While reloading my stock for next season I realized that suspending/deep diving crankbaits are almost completely obsolete. I remember when Norman had an sDD22 and Excalibur/Bomber has a suspending Fat Free Shad in 5,6 and 7. I emailed both companies and of course were told they were discontinued.

Maybe it's just me, but the idea of a 5/8oz crank that can dip below 15 feet and stay there is a valuable asset.

I love my 5XDs & floating DD22s and their price.. Now whenever I see the plugs mentioned above they're near $15 a pop! Anyone else have any experience with these?

I don't fish suspending deep divers but if I did, I would get some suspend dots and play around until the bait did what I wanted it to.

You will not get a large floater to suspend with just dots. Try solder around the fron hook.

I've also seen guys hang a bell sinker on the front split ring with the hook.

I caught some really large fish early and late in the year with the suspending fat free shad cranking it super slow around the rocks near steep drop offs. I still have some of the original suspending wiggle warts but they only get fished in tournaments, which isn't often for me. 

I really don't like to take my cranking outfit over 5/8-11/16oz, so not looking to add any weight is exact reason I made this thread. I just figured it would be nice to have a deep, suspending option without have to settle for an 8' jerkbait that can't wobble.

I really don't like to take my cranking outfit over 5/8-11/16oz, so not looking to add any weight is exact reason I made this thread. I just figured it would be nice to have a deep, suspending option without have to settle for an 8' jerkbait that can't wobble.

FWIW, Cabela's shows they have some Bomber Suspending Fat Free Shads in stock online. Found quite a few with a quick Google search. 

How deep are we talking here? Rapala makes the Shad Rap RS (rattle/suspend) and it dives around 9-10 feet. 

You might what to check into Poe's Competition Cedar Crankbait line. (The 4400 & the 4500 Longreach) 

 

Though I have not used them, the company advertises them as "easy to cast, even in windy conditions; offer quicker, deeper dives, to maximum depth without excessive body weighting; and are made of the best material of all for suspended or "slow rise" action. The lure's strong vibration and sound when deflecting from limbs, stumps and rock.​

 

A-Jay

FWIW, Cabela's shows they have some Bomber Suspending Fat Free Shads in stock online. Found quite a few with a quick Google search.

Exactly! Even Academy & BPS!

Exactly! Even Academy & BPS!

Yes while they do it's a very limited color selection and my point was why would such a versatile lure be discontinued?

Yes while they do it's a very limited color selection and my point was why would such a versatile lure be discontinued?

Because they must not be profitable .

Yes while they do it's a very limited color selection and my point was why would such a versatile lure be discontinued?

I've at this game of bass fishing long enough to understand that just because I think something is productive does not mean a lure company does...to them it's about money!

I've caught thousands of bass, dozens of double digit bass, & won many tournaments with Gene Larew's 7 1/2" ring worm, some Pro convinced them they were a waste of money to produce...wanna guess who won out!

So, are you looking for these to buy? Or simply making a inquiry as to why they are DQ'ed..

One of these days, they will make a full blown return. Old becomes new again..

I am getting low on these and had asked a while ago, here is the response I received,

 

"We still have 4 colors on the BSD5 and a few in the 6 size.  Keep an eye out in the future."

I am getting low on these and had asked a while ago, here is the response I received,

 

"We still have 4 colors on the BSD5 and a few in the 6 size.  Keep an eye out in the future."

Cabela's?

Just saw the Spro Little John Baby DD is good to 14ft and suspending, figured I'd mention it.

I purchased most of the rapala stuff that sports authority had on clearance years ago. I picked up a rapala jointed 6" countdown minnow in blue with a yellow bottom. Every time I drop it straight down off this low bridge in the same exact spot in 9 ft of water let it hit the bottom then I raise it just off the bottom I twitch it. Don't raise it just twitch it. I catch a bass in that spot every time. In saltwater we call it jigging. Does anyone do this for bass?

Couple DD22 suspenders on Ebay sor $10 each free ship

Couple DD22 suspenders on Ebay sor $10 each free ship

Mmmmm. I just bought a bunch from a co-worker who hasn't fished in 10 years. Many still in the original package. I might have to eBay some. I'd more than double my money.

I bought some spinner baits of a discontinued product too. Got big fish and 2nd place in last week's tournament with them.

He's cleaning out his old stuff and gives me first choice.

Mmmmm. I just bought a bunch from a co-worker who hasn't fished in 10 years. Many still in the original package. I might have to eBay some. I'd more than double my money.

I bought some spinner baits of a discontinued product too. Got big fish and 2nd place in last week's tournament with them.

He's cleaning out his old stuff and gives me first choice.

Shoot me a PM before you deal em!

Regular DD22's on ebay are like $3. I added a cheap 1/2 oz weight and will see how it works. It sinks slowly in the fish tank. Heavy braided line may suspend it or I will shave some lead off.

 

Anyone ever tried this?

 

got out of a seminar early and stopped at my favorite bait shop on the way home.. found this absolute gem! The only BSD6 in the place, immediately grabbed it. He still has a TON of original Excalibur stuff, priced like they're still in business.

Good bait but I would not consider it very deep diving. About 10-12'