Crankbait junkie needs help

  • bthess
    Manly, IA
    Posts: 239
    #1241133

    Ok so I am going through the tackle boxes and trying to figure out what crankbaits to look at next to create the next box. I have Wally Divers/Shad Raps/RS’s/Husky Jerks Shallow Divers/ and some others but what would be the next bait to start stocking up on?? I would like to fish mille lac more and I fish the river quite a bit.

    wimwuen
    LaCrosse, WI
    Posts: 1960
    #835553

    I thought the first 400 or 500 I had were enough, but then I remembered I didn’t have any Salmos, or Reef Runners. The Salmo Hornet is one that’s gotten my attention in the last few years. I also couldn’t be without my Bomber A’s on the river.

    A couple hundred Flicker shads, and I don’t even count stick baits as cranks. Another 300 or so of those. Why does my wife think I have a problem?

    dandorn
    M.I.N.N.E.S.O.T.A.
    Posts: 3201
    #835559

    Quote:


    Ok so I am going through the tackle boxes and trying to figure out what crankbaits to look at next to create the next box. I have Wally Divers/Shad Raps/RS’s/Husky Jerks Shallow Divers/ and some others but what would be the next bait to start stocking up on?? I would like to fish mille lac more and I fish the river quite a bit.


    Tail Dancers for Mille Lacs!!

    toddcarnes
    Milan IL
    Posts: 804
    #835560

    300 series bandits for the river

    t-ellis
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Posts: 1316
    #835566

    Quote:


    Tail Dancers for Mille Lacs!!


    I agree with Dan. Berkley Flicker Shads also put a lot of eyes in my boat the last couple years. I’m going to be pulling alot more Reef Runner Rip Shads this year.

    river rat randy
    Hager City WI
    Posts: 1736
    #835582

    Quote:


    Ok so I am going through the tackle boxes and trying to figure out what crankbaits to look at next to create the next box. I have Wally Divers/Shad Raps/RS’s/Husky Jerks Shallow Divers/ and some others but what would be the next bait to start stocking up on?? I would like to fish mille lac more and I fish the river quite a bit.


    NIGHTCRAWLERS

    woody-1961
    Menomonie,Wi
    Posts: 547
    #835583

    And you don’t have to wonder what color Nightcrawler to use

    Grouse_Dog
    The Shores of Lake Harriet
    Posts: 2043
    #835586

    Thunderstick Mad Flash at Dick’s 2.97 each (On Sale)

    Also, take a peek at Norman’s New Razor Stick Bait – Just what the Doctor ordered on Mille Lacs when those moonlight evenings have you drunk and zig zagging in 2-5 feet of water.

    Enjoy

    Dog

    Grouse_Dog
    The Shores of Lake Harriet
    Posts: 2043
    #835587

    Salmo?

    marty_hahn
    New Prague,MN
    Posts: 52
    #835590

    Randy- 2:20 A.M.? WTH Had to be some booze involved here. I could tell by the smile on your face.

    deerdragger
    Posts: 346
    #835595

    I hope you haven’t overlooked the good ol’ tried and true – the Rapala Original Floater. Size 11. I’ve taken more ‘eyes with that lure than probably all other cranks combined. It’s always fun to try the latest/greatest (and many of them do very well) but it’s tough to beat a trusty #11.

    marbleyes
    Holmen, WI
    Posts: 302
    #835668

    I would go with Flicker Shads. They run true out of the box and have a great swimming action to them. They aren’t so hard on the wallet either. These are a great walleye bait.

    barc
    SE MN
    Posts: 192
    #835676

    Any places to find a good selection of the flicker shads?
    Seems like the big boys decided to boycott them last year.
    barc

    marbleyes
    Holmen, WI
    Posts: 302
    #835679

    Quote:


    Any places to find a good selection of the flicker shads?
    Seems like the big boys decided to boycott them last year.
    barc


    Mills Fleet Farm has a great selection in Winona.

    VSRangerMan
    Chippewa Falls,WI
    Posts: 554
    #835711

    Quote:


    Ok so I am going through the tackle boxes and trying to figure out what crankbaits to look at next to create the next box. I have Wally Divers/Shad Raps/RS’s/Husky Jerks Shallow Divers/ and some others but what would be the next bait to start stocking up on?? I would like to fish mille lac more and I fish the river quite a bit.


    All I can say is WOW! There is a infinate ton of lure brand,colors & style variables depending upon,water temps,time of year,water clarity,depth you might be trying to acheive & weather your trying to possibly match the hatch which can include various forage bases or invoke a reaction bite.Certain bodies of water seem to have a tried & true following of go to lures & colors dependant on some of the forementioned variables.I have found there is instances that running certain lures that may share some of the same characteristics or possibly outside the box thinking invoking a reaction bite can produce better results running alongside of the tried & true.Which can leave a persons tackle box & pocketbook wide open to options.
    There are quite a number of catagories you can break down your crankbait styles into as well as sub-categories within.Then add in various hook styles,sizes & split rings a person can change out on those lures.Not to forget if your tying direct or size & style of fastener along with other additions of suspend-dots or strips added on the lures which all can make a huge difference on how the lure might perform.
    It all depends on how much money a persons budget might allow.Picking out the tried & true lure styles & colors on the bodies of water your going to fish.Then adding various hook styles,sizes,colors along with different fastener style,sizes,split rings,suspend strips or dots & lets not forget the colored sharpies or paint markers for a possible quick change on the go.
    Here is some possible considerations if you usually fish with a buddy or friends & possibly going on a trip.Which can relate possibly to your lure purchases in the process.Pooling tackle together figuring out who has what lures & which lures might see use during the outing due to time of year which can inclue(water temps),location (water clarity & flow),while not doubling up on so many of the same lures,until they might have proven themselves to you.If someone says they are biting on Rapala Husky Jerks & have plenty to use a person might include Storm Thundersticks,Smithwick Rogues,Bombers,Matzuo Fantastic Minnows,Prism Shads … Stickbaits,Jerkbaits,suspending & non.Lures with similar body styles but somewhat different actions & color variations.Here we are possibly breaking lures down into groups of styles seeing use possibly based on time of year or day,depth & forage base you want to acheive or replicate.Shad style bodies including jointed,wide,deep divers,shallow divers,flat or fat which Rapala & many other manufacturers now have way too many styles to list individually. Bananna style or generally wider wobbling lure types.Flat Fish,Lazy Ike,Reef Runners,Tail Dancers original & deep…
    When I first started picking out lures from various manufacturers,I would purchase the natural colors first.Such as silver-black,perch,shad,chub or lures that seemed to be usually lighter colored on the bottom transitioning to dark on the top.Then add bright colors & lures with rattles for the more stained & nutrient enriched waters I might tend to fish.
    Sorry for not being more lure specific as you might notice the possibilities can be endless in the world of the crankbait junkie.And I have yet to find the worlds perfect crank that can catch fish on every water I have fished.My favorite crank currently is? I dont fish the waters you mentioned enough to have input. Until I do find the perfect lure,I will be another crankbait junkie right along with the rest. I have become way too long winded on this post & could go on considerably longer. If you need someone to help you spend a few thousand on cranks to find the perfect lure I would gladly assist. Best of luck shopping. WHITE TIP

    robstenger
    Northern Twin Cities, MN
    Posts: 11374
    #837384

    Quote:


    Tail Dancers for Mille Lacs!!


    Make that Deep Diving Tail Dancers if you want to troll the Basin! Size 9’s and 111’s!

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