote from: dartag on March 23, 2014, 05:20:54 PM
BPS has Crankin Stiks on sale now.   Don't see a lot of crankbaiters on inland lakes.

There was a guy named Cheetam who was a crankbait guy.  I think he moved out beyond the Dune Sea.

You're right dartag.  There are not a lot of crank bait guys on inland lakes.  I throw cranks where ever I go whether it's inland or big water.  It is an essential tool on any lake.  If you're not throwing them, you should be.  There are always times where they will out fish any other bait.  It happens year in and year out.



BD                                    ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Mojo on January 11, 2015, 12:55:12 PM
Man - this turns out to being one of the best posts and responses of 2015 ! What a wealth of information. To quote the movie 21 Jump Street:

"Now leave Korean BassMaster Alone ! He's got Korean S&it to do !"

Go to the UFS and get some cranking gear !
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Skulley on January 12, 2015, 07:25:58 AM
One inland lake which you can pretty much bet that I would be deep cranking on is Lake Chemung. Chemung had steep ledges that make deep cranking the most efficient way of being productive. I like to throw Norman DD22's there as well as Storm Mag Warts. Those deep diving cranks will get down 18 feet on 10lb test. I use an 7 foot American Rodsmith Fritts cranking rod and a Lews BB 1 NG in a 4.4:1 gear ratio. The slow gear ratio helps the bait get down deep. I put some pigs is the boat doing that at Chemung. When it's hot out early in the morning buzz baiting those same ledges can be productive as well. It's a very good lake for honing deep cranking skills. If you can catch fish there deep cranking, you can catch fish about anywhere deep cranking.




BD.                       ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Skulley on January 14, 2015, 07:56:42 AM
Quote from: bigjc on January 09, 2015, 11:32:15 AM
This may sound crazy, but I just ordered a Browning Silaflex, fibergalss, 7' MH rod for deep cranking, from BPS for 40 bucks.  I have an old browning silaflex 5' 6" pistol grip that I used to use many years ago, and it has an excellent parabolic action, so I figured why not try it for that kinda cash.  Worst case, I send it back.  I had a gift card to burn and was wanting a rod for deep divers, so we shall see.

If you don't like it, I'll buy it off you for $40. I have several of those rods. I also throw small cranks on a shorter version. I actually have 3 lengths. I started using them when Browning was putting David Fritts name on them. Really like them. American Rodsmith now makes the David Fritts model. Still glas and still good crank bait rods.


BD.                          ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Mojo on January 14, 2015, 11:31:28 AM
Quote from: UAWBigDog on January 14, 2015, 07:56:42 AM
If you don't like it, I'll buy it off you for $40. I have several of those rods. I also throw small cranks on a shorter version. I actually have 3 lengths. I started using them when Browning was putting David Fritts name on them. Really like them. American Rodsmith now makes the David Fritts model. Still glas and still good crank bait rods.
BD.                          ;D

I'll second the Dave Fritts crankin sticks for rattle traps, small cranks up to 14 fow. Just a WOW stick, and I was lucky to not have a single fish come unbuttoned with this rod.... Helps of course being taught how to 'walk your hookset back' when you hook a treble baited bass by Mr. Wagonsomer. Man he was good.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Big dreams on January 14, 2015, 01:27:12 PM
It is tough to "walk the hookset" rather than letting all heck break loose!  We all get caught in the moment and it is like a natural reaction to pull as hard as you can on the rod.

One thing I didn't see much on was "Deep" being relative to the lake.  Most lakes around Mid Michigan aren't much deeper than 20 feet.  Wixom Lake has spots down to 40 but I have never fished that deep and aren't sure if the arches on my depth finder are bass or walleye or cats.  The deepest I have caught them around here has been in 22' of water.  I would classify deep as being 15'+.

What do you guys think?
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: t-bone on January 14, 2015, 03:34:18 PM
I started fishing "deeper" last year. Deep to me is around 20-25ft. St. Clair summer patterns get me out in the 20ft range and inland lakes like Kent and Upper Straits is where I'm fishing up to 25ft.

