View Full Version : Crane crankbaits
I was looking to add a few new crankbaits to my collection ( ones that will catch fish) and was wondering if anyone has had any luck with Crane crankbaits? I have not heard a lot about these baits. Any other good crankbaits I should try?
J-
Mosox
11-19-2003, 11:31 PM
This past season I came across a crankbait that is made of balsa like the Cranes but it has a different shape to it "more shad or panfish shaped"and has a action that i have not found in any other baits.The company that makes this bait is called Smoker Tackle and the bait is called a S S SHAD they can be reached at www.smokertackle.com
MuskieKid
11-20-2003, 03:43 AM
Looks like one of the baits sold by Danny Wade (Ohio) manufactured by Big Chimney baits. According to the accounts I've read, the lures do catch Muskies. According to some people, Crane's are great baits.
Want something special? Check out custom-painted baits by Stan Durst Products. Stan does some great stuff with lures - flashy and great contrast underwater. His lures do catch fish. Tom
Here's the url of Stan's site: http://www.durstproducts.com/
Remember...fish don't live in ugly places!
ToddM
11-20-2003, 07:37 PM
The SS shad is a nice bait. Another bait you will really like is called a lip ripper. They will have a 10" model out this year along with the smaller ones. Lots of wobble and a rattle. www.smokeysmuskieshop.com carries them.
Another bait that's more of a twitch/jerk bait is the zalt. Awesome erratic action. The zam is a long narrow minnowbait and they will have a large version this year too. Awseome action too. www.zaltnad.com
mikie
11-21-2003, 10:06 AM
Bill Crane is a member of my Muskies, Inc. Chapter. Here's a link to the MI site with info about him and his baits. He's recently been inducted into the MI hall of fame.
http://westvirginia.muskiesinc.org/crane.htm
m
esoxmaximas
11-22-2003, 09:59 PM
In my opinon Crane Baits are to crank baits as Suick's are to jerk baits. Don't say they aren't moving till you showed them a leat one Crane Bait.
Schuler
11-24-2003, 05:12 PM
Cranes are very good crankbaits and do catch fish. They are however, not durable. Teeth and hooks will go right through them. They wont' lose fish though because they have through wire. But they are kind of like a bulldawg
Another bait similar is the Big Game twitchbait. Its similar but not the same. They run a little deeper. You can get them in 5", 7" or 9" models. They are no more durable than the cranes though.
-Zach Schuler
Thanks for all the great information. Time to place my order for a few new lures.
J-
Kingfisher
11-28-2003, 03:03 PM
Hi Guys, I have had the pleasure of meeting Bill Crane and his wife at the Pittsburg Musky show last year. We use the Crane 205,,305 and a couple bigger ones and have caught fish on all but the deep divers. I have a perch 205 that I wouldnt sell for 100 bucks. The 205 is a great shallow crank for over the weeds twitching and cranking. The hooks are VERY VERY Sharp. wire thru construction and a tough clear coat. I will be in Pitts burg again this year unvailing our new lures. We got a new rippin shad that did very well this past season.shoot me an email. King.fisher@gte.net Kingfisher
Kingfisher I just ordered a crane 104 . Have you ever used this size bait and are they any good?
SenecaBow
12-01-2003, 08:55 AM
Lee Sisson 41'S & 45's --- They are doing very well on Muskies here in ohio.
They will catch S/M Bass on erie. Took my largest S/M of the year on a 41.
http://www.tackleboxohio.net/tboCatalogDisplay.cfm?cid=13&CFID=289331&CFTOKEN=73419817
One of the eariler posts questions the durability of Crane baits. If you ever have a problem with one send it back to Bill & Sharon they will make it right. Crane baits WILL catch muskies, the numbers speak for themself. It is also hard to fish a Crane bait wrong, even a beginner can catch muskie with them, just keep them moving and pause them once every now and again. lrob Oh yeah, Hi Mikie!!!
Kingfisher
12-12-2003, 10:39 PM
J, I have never used a 104. Bill Crane has made so many models its a shame not to see him at one of the shows. We plan on picking up several dozen of his baits this year in Pittsburg. There is a guy in Swanton Ohio named Mel Oliver who has several hundred Cranes for sale and many types that are no longer available.3891 Briar Lane Swanton Ohio 43558 419-826-4921 Mel is a Crane dealer and fishes them almost exclusivly. I got my first Cranes from him. I use the 205,207 most and they put a lot of Pike and Muskies in our boat. Check out the lineups for the Ohio show, Chicago show and Pittsburg. He will be at one or more of them. With all the great baits at these shows its worth the trip. Kingfisher Email me and Ill send you a link to our Lure web page. Kingfisher
MMMike
12-22-2003, 06:09 PM
On July 4 this year, I had a 50" follow a few times on big jerks. The darn fish just would not hit. Haaaaaa Changed to a 3" crain and nailed it first cast. The fish was 52" THANKS BILL ;-)
ACE Wobblin'Flippers, terrific action, finish and has caught more than anything else