Crank Bait Inexperience

[SnellTier]

After reading posts on here for 4 months now, I realize that I am a 2-dimensional fisherman. I vertical jig when I can mark large numbers of fish. I bottom bounce to cover water when I cannot mark fish or cannot mark large numbers of fish.

I think I need to start tossing and trolling crank baits. But I have had so little success in the past with them that I don't have a lot of confidence about this.

I fish primarily LOW and Winnebago.

I have tried using Rapalas of various shapes, sizes, and depth; I have used Hot-n-Tots; I have used jigs with propellors and rattles on them. In the past, I would use them primarily around shallow shore lines (15 feet deep and less), pitching up toward the shore (preferably rocky) and pulling them back.

Any coaching you guys with more success can offer me????



*** A day spent fishing does not count against one's alloted life span! ***

[Gumbo]

Hey Tom,

Have you read the latest issue of In-Fish mag? They wrote an article on a trolling secret I learned the fun way a few years ago. I fish a lake where the best methods are jigging and bottom bouncing. But when the wind picks to the point that boat control with the electric becomes work, I pull out the cranks and start trolling shallow flats. Controlling the boat with the kicker is easier, until all rods start going crazy at once.

Also, educate yourself on the use of the OffShore inline planer boards. Order their free newsletter from their Web site at www.offshoretackle.com. And pick up some of the popular cranks you hear about on this board.

Good luck and enjoy.

[TK_551]

Tom,

Pick up a copy of Precision Trolling as well. That book never leaves my boat.

Tom
#551