So fish are suspended just above Thermocline at about 13'. What is smmallest bodies crank that will run that depth on a long cast. I use 20# power pro.

I'd use a lipless crank. Cast it out and let it sink to the desired depth and yo-yo it back in.

 

Tom

DT10 or 14

Luhr Jensen Hot Lips Express in 1/4 oz would be one option. It has a very small profile (2 1/8") compared to other lures with comparable depth ratings.

Series 5 SK

Its hard to find but the ABT X2 mini is the smallest body to depth crank I've seen. It's a 12 ft diver and the body is smaller than the average square bill. Think its either 2 or 2.2 inches on the body if I'm not mistaken. Another good one is the Luck E Strike Freak Jr. Its even smaller than the ABT but I think its depth is more like 8-10ft. Be sure to get the Jr though of you go that route because the regular Freak is a pretty big bait. DT 10 and DT 14 are always good too and I like the colors better than the previous two, theres just more to choose from.

Strike King 3xd or a Bandit 250 Ledge series would do the trick.

Some of the Bagley Kill R B crankbaits had large lips with a small lead weight on them.  There are a couple of them that are small and get very deep.

 

These baits only reach about 8ft.

Little George style tail spin.

Tom

For fast acquisition, I would think the Dt14 would do the job they are easy to get and will hit the depth you're looking for...

Thanks all. I sold off most of my deep cranks as they just didnt produce for me. 

 

The suspended fish I am targeting dont hit anything so I doubt a crank will help.

 

Played video game fishing with a drop shot (bass and small baits in case they are perch), jigs, spoons, silver buddy etc. Possibly could be shad as they shocked numerous 12"+ gizzard shad in the spring.

 

I have a DT10, Old Bomber suspending Fat free shad, and an unknown big bill prob 15' diver.

Series 5 SK

 

Best crank I own for that depth and don't worry about the size as I regularly catch bass under 12" on it.

 

Allen

Series 5 SK

 

Regular 5 or xd?

Regular for that depth range.

 

Also, if you know their location, drop a flutter spoon of some type down through them. That should trigger a few strikes for you as well.

This is a situation where the a-rig can really pay off also.

Little George is 3/4" long, fits your request for casting long distance, maintains depth by counting down, appeals to suspended bass. Tom Mann created the Little George for fall suspended bass feeding on shad.

3/16 oz white Dart head jig with 4 1/2" curl tail finesse worm, ribbed body style work good in bait fish colors.

Same count down, slower retrieve, not a long casting distance, darts are very effective presentation for suspended bass.

Structure spoons with white feathered read treble hook, cast past the suspended bass work it back through them.

Megabass X-150 crankbait, 2 1/2" runs about 10' to 12' on a normal cast.

Tom

I have a Little George. I guess that one is easily overlooked. Will try it.

 

Flutter spoon and other spoons did not work.

 

I'll keep at it

 

Thanks

what about 3xd? think it runs 12ft and it's tiny

Jackall muscle deep 15+ and strike king 3xd.

Norman NXD will get you there.

The mid sized Luck E Strike Freak is very small bodied and gets pretty deep on 8 or 10 pound test and a long cast. The 3XD would be another one I'd try for sure. 

I'd say a Strike King 3xd, the Luhr Jensen 1/4 ounce hotlips express, and ABT lures mini X2. A bandit 300 will get close to this as well.