I'm going to be trying to get into crank baits this spring, and I'm thinking a lure retriever is something I should be getting. In looking at the ones available ( store bought or home made) what if anything makes one better than the others? Or other than the color is there really any difference? I'm talking about the ones that slide down the line.

                                            Thanks

                                                 Jim

I've tried countless retrievers over the years - home made and purchased. I am now using a "hound dog" it is easily the best I've ever used.

I have done really well with this one, at least 80-90% success.

 

I have two models in my boat....a two ounce egg singer with a duo lock that I slide down the line 90% of the time for everything from tubes, grubs, cranks to drop shots.  Then I have one of the bill dance models with three small chains for the really tough stuff....Loose very little.

I've had a few and I like the ones that have the chains attached.

I have had the chains catch the hook after messing with a lure for 10 minutes where the weight wouldn't get it.

Prime examples are when you hook old line or someones trot line.

 

I would also recommend having 2 as a few times I've used the lure retriever to retrieve my lure retriever.

I've settled on Big Ugly Plug Knocker (and Mid-Ugly) from ebay.  I've tried the ones with chains and poles, but for me, best solution was the 'disposable' ones. 

 

I fish from kayak and rented boats, so having a couple each in various tackle bags/crates, etc. works best for me.  They take up little room, and little weight.  They aren't 100%, and I do lose a few every season, but they still pay for themselves many times over. 

If your fishing shallow, I would say buy a telescopic lure retriever.  Very handy for getting lures out of sunken timber, and standing trees.

I use the same one as tander . I rarely lose a lure . Sometimes it takes awhile .

2 hours ago, tander said:

I have done really well with this one, at least 80-90% success.

 

How long is that retractable leash ?

1 hour ago, scaleface said:

 

How long is that retractable leash ?

It is 25'.

18 hours ago, jbmaine said:

I'm going to be trying to get into crank baits this spring, and I'm thinking a lure retriever is something I should be getting. In looking at the ones available ( store bought or home made) what if anything makes one better than the others? Or other than the color is there really any difference? I'm talking about the ones that slide down the line.

                                            Thanks

                                                 Jim

Are you fishing from a boat?

Tom

2 hours ago, WRB said:

Are you fishing from a boat?

Tom

Yes I am

          Jim

Thanks everyone,

It seems from the response most lure retrievers will work most of the time.

If you decide to go with a retractable pole-type, careful to get a decent one.  I got one off ebay that was 'supposedly' identical to a Cabelas branded retriever....it felt like some sort of fiberglass composite, but it snapped the first time I tried it. 

On 12/28/2017 at 10:25 AM, Bankbeater said:

If your fishing shallow, I would say buy a telescopic lure retriever.  Very handy for getting lures out of sunken timber, and standing trees.

agree with that.  i have the bill dance one too, but bought the frabill pole one last month.  in my last 3 trips out fishing swimbaits the pole has paid for itself and then some having retrieve 2 hudds and a s waver all of which were about barb deep in a log!

I use the Bill Dance one and have only lost one or two baits in the last several years.  Make sure to get the one that has the reel type instead of just the rope. 

 

Allen 

I fish cranks alot. Its a favorite way to fish for me. Ive always preferred the ones with a wire on the end of a telescopic pole. I tried the ones with chains and all that slide down line and ended up hanging them up as well. 

 

The one i have extends to 25' and is fiberglass. I do reccomend unscrewing the wire top before use, and adding some loctite to threads. My dad and i agree that its the only thing in the boat that has paid for itself. 

 

We have learned fishing cranks in rocks, if you go past your lure it will usually pop free on its own. Just check line for knicks after, as well as after a number of casts without hanging up too.