Question/advice--really deep diving crankbaits

[north_alabama]

I'm looking to pick up a couple really deep diving crankbaits, the ones that will get down to about 35+ feet on the basic 10lb mono diving curves.

I don't expect to use them much, just want to have them as a fallback option in case I need to get really deep for trout up in NW Ontario, possibly as a depth controller for a 3-way rig. I am not familiar with any of the choices in the 7th addition (several Luhr Jensen, Berkly magnum diver, a couple Storms I think). If anybody is familiar with the really deep divers, which are generally better producers?

Thanks.

[marcbodi]

Hi,
ReefRunners Will get you down to the 30 ft and are fish catching machines.

May I be fishing somewhere Tomorrow

[Ristorapper]

The new DEEP tail dancers by Rapala should reach 30+ feet.

[2025ifs]

hard to find a crank that will go that deep. I fish trout alot up there and instead will use downriggers, dippy's, or fireline with a 1lb weight threeway. With those options you can put any lure you have at the right depth. I have always done better on spoons up there but sometimes cranks do work too.

[Meat Hunter]

I have to try some of those Reef Runners. When I use a deep diver, it's a Luhr Jensen Hot Lips Express. The smallest one they make will go to 30. I use the white one. The monster perch love it.

Meat Hunter.

[5Alive]

Anyone tried the new deep tail dancers? Just wondering how they run.

[fire baller]

You can also add snap weights to your line on some of those deep runners and add a few more feet of depth.

[DaveB]

How much line do you need to let out to reach those depths? I typically run 14lb (6lb diameter) Fireline.

Most of my fishing is shallow river fishing, but I have caught some fish out of 30' using cranks on 3 ways, but that was a messy way to fish on a deep rocky reef.

[srj]

The 3/4 oz Luhr Jensen Hotlips will get below 40. Some other large baits will get deep too, but the 3/4 Hotlips is still a "walleye size" bait. Comes with good hooks too.

[north_alabama]

I can only find the 3/4 hot lips in the "hotlips express" variant. Is there any problem trolling these?

Actually the 3/4 and 1/2 hotlips were what I was gravitating toward. Beyond that I'll be jigging.

[north_alabama]

Any rules-of thumb for estimating depth with heavily weighted three-way? I'm bringing some 6 and 8oz weights, but figured I'd have to trial-and-error the depth if I decide to try it.

[fm]

there is a guy on ebay who sells 3/4 "trolling" hotlips.

[unlogged Ristorapper]

Ever heard of pinning? It is a process explained to me by a very well know walleye professional in which you put a #7 (I believe it was a #7) split shot or a series of two or up to three of these split shot 6 foot ahead of a deep diver to get them to dive even deeper. With three of them ahead of a deep diving reef runner he stated he attained a depth of 58'. Give it a try; get out there and experiment.

[srj-unlogged]

No problem with the express. I think the "upturn" is meant to allow deflecting from rocks, wood etc. They still troll fine.