I am having a difficult time casting crankbaits far enough.  I'm fishing from shore and need to get some good distance.  Are there heavier cranks that are better for casting long distances?  Or do I need to improve my casting skills? I can launch spinnerbaits very far with my baitcaster, but my crankbaits are so much lighter.  The Rattle Traps I have are a bit heavier but all of the lipped cranks are very light.  Do I need heavier cranks, different casting gear, better casting skills, all of the above???

Thanks in advance.

Are you tuning the reel before you cast?

Might want to try a different rod, the baits may not be loading the rod enough to give you a good snap.  sometimes I find if I stop trying to throw the bait and just make an easy cast I get better distance.

Might want to try a different rod, the baits may not be loading the rod enough to give you a good snap. sometimes I find if I stop trying to throw the bait and just make an easy cast I get better distance.

I can cast a crankbait a lot further on one of my crankbait rods than a standard fast action rod.

Allen

Do you guys work for the bait monkey!!??    Guess I need to buy a crankin' stick.

Are you tuning the reel before you cast?

Yes, but maybe I should try tweaking it some more...

Casting distance is achieved by several factors, some depend on you others depend on the gear other depend of the weather conditions ( but you can do nothing about them so we are not discussing them ):

YOU:

1.- Casting technique

THE GEAR:

1.- Rod length, action and power: longer limber rods load more easily than shorter stiffer rods

2.- Reel: some reels cast better than others

3.- Line diameter & composition: heavier line, more wind resistance and more drag.

4.- Lure weight: obvious, more weight more distance

5.- Lure SHAPE: overlooked by many, thin flat baits fly less than round chunky baits, it 's a matter of wind resistance.

6.- Lure DESIGN: to where the bait balances on the cast has a strong effect on how much the lure will fly, a minnow shape bait is probably the worst caster in the planet IF is does not have internal weight transfer to the tail when you cast it.

There is some pretty good advice here so far, so before you invest in all new tackle that may or may not solve your casting distance take the time to solve what you do have.

Since you can get distance with a spinnerbait lets forget the rod and the line for a bit.

Some baits, as Raul stated, do not cast well. A Bomber Speed Shad is a fish catching machine but it is like trying to cast a kite. A well balanced crankbait should not roll and tumble on its flight to the target. Give yourself some extra free line before the cast, the bait should be at least 12" - 18" from the rod tip before the cast.

Clean and lubricate the reel.

Practice

If you could share a little more info, such as what equipment you are currently using; rod length, power, and action; line type and weight; and what type and size of cranks you want to through.  

You might be able to work with what you have or just a slight modification such as changing line.

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses.

I was using an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5601 on a Bionic Blade 7 foot mh, slow tip w/ 17 lb trilene xl.  This setup was not intended for throwing cranks and after reading everyone's replies I'm sure that contributed to my lack of success.  I guess this setup is fine for throwing heavy crankbaits but not for lighter stuff.  What line do you recommend for crankbaits?

Next time out I'll try to tweak the brake setting on the reel.  I will also look into a crank bait specific rod.  In the meantime, I think I'll just throw the lighter lures with my spinning setup.

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses.

I was using an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5601 on a Bionic Blade 7 foot mh, slow tip w/ 17 lb trilene xl. This setup was not intended for throwing cranks and after reading everyone's replies I'm sure that contributed to my lack of success. I guess this setup is fine for throwing heavy crankbaits but not for lighter stuff. What line do you recommend for crankbaits?

Next time out I'll try to tweak the brake setting on the reel. I will also look into a crank bait specific rod. In the meantime, I think I'll just throw the lighter lures with my spinning setup.

Your set-up it's way to heavy for most of the crankbaits.

Try a medium power, moderate action rod (doesn't have to be expensive), teamed up withe a GOOD reel, 8-12 lb SOFT line. My crank combo is a Dick's brand 6-6ft med/mod rod with a Daiwa TD Advantage reel, 10 lb P-Line CX.

You can try fluorocarbon line for cranking. The line is more dense, therfore heavier, and is slicker than regular mono. You may need to increase the spool tension to prevent over runs though due to the extra weight.