Describe what you mean by "walking the hookset"?
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Manxfishing on January 14, 2015, 06:09:10 PM
Quote from: UAWBigDog on January 12, 2015, 07:25:58 AM
One inland lake which you can pretty much bet that I would be deep cranking on is Lake Chemung. Chemung had steep ledges that make deep cranking the most efficient way of being productive. I like to throw Norman DD22's there as well as Storm Mag Warts. Those deep diving cranks will get down 18 feet on 10lb test. I use an 7 foot American Rodsmith Fritts cranking rod and a Lews BB 1 NG in a 4.4:1 gear ratio. The slow gear ratio helps the bait get down deep. I put some pigs is the boat doing that at Chemung. When it's hot out early in the morning buzz baiting those same ledges can be productive as well. It's a very good lake for honing deep cranking skills. If you can catch fish there deep cranking, you can catch fish about anywhere deep cranking.

BD.                       ;D

Nice Bill
Only fish Chemung once and never really had plans for going back
But now I think I'll give it a shot again. I plan on working on cranks allot more this year
It's close to the house with a decent ramp



Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Mojo on January 14, 2015, 09:38:58 PM
Walkin the hook set, at the front of the boat, when you set the hook, I learned to walk back 2 - 5 steps while reeling fairly strong, but reel set to let drag out some. So I'm feeling how well I got him I guess in that first few seconds while making  sure I dig them hooks but good
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Manxfishing on January 15, 2015, 06:34:59 AM
Quote from: Big dreams on January 14, 2015, 01:27:12 PM
It is tough to "walk the hookset" rather than letting all heck break loose!  We all get caught in the moment and it is like a natural reaction to pull as hard as you can on the rod.

One thing I didn't see much on was "Deep" being relative to the lake.  Most lakes around Mid Michigan aren't much deeper than 20 feet.  Wixom Lake has spots down to 40 but I have never fished that deep and aren't sure if the arches on my depth finder are bass or walleye or cats.  The deepest I have caught them around here has been in 22' of water.  I would classify deep as being 15'+.

What do you guys think?

I'm with you
If I see deep big Arches there Carp, Pike mark as a squiggly lines
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Skulley on January 15, 2015, 08:28:03 AM
Quote from: Manxfishing on January 14, 2015, 06:09:10 PM
Nice Bill
Only fish Chemung once and never really had plans for going back
But now I think I'll give it a shot again. I plan on working on cranks allot more this year
It's close to the house with with a decent ramp.

Always happy to help if I have knowledge of a lake. I first went to Chemung for a Sunday Morning Tournament that was run by some guys that fished Belleville on Tuesday Nights back in the early 90's.......when I was much younger and more handsome. lol  8) ::) Anyway, I caught one on a buzz bait shallow early as well as a lot of boils on it. Later in the day, my partner started catching them on the ledges deep with cranks. I put on a worm and started catching a few but my partner was doing well on the crank. At the end of the tourney we had like 18lbs and cashed a check. I caught only 3 keeps but my partner had caught like 10 or 12 keeps. It was a hot partly sunny day with temps in the high 70's at 6am and 90+ at the noon weigh-in. A few weeks later I went back and decided I wanted to figure out Chemung because it was tough on me. I went with deep divers and buzz baits and tore them up. Every time I go to Chemung through the summer season July/August, that's what I do there. Ive done pretty well most times. I've never been there in the fall nor have I ever been there in the spring. It's been a few years since I've been there, but I'm sure deep cranks still work. Those steep drops hold those warm weather largies. Learning to do that technique on Chemung helped me on the steep drops of Belleville, Ford, Cass, to name a few as well as any other lake with steep drops. Let us know how you do and have fun!!


