Crappie crankbaits?

[Phil Lay]

The current issue of Crappie World has an article about catching crappie on crankbaits. That's something I've never tried before. Have anyone tried this and, if so, what kind of crankbait did you use?

[CubanFisherman]

I've used a 1.5 inch black/gold floating rapala. They work great in the spring.

[TrailFndr]

I have had Crappie hit a 3 inch Rapela that I was casting for Bass. Also had them hit a Bass spinnerbait. Never fished for them with cranks, but I can imagine you could do well on them in the right spot

[fishonbb]

I HAVE TRIED IT WHERE I WAS CATCHING CRAPPIES. NO SUCCESS BUT I DIDNT PUT ALOT OF EFFORT IN IT. I'M TO ADDICTED TO SMALL JIGS.

[sunup]

#5 Shadrap that is a bit waterlogged and suspends. Watch the line jump when you stop it. Balsa seems better than the plastic suspending baits. You won't have to weed through the little ones either.

[Phil Lay]

Thanks for the interesting input, guys.

I was at Gander Mountain yesterday and took a gander at their small crankbaits. Wow! What a variety to pick from. The small Rapalas, about 2" to 2-1/2", looked especially good. And I was surprised at the light weights, right down to 1/8 ounce which should be an easy toss with any UL and L action rods. Come on, spring!

[TroutAngler86]

I've used a 1.5 inch black/gold floating rapala. They work great in the spring.
Great lure there. also silver and clown are good colors. I use the two inch version two and do well. Another good bait is a #4 perch color glass shad rap.

[buckwhacka]

i had one hit a spinnerbait in florida when i was casting for bass

[schaaed1]

Ok, so I was not targeting them .... but I have picked up two or three trolling this fall with a #12 DHJ Rapala. :yikes: All were 10-11" and had hooks from the mouth almost to tail!!! This lure is obviously NOT what I'd use to target them :dizzy: but just goes to show they will hit a crank ... and a big one at that!

Ed

[Westlakedrive]

Fremont used to be renowned for crappies and they seem to making a good comeback after the weed kill of a few years ago. Give us something else to fish for like in the summer when the walleye arent biting.

[sfw1960]

Give us something else to fish for like in the summer when the walleye arent biting.

WalleYe are ALWAYS biting , we just don't always have what THEY want!
:lol:

[huxIIIhammer]

My wife and I were trolling on gun lake this past summer for walleye and she caught a 12 1/2 incher on a husky jerk crazy lol

[jimbobway]

I've picked up a few crappies trolling with shad raps for walleyes on Belleville this year .I've used the rebel tiny crawfish and frog for crappies on ponds .

[huxIIIhammer]

A good crank for crappie and gills is the Bitsy Minnow. So far the only place I have seen them is at Walmart. But to be honest the old tube jig rocks!

[Phil Lay]

A good crank for crappie and gills is the Bitsy Minnow. So far the only place I have seen them is at Walmart. But to be honest the old tube jig rocks!


Thanks for mentioning the Bitsy Minnow. I recently picked one up at Walmart, too. They look like the ideal size and weight to go after crappie. I also bought a couple Rapalas: a CD-1 for deeper water, and a 3SH floater. My jig box is almost overflowing, I know where to buy minnows and I've got a lake picked out. Now those tasty critters don't stand a chance!

[booktens]

I use the real small flatfish. And they work great longlined on the specks.