What do you guys like to use?  I really like to fish crankbaits but I've been told that in the lakes near me that crawdad patterns are much more effective.  I know you can get crawdad pattern cranks but I only own a couple.  Are they worth investing in?

I think they are worth the money.  I like to buy the deeper ones that will run at or as close to the bottom as possible because I want it to dig into the ground and stir up a commotion.  It's worked dozens of times for me.  I like the norman crankbaits for this reason.

Hard jerkbaits will always be a significant part of my aresenl in pre-spawn through post spawn. But nothing is my favorite. I go through various presentations until I find something that produces the bite. Then, when I find some that brings fish to the boat....that becomes my favorite for that day! 

swimming lizards.

Jerkbaits for me.

8-)

I have caught few decent size fishes with SK lipless crank, and 5 inch Senko.

Jerkbait, jerkbait, hair jig and jerkbait.

Jerkbait and Caroline Rig with Zoom Lizard. Both are natural enemies of bass near the beds. I can recommend the new McStick by Spro lures. This thing throws like a rock in the wind,will jerk down to about 8 feet with 8 lb test.Mike meClelland can be proud of this bait.It really works.Let it hesitate for about a 3 or 4 count and they'll jerk the rod out of your hands!

Nothing beats the sight of a fish zooming in from 10 feet away to engulf my jerkbait

Yo-yoing a Sworming hornet with a Lake Fork Magic Shad or a Rage Craw for a trailer.