BD.                            ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: bigjc on January 18, 2015, 12:15:37 AM
Quote from: Mojo on January 14, 2015, 11:31:28 AM
Quote from: UAWBigDog on January 14, 2015, 07:56:42 AM
If you don't like it, I'll buy it off you for $40. I have several of those rods. I also throw small cranks on a shorter version. I actually have 3 lengths. I started using them when Browning was putting David Fritts name on them. Really like them. American Rodsmith now makes the David Fritts model. Still glas and still good crank bait rods.
BD.                          ;D

I'll second the Dave Fritts crankin sticks for rattle traps, small cranks up to 14 fow. Just a WOW stick, and I was lucky to not have a single fish come unbuttoned with this rod.... Helps of course being taught how to 'walk your hookset back' when you hook a treble baited bass by Mr. Wagonsomer. Man he was good.

Is that David Fritts rod, formerly my David Fritts rod, that you speak of???
LOL
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Skulley on January 18, 2015, 11:35:07 AM
It is now formerly a David Fritts rod if it's a Browning Silaflex. I have Browning Silaflexes when Fritts' name was on it after he won the classic on Seminole cranking. That's when the rod got real popular.


BD                             ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: bigjc on January 18, 2015, 07:47:19 PM
I think that he may be referring to a rod that he acquired from me at a swap meet at BobO's.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Hollada on January 20, 2015, 11:21:48 PM
Joe Balog "walking the hook set"

http://youtu.be/bVPEXbUgElU
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: djkimmel on January 24, 2015, 09:18:15 PM
Except he only went 1 for 2 - that's 50%. Maybe he should have 'walked' faster ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Skulley on January 25, 2015, 01:45:52 AM
I think he would have landed the first fish if he had used a different hook set technique.


BD.                ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Mike S. on January 25, 2015, 04:29:42 AM
I have one of the Skeet Reese fiberglass 7' 11" cranking rods with a Revo Winch for deep cranks. I can effortlessly fish with the 10 xd's with that setup. I believe the reel is a 5.4:1 year ratio. That lower ratio allows the bait to dig to find its depth. It just took me a minute to realize that you can't give it a monster hook set, and you can't horse the fish to the boat.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Skulley on January 25, 2015, 11:40:33 AM
A lot of times I set the hook by just turning my hips.  Most of the time that pretty much gets the hook in em.  That turn of the hips is just about as good as a sweep set which I prefer when fishing any kind of crank.


BD                         ;D
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: dartag on January 25, 2015, 12:03:29 PM
watch KVD he swings to the side and keeps cranking.  Also he uses a flexible rod to take up some shock.  Like anything else it takes time on the water practicing it.  You may pick up techniques watching videos or reading about it.  But nothing compares to time on the water.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Mojo on February 14, 2015, 03:00:59 PM
Quote from: bigjc on January 18, 2015, 07:47:19 PM
I think that he may be referring to a rod that he acquired from me at a swap meet at BobO's.

Yes it WAS...... I had a 5 XD tied on to a revo, and the bait was still in the water when we took off. Bye bye gear.  Happens to the worst of us !
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: Mojo on February 14, 2015, 03:06:26 PM
Quote from: Hollada on January 20, 2015, 11:21:48 PM
Joe Balog "walking the hook set"

http://youtu.be/bVPEXbUgElU

I walk just a step or 2 more and let the rod do it's job.......
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: djkimmel on February 17, 2015, 09:15:30 PM
I just set the hook. Walking in the boat leads to tripping over things and falling off the deck. Especially on the Great Lakes. If the bass decides to go somewhere I may follow but I look to see what I'm might step on if I can.
Title: Re: deep cranking!
Post by: bigjc on February 20, 2015, 11:56:16 AM
Quote from: Mojo on February 14, 2015, 03:00:59 PM
Quote from: bigjc on January 18, 2015, 07:47:19 PM
I think that he may be referring to a rod that he acquired from me at a swap meet at BobO's.

Yes it WAS...... I had a 5 XD tied on to a revo, and the bait was still in the water when we took off. Bye bye gear.  Happens to the worst of us !

That sucks!