Walleye Crankbaits

What cranks should i use while walleye fishing? The lake has walleye in the weeds and shallower bars if this helps, thanks!

How shallow are the shallow bars?

raps.

In the summer in the hotter temps, I go with the shallow running rapala’s. I have also had good luch with the Salmo Hornets.

I typically use shad style cranks in the warmer water temps and the stick baits in the fall when the temps are cooler.

That’s surely not to say one could not use the stick baits now.

I will be fishing Rainy Lake with stickbaits for the next 5 days.

anywhere from 4-16 feet, sorry its such a wide range. but what rapala, specifically?

The Lindy Shadlings have also been a great bait.

I do alot of night trolling and here is a link to the shallow shad’s from Rapala. Great crank for running under 10fow. I have about every color option and use what best matches the forage in each lake. I use mainly 5’s & 7’s.

http://www.rapala.com/products/lures/shallow_shad_rap/

jointed shad raps 7s or 5s

Shad Raps are my go to bait as well. Whether you burn em’ fast or work them slow, they run like no other bait on the market and you truly get what you pay for. They are also very durable baits and are equipped with quality VMC hooks right out of the box.

I think the most important part however is keeping your bait in the strike zone on a consistent basis. With that said, i think it might be a good idea to invest in some leadcore trolling setups. This will give you an opportunity to run numerous styles of crankbaits at a variety of depths at a much higher consistency than long line trolling.

Totally agree with the leadcore. Put the bait at the exact depth.

Aother option would be the Precision trolling book .

berkley flicker shads in number 5’s and 7’s cheaper than raps holy smokes 8 bucks for one!!!!! compared to 3 to 4 bucks per crank those will get down to where you need to flat lining leadcore or casting

What works on one body of water will not necessarily work on your lake for many reasons. Try and break it down this way…

What is the primary forage base for the walleyes in your body of water? Do some research and consider pulling data out of the MN DNR Lake Finder website. Once you have that understanding, try and match that food source to your crankbait presentation in regard to the shape, color and action of the lure. IMHO, I believe the number one factor that helps me choose which crankbait I tie on is the action of the lure. I typically sort out my cranks by the action they produce – subtle, moderate and fast.

When the water temps are cool like now and below 55 degrees, subtle stick style crankbaits and/or minnow style crankbaits work well – Rapala husky jerks, max raps, original floaters, Yozuris stickbaits, Reef Runner Ripsticks, Suspended Rogues etc…

If shads are a primary food source consider cranks such as shad raps, flicker shads, thundercranks etc…

As temps warm up above 50 degrees, consider moving more towards moderate action crankbaits such as Troll Tos, Rip Sticks, minnow raps, x-raps, jointed raps, salmo hornets, etc…

When temps are above 65 degrees, I have a tendency to move towards fast or aggressive action style crankbaits such as Deep Tail Dancers, Deep Reef Runners, Storm Deep Thundersticks etc…

Other factors that you need to consider is desired depth, water clarity, water temps and time of the year.