Rod Caster Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 I'm looking to expand my "covering water" techniques and I've always been shy to use crankbaits... Short of using a bottom bouncer or a three way rig, what are some techniques I could use to get crankbaits down 20-30 fow? Keep in mind I typically fish from a canoe so I need to keep it simple. Do deep diving cranks only work in a specific trolling speed/amount of line out combination? I use 20lbs PP line. If my favorite crank isn't a deep diver, how could I get it to swim at 20 feet? I'm really dumb to these... But would some kind of planer board work in a canoe? Cheers.
ChrisK Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 You can use a mini planer board rigged right to your pole and use a crank bait with a deep diving lip but be careful not to use a crank to big or it may drag the planer board down rendering it useless...
mike rousseau Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 some cranks can reach these depths... manns 20+ or 30+ ? rapala ..."dives to" 20 reef runner deep diver or add a sinker and lighter line gets you down a bit further... and ive found 100-130 feet of line gets the lures to their max depth
Rod Caster Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Posted September 2, 2011 some cranks can reach these depths... manns 20+ or 30+ ? rapala ..."dives to" 20 reef runner deep diver or add a sinker and lighter line gets you down a bit further... and ive found 100-130 feet of line gets the lures to their max depth I've got a few reef runners I'll actually try them. What brand makes quality reef runners? What type of sinker would you recomment? Egg, split shot, bullet? Thanks Chris, I gather that the planer board is used to hold your line away from the boat... Not necessarily to make the lure go deep?
mercman Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 Here is what i learned from an expert, and how i trolled for Walleye. 10lb Power Pro main line, attached to 3 feet 20lb Flouro with a swivel.The swivel will catch any floating weeds as it runs down the Main line.Troll speed 1.2-2mph. Let out 100-130 feet of line and the diving lure will reach its intended depth.Give a sharp pull on the line frequently, so that any weeds on the swivel will be cut off by the main line. The profile of the thin 10lb braid causes little drag and enables the lure to dive to its optimum depth. 10lb is very thin, but very strong. Plenty strong enough to catch some of these.
Grimace Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 (edited) The amount of line let out is relative to the crank bait, speed, and weight of the snap weight. 100-130 feet of line might be optimum for a particular guide on a particular water body with his particular favourite baits but you have to adjust for your own needs. The fact your in a canoe is not a minus. The thrusts and stalls of a paddle will trigger fish. Edited September 2, 2011 by Grimace
ccmtcanada Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 Get the "Guide to Precision Trolling"! Shows lures, depth and line info, with weights and without in graphical format. Shows exact size pictures of the cranks if you don't know all their names etc. Its a must have in my opinion...great information.
Nipfisher Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 R.C. You could use a dipsy. I have 2 in the garage you could try.
Dabluz Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 You could use a small dipsey diver along with deep diving crankbaits.
cheaptackle Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 (edited) Chad - Ask the local tackle shop for "keel sinkers". They look just like a sailboats keel and have bead chain cast into them. They would be perfect for what you are trying once you've experimented with them for weight vs size of bait etc. Would also be good to interface from braid to fluoro leader. While nothing is really totally weedless their profile does tend to slice through where others may tend to catch on weeds. Added benefit is they are more compact than a downrigger or even dipsy diver (they fit in your tackle trays). Also, consider "suspending" cranks - they sink to and maintain a stated depth at rest and dive down from there when in motion. Michael PS - they work with certain harnesses made by a couple fellas we both know along with virtually any kind of bait. Use your imagination! Edited September 2, 2011 by cheaptackle
solopaddler Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 (edited) As someone who has trolled cranks from a canoe his entire life, the answer isn't overly complicated. As has been mentioned many cranks will dive to the depths you mentioned. Yes you can achieve these depths using paddle power. A small clamp on rod holder is nice to have in a canoe when you're doing a lot of trolling. If you want to troll lighter non diving baits deep, like floating Rapalas or small flutter spoons, use a Wolf River Rig. It's worked for me for years and years. You can vary the weight of the bell sinker anywhere from 1-3oz. I usually run a lead of about 4' to my lure off the 3-way swivel. http://www.fishwolfriver.com/pages/making-a-wolf-river-rig.php Edited September 2, 2011 by solopaddler
Rod Caster Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Posted September 2, 2011 Some of these methods I was completely unfamiliar with... So thanks for the great info!. I'm gonna try each of these suggestions seperately to see what works best for me and for the purpose of learning... Starting tonight. Woo hoo its friday!
