Trolling Cranks

[bearcat3030]

I am new to trolling cranks. I will be using Shad Raps and Flicker shads in 5's and 7's and using four rods. When letting out is there any specifics on where a guy should place the different sizes of lures (inside rods vs outside rods). I am concerned when it comes to turning and the lures are diving different depths there could be some tangling.

[thump55]

Flickers dive a bit more sharply than Shad Raps, so if you are using the same size of both, put the Flickers in the front (or inside) and the raps in the back (or outside)

Or you can run 7's inside and 5's outside...probably the safer bet.

You can also get size 6 raps.

[TomP.]

I usually run my deeper baits in the middle.

[Ozark Bob]

Wherever you run them make sure they are running straight. Keep them tuned. Bob

[We'll See]

Use the 7s in the middles and the 5s on the outsides. You should get a couple of planner boards too. Best money spent for catching fish that I've found in a long time...

[last chance]

I don't think it really matters only running 4 rods. but it doesn't hurt to have your deeper divers on the inside. and like already said keep your cranks tuned.

[mx2025]

When running 4 rods the only time I get messed up is when my cranks aren't tuned

[97roughneck]

All these are good ideas but pretty much going to guarantee you'll get crossed up at some point when you first start.

Just be patient, it just takes practice to figure out.

FWIW- we have run #9 flickershad on the inside poles with only 50-60' of line out. Then run #7 on the outside and longline 'em. That helps minimize the tangles when turning.

[nitecrawler128]

Trolling cranks is both fun and productive. Glad to see you're getting in to it. But, seriously, as previously mentioned... if you want to troll cranks with 4+ lines, please save yourself a lot of messes and invest in some inline boards. I promise you won't regret it!!!!

[jclund]

I would agree with other posters, get some planer boards. It will reduce your headaches when first learning and gives you a better spread. I like to use deepest running setups to the inside and work shallower setups on the outsides. Good Luck.

Josh Lund
NPAA#654