Hey guys i'm just wondering what do you guys think is the most reliable crank bait when casting around or near cover ( basically crank bait that will produce the most fish). colors and size please  

Bandit 100 or Bandit Footloose, in any color.

The RC series by lucky craft.

FAT BDS by LC in Amreicna shad for me

I agree with all of the above.

Original Bagley's BB2 (2") very dependable around cover

Bomber Model B....havent been out too long but have quickly become one of my favorites around cover, they deflect real well

Strike King Series 1....cheap, decent cranks

bandit 100 any color or mans any color

Bandit 200 in crawdad or tennessee shad color.

I assume you mean shallow cover.......in that case:

Lucky Craft RC series, and in dirty water, the BDS series.....my first choices....my Bagleys are collecting dust thanks to these cranks.        

The Bandit suggestions are also good, but they only make little cranks.....the 100 seems to be a real fish catcher......on that note, however....if you're fishing some nasty cover around the 10' range, the 400 series Bandit is an excellent choice.   It is basically a plastic Bagley DB3.....slightly shorter tail and a few differences, but the action is extremely similar.....and I actually believe I prefer the Bandit much of the time.    

Flatsided cranks require a little more finesse around brush, but they can kill at times......especially in clear water.  On the higher end of the scale, the Lucky Craft Flat CB SR (1' diver) and the O.S.P. HPF (~3') work fantastic......and for much less dough, you can pick up a Bomber Flat A, and they will just about hang with the best of them.  Also the Lee Sisson Shallow Slim Willie......the widest kicking shallow flatside I've ever used.  

 

Rapala Shad Rap in all it 's sizes and multiple variations.

The RC series by lucky craft.

Thats what Im talking about, cant go wrong with a lucky craft.

I like the speed trap when the water is in the 50's in early spring on warm days.  THen I'll go to Clunns RC series through postspawn, and finally the BDS and other fat wobblers when the water gets hot.

lets see, cover this from top to bottom:

bandit footloose

rapala floater

bandit 100

bandit 200

rapala shad rap

rapala DT10 (or whatever the deepest you plan on going is)

I've never been able to fish Rapala Shad Raps in cover.....I don't know if it's the way they deflect or what, but I just don't get along with them around that stuff.        

Lucky Craft RC 1.5 in whatever color you feel looks the best. I have 5 different colors and they all work! The Bandit 100 is a good bait but since they moved their production to China the quality has gone way down.

Allen

The Bandit 100 is a good bait but since they moved their production to China the quality has gone way down.

That's sad to hear, these are among my favorite crankbaits for everyday use.  I haven't had to buy any for 2 years.  Was the move to China recent?

I assume you mean shallow cover.......in that case:

Lucky Craft RC series, and in dirty water, the BDS series.....my first choices....

Also Rapala DTs and Shad Rap RS

Bandit Footloose OR Bandit 100