I know the 6xd is the gold standard but I really don’t have a rod for it and I’m trying to learn the deep diving crankbait technique. Are there any baits that are lighter but dive to the same depth? Maybe 1/2 to 3/4 oz. Also they need to be something I can actually find in stock right now.

Red Eye Shad

Berkley Dredger.

18 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Red Eye Shad

x2

 

 

Or might try a Dt-16(3/4) or Dt-20(7/8), these seem to stay in stock pretty well.  

2 minutes ago, Hook2Jaw said:

Berkley Dredger.

This doesn’t seem like a bad option either.   

definitely the Dredger

The first rule of Fat Free is....

Like others have said, the Dredger is a good one. The 17.5. Also the Norman DD22.

 

The 5XD won't as deep as the 6XD, but it is lighter. 

1 hour ago, NorthernBasser said:

Like others have said, the Dredger is a good one. The 17.5. Also the Norman DD22.

 

The 5XD won't as deep as the 6XD, but it is lighter. 

I can rock a 5xd just fine on a Medium rated to ¾, phenomenal little crank. 

On 2/1/2022 at 9:21 AM, NorthernBasser said:

Like others have said, the Dredger is a good one. The 17.5. Also the Norman DD22.

 

The 5XD won't as deep as the 6XD, but it is lighter. 

I have had a few quality control issues with SK XD cranks leaking(and I'm not slamming them into the bottom of the lake)The DD 22 has been a consistent cranking superstar for me over the years, I have also been impressed with the Dredgers as well. One more to look at is the Duel Hardcore 4+, it has great colors,  a phenomenal weight transfer system and pretty good stock hooks, if you are using 10lb flouro or 20lb braid they can get you about 15 ft under, maybe a touch more on a good long cast.

 

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Duel_Hardcore_Crankbait_4/descpage-DCF.html

Rapala DT series does not pull as hard, and casts well with a medium power rod.

I've had the best luck with the spro rock crawler.  Not quite as deep, but light weight and I'm pretty sure I'm getting a good 12'-13'.  I've also had good luck with TB DD crank.  That feels like 15'+ and it's under an ounce.

 

scott

6th Sense Cloud 9 15

Normans DD 22

Rapala Shad Rap® ?

A Spro Little John DD is one of the only deep diving cranks I've had good success with other than the SK XD's. I don't deep crank often, but when I do, it's going to be a 5XD or 6XD.  I should do it more, for the amount of time I deep crank, I've caught a good number of big fish on them. Biggest was a 7.5 on a green gizzard shad 5XD in January many years ago.