Dick Pearson's Crescent Wrench baits

[VMS]

Was pssing some time reading DP's book on fishing the shield, and a question came to mind about his list of "crescent wrench baits" being a bait that can be used for multi-purpose situations. The question that comes to mind is about believers and/or swim whizz baits.

With the design of the bait having two different mounting holes for shallow running and deep running, Which would you use if you are fishing a drop-off that, down the ways a bit becomes a big thick weedbed on a shallow flat?

The reason I ask is because Mr. Pearson refers to being efficient on the water at all times. Any time down hurts efficiency, so I suppose, just to clarify, would you attatch the bait to be a deep runner and fish super slow on the flat, or do you stop and switch to shallow mode? I don't use this bait much, so I cannot say that I am totally familiar with what the bait can and cannot do. Thanks to all who reply...

Steve

[jlong]

Well, I don't use Beleivers or Swim Whizzes... but I understand what you are saying. I'd start with the deep setting and manipulate the bait as needed to work the shallow cover. IF the cover gets too thick, preventing efficient use of the lure.... I'd then opt to switch line-tie locations or quickly grab a second rod already set up with a lure more suited for the "new" cover encountered.

Personally, I think a good crescent wrench bait is one that is easily controlled by the fisherman to do many different things. This allows you to effectively use the lure in many different situations. It all comes down to control. Get to know any lure VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY well and you will have better control when using it.... thus creating your own "crescent wrench" bait, whether it was designed with that purpose in mind or not.

Cool question. Can't wait to see how others reply!

jlong

[FishWizard]

The Believer is a true crescent wrench bait in the aspect that it can cover most anything. I personally don't ever run it on the deep eyelet unless I'm trolling, which is almost never. But as for your scenario, the deep drop off I'd probably just straight retrieve. With its thumping wide wobble it will call fish up from deep. Or maybe I'd twitch it along to really get those rattles knocking. So what ever you choose, you work your way down the shore.
Now you said it starts to come up and there's some cabbage. If its sparse you can keep it down and just wobble right through. Actually when you get good with it, As Mr. Pearson Definately is you can wobble through practically anything. If it gets thicker just slow your retrieve. If its matted, you just nose your way through it on the surface. Even if your not in weeds it makes a good surface bait over those rocky reefs.
The "Crescent Wrench" is that it can go almost anywhere, so when your on The Woods and the structure changes in two cast and then back in two casts. You don't have to change baits with the terrain. Not to mention its easy to throw all day and the things know how to catch fish. Suicks, and Sledges are the same way.

There are many Crescent baits out there, just spend a little time with one at a place like LOTW and you won't belive the stuff you can make it do. It also helps to have someone like Dick to show you it can be done. So you'll have the nerve to throw your bait into that Crap.

Ryan Anderson

[RK]

Hiya,
99% of the time I have big Believers on the shallow eye. Two main reasons behind this: One is the body attitude of the bait and where the line tie is. With the bait on the deep eye, the line-tie is farther back and the bait runs very nose-down, so there's an angle between the nose and line tie that is a weed magnet - this same problem is what makes a lot of cranks are hard to work in weeds, and why baits like big believers on the shallow eye and Suicks (with the line tie right on the nose) work so well. With the bait on the shallow eye, it runs much flatter, with less distance between the line tie and the nose. The other reason is cranking a 10" believer on the deep eye is like pulling in a cinder block - it's just more work than you need to be doing during a 15 hour day on the water...

If you want to cover a deeper edge, try an 8" believer instead. They dive a little deeper on the shallow eye (less bouyant) and don't pull as hard on the deep eye, so you can stand to cast them with the deep setting. They are also, like their big brothers, tremendous fish-catchers.

Cheers,
RK

[Dan Klis]

HiYa,

I am surprised none of you presentation guru's has listed the Spinnerbait (Rad Dogs, M&G's etc.) as the best "Crescent Wrench bait. Other than a jig it is the only bait I know of that can be fished in all circumstances. The best part is the ability to change blades for each individual situations. I good article to read is RK's Spinnerbait Article in the first Esox Angler. He could put it up on EA's website if enough people heckle him.

Dan

PS - I enjoyed reading jlong's article in this addition of MH.

[happy hooker]

I have 6 rods rigged in my boat I just switch to another type bait on a different rod,,probably my phantom for the shallow weeds

[dickp]

Hi.I agree with what RK and JLong say.Its an approach that will make one more successful.
A sidenote re my book:The PO just informed me that after today,deliveries by Xmas would be 'iffy'unless they are sent special delivery.Obviously that applies to any shipping you intend to do.Merry Xmas.
Dick
One more thing.Dan is certainly right about Spinnerbaits!Great tools.Doug Stange and I have an interesting article on them in the next InFisherman magazine.

[Jim McCullough]

RK-

Heckle...heckle...heckle... Is that good enough Dan? :)

[VMS]

Dan,

Probably a silly question, but where can one find these Rad Dog baits?

I like the idea of being able to switch blades...Especially when it comes to fishing heavier weeds...I feel a single blade cannot be beat.

Steve

[Steve @ G & S Guide Service]

>I am surprised none of you presentation guru's has listed
>the Spinnerbait (Rad Dogs, M&G's etc.) as the best "Crescent
>Wrench bait.

***You're right Dan, I too am surprised that others didn't mention this type of lure sooner.

>Other than a jig it is the only bait I know of
>that can be fished in all circumstances.

***Yup, you can fish a spinnerbait shallow or deep, fast or slow, in heavy cover or clear water. For versatility, you can't beat a good spinnerbait.

>The best part is
>the ability to change blades for each individual situations.

***If you like to change blades to match conditions, check out Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits (http://www.secretweaponlures.com). I helped with the final design of this lure and on my recommendation, they're now making muskie sized spinnerbaits. The blade attachment system is unique and patented, truly an innovative lure. The spinnerbait article in the January issue of In-Fisherman shows one as well as gives them a short mention. I've caught a lot of fish on these lures, with the 3/4 oz. FireTiger model really tearing them up.

And no, I don't work for the company or make a single penny from the sales, I just really like these lures and believe in them.

Steve @ G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods. http://www.herefishyfishy.com

[Dan Klis]

Steve,

Rad Dogs can be found at Thorne Bros. (they are on-line). Or email me I have Mike Ruffs home phone number.

Dan