Reef Runners on Erie

[Ryan B]

I will be fishing the Huron/Vermillion area this fall and need some help with reef runners. At what temp. does the bite change from a dipsey/spoon bite to the cranks? I can catch fish with the spoons, but haven't had much success on the cranks. I know that the reef runners are a favorite of many this time of year, so if anyone can give me a little advice on them it would be appreciated.

[FreeByrd]

Ryan,
The crankbait bite will continue to improve the rest of the year. While most people are still pulling spoons, there are lots of nice fish being caught now on Reef Runners in the Huron, Vermillion area. I believe some of the top placing teams in the Huron Boosters tournament this past Saturday had most of their success with cranks.
Next weekend I will likely start with half cranks, and half spoons.
Good Luck,
Steve

[jim45]

I fished the huron/ vermillion area this last weekend most of our big fish cam on reef runners 180-225 back. The surface water temp is around 60. needs to cool down in to the 50's then the cranks will really heat up untill freeze up. good luck

[Stiker]

Your out 180 to 225 feet back at what depth are these baits running.

[pumper]

>deep divers are running 25-30 feet deep

[Boatnut]

add a one ounce snap weight and gain another 1/3rd of total dive according to precison trolling. worked for me last thursday.

[Sparky]

How far ahead of the bait are you putting the snap weight?

[Boatnut]

20 feet......i'm going by memory but I believe that's what the stats in the precion trolling book were based on.

[eyegetit]

Now is the time for both spoons and cranks.

I like to start with 50% dipsy's & spoons, 50% lead core & deep RR's and let the fish tell me what they want. Maybe it's just me, but they rarely seem to want BOTH at the same speed. I found when they are hammering the RR's it is usually at a slower speed than their preferred dipsy/spoon speed.