Jointed rapalas,or any jointed crank

I always wondered about this, ever listen to a jointed crank bait when retrieved. It really rattles. Could it be that the first true rattle type baits were actualy jointed cranks? And another silly question, in hard fished waters when using cranks I always wondered if there was a way to keep the hooks from making so much noise. It seems every crank makes about the same noise from the hooks hitting the side of the body, and just wondering if fish learn to avoid this sound. Again in heavily fished waters.

Any coments.

Tom

Try shrink tubeing if they make it small enough. Some muskie baits have shrink tubing to hold the hook away from the bait to prevent tangling, might work for you. I don’t know if the hook noise matters, but try it.

I’ve had pretty good success this year on highly pressured calm bed trolling a J-5 to J-9 rapala when everyone else is using stick baits. The sound may actually help, I’m not sure but I do like those baits!