Rod Caster Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Posted September 2, 2011 http://www.fishwolfr...f-river-rig.php Very close to a BB idea...just minus the thick wire. I found there was very little "feel" when I used a BB and a crank.... maybe the wireless three way rig remedies this.
johnnyb Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 Yeah it's pretty simple. If the lure won't go deeper, add weight. Easiest way is the 3 way swivel....or a clip on sinker. "Reef Runner" IS the brand, btw...they have different models...I *think* the most popular is the 800, which hits about 30' with 100-130' of line out.
SylvanOwner Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 I'll second the idea of using a clamp-on rod holder. The "Salty" is my preferred choice. I like the insurance of the double clamp and these things are bullet-proof.....http://www.down-east.com/clamp-on.htm. As someone else already mentioned the slight changes in speed when paddling WILL trigger hits to the point where we have implemented a "pause" when employing this technique. Basically one of the paddlers just says "pause" when they get a vibe that a fish is following or they need a drink and we'll coast for 15-20ft. before resuming paddling, that is if we need to, you'd be surprised how many fish are caught on the "pause"..... Good luck!!
blaque Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 Hit e-bay for a cheap electric trolling motor. I just picked up a 30 thrust and it works dandy with two in the canoe. Hook it up to a 24 volt car battery and away you go. I racked my brain before i got it as to how i would mount it. And i scrapped the whole in line mount and simply clamped it onto the sidewall of the canoe with a board on the outside and inside of the gunwhale to sandwich the canoe wall and it works flawlessly. Ive only been fishing it a couple weeks with floats and drop shot so i cant comment on the trolling issue. BUt youve got plenty of good info.
Roy Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 Better quit feeding that 30 pounder 24 volt meals. Might get acid reflux.
Rod Caster Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Posted September 2, 2011 Blaque, I got an old 28 lbs trolling motor as a package with my canoe... I just need the deep cycle battery and I'm good to go. Can't wait too!
NateFollmer Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 (edited) A lot of good info here... I have had some success from my kayak with a simple crankbait with a split shot pinched on about 2 to 3 feet away from the crank. Didn't effect the action at all and I could hit my 15 ft. mark no problem. Most of the suggestions will probably work better than this system, but it's good for when you're in a pinch. Edited September 2, 2011 by NateFollmer
robp Posted September 2, 2011 Report Posted September 2, 2011 Luhr Jensen's Hot Lips Troller will get down to those depths. Hot Lips Troller
Rod Caster Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Posted September 2, 2011 Luhr Jensen's Hot Lips Troller will get down to those depths. Hot Lips Troller Up to 38 feet flatlining... Very nice!
spincast Posted September 3, 2011 Report Posted September 3, 2011 I bought one but havent had a chance to try it out? Maybe once I get off lake O?
Joeytier Posted September 4, 2011 Report Posted September 4, 2011 Floating cranks like husky jerks and orginal floaters work well behind bottom bouncers. .1 1/2 oz. should be plenty for 20-30 FOW in a canoe. Keel sinkers work great as well.
blaque Posted September 9, 2011 Report Posted September 9, 2011 Better quit feeding that 30 pounder 24 volt meals. Might get acid reflux. Just saw this one.....lol. Dont know what i was thinking, the big boat has a 24 volt system. The canoe is 12! Good Catch Roy
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