Trolling Crank Baits

  • rigger
    Dunkerton Iowa
    Posts: 47
    June 28, 2003 at 12:24 pm #1314346

    When trolling cranks last weekend I had a problem keeping the bigger fish hooked up. The smaller fish would come to the boat. The bigger fish would come off 1/2 way to 3/4 of the way in. What a frustrating week end. Lost 6, 3 pound + fish. I have never had so many fish come unhooked. What are some things to do to insure or help in getting fish to the boat? I was fishing a back channel on the Mississippi. Trolling CD-5 wally diver at 2 to 2.5 MPH.

    Thanks Rigger

    DaveB
    Inver Grove Heights MN
    Posts: 4497
    June 28, 2003 at 7:37 pm #269527

    What kind of rod were you using??? If you have a no-stretch super line and a firm rod, the hooks can tear the mouths and pull out. I dont think that it would happen all the time though. I use a 7′ Med/light action rod for cranks and dont have near the problems I used to w/ a firmer rod.

    Also-are you long lining, using boards???

    dustin_stewart
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 1402
    June 28, 2003 at 8:20 pm #269528

    Dave B makes a good point, if you are using super lines, make sure you have a soft enough rod to compensate for the no stretch line.

    Second, how sharp are your hooks? Take a file and touch them up a bit before your next trip. Believe it or not the hooks that come right off the rack most times are not really that sharp. I sharpen the hooks on all my baits just as soon as I take them come out of the box.

    3rd. Some days it just doesn’t matter what you do . I am not for sure if the fish are just not aggressive enough to really take a good whack at the bait or what. It happens to all of us on occasion. Days like you had can really make a guy frustrated .

    rigger
    Dunkerton Iowa
    Posts: 47
    June 28, 2003 at 9:43 pm #269531

    I troll with braided line with about a 4 to 5 foot mono leader, with 11 and 6 foot medium action rods. I use the medium rods to help lighten the hook shock that you get with braided line when the fish hits the crank bait. To help avoid rip outs.I always making sure the hooks are allways sharp.

    Rigger

    LeoKam
    Camp Lacupolis, MN
    Posts: 183
    June 28, 2003 at 9:55 pm #269532

    Loosen the drag.

    LK

    b_sander
    Red Wing , MN
    Posts: 800
    July 1, 2003 at 12:18 am #269667

    If you have them on for a while, you could possably be going to fast.

    Once I have the “fish on” I keep tension on the line, slow the boat down and loosen the drag a little bit, but alway keep tension on the line!

    You can go to fast and rip there lip or give him slack and he will spit it out.

    Isnt fishing FUN!!!

    JimW
    SE MN
    Posts: 519
    July 1, 2003 at 1:30 pm #269701

    Also,
    Don’t pump your rod when bringing the fish to the boat. Keeping tension (as Brian mentioned) with a constant retrieve.

    I learned this real quick. WHen pumping your rod you will be creating slack in your line…no good.

    Now, where were you getting the action????LOL

    Jim W

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