Crank Bait Size

[klungses]

In reading most of the posts form the 'most popular lures' thread - some indicated crank bait size preferences. It seemed in general that most people went with the size "5" - would that be the consensus size for most of you in most general walleye fishing situations whether we are talking lead core, mono, or fireline. I understand depth changes but that can be handled with lead core, in-line weights, etc..... I am asking if size "5" is what most of you would choose for walleyes as the optimal size in general?

[T Mac]

;) That would be too easy and cheap.
You need to have 6 each in all sizes, all colors ...of all makes and all models, like the rest of us ;)


Seriously... it depends on how deep you want to cover, what the fish are eating, etc...
Many variables involved.

[klungses]

I agree - there are too many factors - but for a beginning fisherman or a very recreational fisherman the purchasing of all sizes, brands, etc.... is simply not cost effective - I am leaving color, brand, sinking/non out of the conversation. I am simply looking for the most effective all-purpose size crank. One of the best things about this website is that questions can be brought forth all the way from the professional to the beginner levels.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

In reading most of the posts form the 'most popular lures' thread - some indicated crank bait size preferences. It seemed in general that most people went with the size "5" - would that be the consensus size for most of you in most general walleye fishing situations whether we are talking lead core, mono, or fireline. I understand depth changes but that can be handled with lead core, in-line weights, etc..... I am asking if size "5" is what most of you would choose for walleyes as the optimal size in general?
For the conditions I fish. Rapala Original Floaters in F7 or F9 (depending on the bite). Silver, Shiner, Gold, and Hot Steel are the colors I use the most. That's what I started out with. Get one of each, that's $50 already. That should get you started. I do mostly leadcore, longline, and 3 waying.

That's what I'd recommend to a person starting. http://www.rapala.com/products/lures/original_floater/


I also like the Shad Rap in SR05 and SR07. Hot Steel, Silver, and Crawdad are the colors I use the most. http://www.rapala.com/products/lures/shad_rap/

[JOHN L. HECKLSMILLER]

I love to "Longline" Rapala & Cotton Cordel plugs, almost on any body of water I fish. Because I find myself favoring waters in the 7' to 15' depths around islands, the JSR's,TD's & SR's have produced the most action for me. I use 10# or 8# "Power Pro" while trolling & find it to have the ability to get to the above depths without excessive lengths of line. Also believe the "Jointed" plugs to be the most aggressive. Fish LOTW on the US & Canada sides extensively & have caught every species pulling plugs. I like to be on the move!

[CRB]

Shad raps and other similar style cranks I like #5's and #7's.
Husky Jerks #10's and #12's
Original floaters #9's, #11's, and #13's at night or when the water is stained.

The only time I really use the #5's is spring time.

[shoal angler]

For Shad shaped lures I like 2 inches and smaller like No. 4 Jointed Shadraps and No. 5's. For stickbaits I go with longer, usually 4-5 inches long.

[yarcraft91]

Shad raps and other similar style cranks I like #5's and #7's.
Husky Jerks #10's and #12's
Original floaters #9's, #11's, and #13's at night or when the water is stained.

The only time I really use the #5's is spring time.

In the Spring, we use #13 & 18 Rapala floaters, #12 & 14 Husky Jerks in the Fall. Great Lakes fish like 'em big. In the local rivers, #5 Shad Raps.

[klungses]

Thanks for all of your comments - I know the question was a very open-ended a vague question.

[Chad]

In the fall you can go big for big fish. #9's!

[Manxfishing]

When you say "5"
It's the length of the Lure in Metric
It's 5 cm or 50 mm
And with 25.4 mm to a inch it's easy to convert to 2"

All the Rapala lures are in metric
9's are 3 1/2", 11's are 4 3/8" and so on