All,

I am looking for some advice on crankbaits.  I have been using swim senkos eclusively the last 6 weeks and need to start fishing deeper waters now.  Now that fall is here and the temps are dropping I need to start fishing deeper waters.  Any ideas on some good crankbaits that will run between 5 and 10 feet?  This is where I am seeing the bass on the fish finder.  I have have ones that will run deeper, but I want to work the 5 to 10 deep range.

Thanks,

Ron

Depends 5-10 is a good depth apart. Rapala DT-6 to DT-10 would work. Go with whatever forage is in your lake whether it be Craw, Shad so on. Bomber Model A is 10', Norman Deep BabyN 6-8' might be the best option for just one. Good luck!

Rat-L-Trap type lures. I like the Yo-Zuri RatlN' Vibe & Drum; Lucky Craft LV300 & LV500-Max.

You should also try jerkbaits this time of year.   :

8-)

Hey dad pick up some of the Rapala Shad Raps, they have all sorts of color configurations. For colors I like the bluegill (bg), shad (sd), bleeding pearl (bp) and silver (s). They run from 4'-15' depending on the lure you buy. Walmart up the road has them and Boater's World sometimes carries em'. I'm sure you can get em' at Dick's Sporting Goods too.

I use the bluegill in the reservoir and lakes we fish and the shad in the rivers we fish (potomac and occoquan) just because those two are typical forage in our area. I've caught a bass on all the colors so far that I've used. These lures run great right out of the box and you can't beat the price. Pick up some of the Mann's crankbaits for shallow running applications.

Later dad.

Thanks for the advice guys, I guess the bait monkey is going to steal my wallet again (the wife is going to be upset again).  I did just catch my first LMB on a Rat-L-Trap yesterday.  That lure runs pretty deep unless you bring it in quickly.

Thanks for the advice guys, I guess the bait monkey is going to steal my wallet again (the wife is going to be upset again). I did just catch my first LMB on a Rat-L-Trap yesterday. That lure runs pretty deep unless you bring it in quickly.

The Rat-L-Trap will run at any depth you want to fish it.

I like using Husky Jerks and X-Raps this time of year.

Falcon

The bait monkey struck again, I picked up my crankbaits last night.  Thank you for the advice that you provided to me.  I will try these new crankbaits out tomorrow in Mattawoman Creek, MD.

rondef-i would definately try a LC slender pointer. this bait works! it can also be worked many different ways. i know they are a bit pricey, but in this baits case--you get what you pay for.

I love my wiggle warts for that depth.

EVERYONE keeps saying Rat-L-Trap type baits are the best.  I can't figure it out.  I muse be retrieving mine too fast and making it rattle too much or too loudly.  I've caught two bass on this type bait before and both times, the hit the bait as soon as it hit the water and they were both under 12" long.

Is it a steady retrieve or a jerk-pause or slow reel-pause method required?  I know it varies on lakes, conditions, forage, etc. but I must be doing something wrong.

As for the jerkbaits working yep, I've had good luck so far.  I really like them and plan on buy several more.  For me, the DT10 and other shallow cranks in dark grey are getting attention.  Nothing with a wide wobble though, for some reason, a tight wobble gets more attention right now.

rapala shad rap

Rat-L-Trap baits, Norman Deep Divers, Rapala Husky Jerks, BPS Lucky Craft Rick Clunn Deep Divers in 3.5, and Luhr Jensen Radar 10's are primarily what I use right now.  The Rick Clunns have given me great success as have the Norman Deep Divers.  

I like to use a Heavy action rod when putting baits down that low.  After you get down past 10' you almost need a Heavy action to be able to set the hook good in my opinion.  Also, with the heavier action and line you have a better chance of avoiding hang ups like submersed structures.  On Kentucky Lake there are quite a few of these that offer prime 'holed up' areas for big bass.  If you get a detailed map of your lake you will see them.  Kentucky Lake has a few submersed townships that were flooded to create the lake, and some of the mortared structures are still intact.  I've caught some big bass in those areas using a Norman DD22.  

my vote goes to the rapala DT4 DT6 and DT10. DT series is great, a crank for just about every application. as for color cant go wrong with silver, or shad.. i really like sure-set version in pearl grey shiner.

my vote goes to the rapala DT4 DT6 and DT10. DT series is great, a crank for just about every application. as for color cant go wrong with silver, or shad.. i really like sure-set version in pearl grey shiner.

Or try the olive flash.My personal fav in all the dt varieties.Works in stained to clear water.