When someone talks about tuning a crankbait, what all are they doing? I've heard of bending the eyelet on a CB, but what else is being tuned?

that's it

Tuning is how you correct a crank that won't track straight.

For example, if the crank tracks to your left on retrieve, slightly bending the eye in the opposite direction often fixes it. Only takes a tiny bit to make a difference. Some guys purposely set cranks to track off center to get into a difficult area.

Yep, you bend the line tie, not twist it. Bass Pro has an inexpensive tool that's easier to work with than pliers.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_52284____SearchResults

i'm getting really discouraged by statements like these...

"For every dozen cranks one randomly chooses, on average, three will excel, three will never work well and the other six will only ever be average. This doesn't apply only to the bargain bin baits. Price is not a factor here. You will get lemons in every bunch of high-dollar dolls too."

how much validity do you veteran anglers give to that statement?

Russ bassdzers words

i'm getting really discouraged by statements like these...

"For every dozen cranks one randomly chooses, on average, three will excel, three will never work well and the other six will only ever be average. This doesn't apply only to the bargain bin baits. Price is not a factor here. You will get lemons in every bunch of high-dollar dolls too."

how much validity do you veteran anglers give to that statement?

Russ bassdzers words

None.

I don't buy that theory at all, never have. I have fished with cranks for a many, many years and although they will differ from brand to brand I don't think they vary much when using the same. I have had a few that I could not get to run right at all. I think most of our members feel differently about this.

i'm getting really discouraged by statements like these...

"For every dozen cranks one randomly chooses, on average, three will excel, three will never work well and the other six will only ever be average. This doesn't apply only to the bargain bin baits. Price is not a factor here. You will get lemons in every bunch of high-dollar dolls too."

how much validity do you veteran anglers give to that statement?

Russ bassdzers words

None.

I don't buy that theory at all, never have. I have fished with cranks for a many, many years and although they will differ from brand to brand I don't think they vary much when using the same. I have had a few that I could not get to run right at all. I think most of our members feel differently about this.

I believe that statement holds more truth when referring to balsa baits. Although the QC is high it still doesnt change the fact that no two pieces of balsa are EXACTLY alike. Different weights and desity can occur thus producing a bait that the fish really like or one that just works kind of good.

Hand made baits are a different animal for sure