So my goal next year is to become successful with cranking. Didn't crank at all last year. So I have been stocking up on a ton of cranks that dive different depths. Lots of Bandits, Shad Raps, Rapala DTs, etc. Found some Method Cranks at half price. Bought the Red Natural Craw color. Things look pretty sweet and I was eyeing them earlier this year. But I wasn't going to pay 13 a pop. Anyone have any success with them? That crawfish color should rock on smallies in my creek. Any thoughts on this bait and how you all have worked it would be appreciated it. Sucking up as much knowledge about each crankbait that I own.

I noticed you didn't mention any lipless CB's in your list - if you don't have any get some - they are awsome for early spring fishing and can give you some experience.  Cranking is probably my most enjoyable way to catch fish because of the hard strikes.  But doing it all day will tire you out.  Also, if you are just learning CB's, don't be afraid to bump them into stuff (rocks, trees, stumps, even grass) this will trigger strikes more and give you a better idea of what gets the bass buzzing.

I never had much success with method cranks on smallmouth- hopefully they work better for you-

I noticed you didn't mention any lipless CB's in your list - if you don't have any get some - they are awsome for early spring fishing and can give you some experience. Cranking is probably my most enjoyable way to catch fish because of the hard strikes. But doing it all day will tire you out. Also, if you are just learning CB's, don't be afraid to bump them into stuff (rocks, trees, stumps, even grass) this will trigger strikes more and give you a better idea of what gets the bass buzzing.

I have some. Picked up the Yozuri Rattlin Vibe and a rattlin rapala. But I can't wait to use the two Rattle Traps that I had when I fished as a kid (15 years ago). Changed out the hooks with Owners and I'm pumped to use them. Had monster success with them.

For lipless do you guys tie the line right on or do you use snaps?

I noticed you didn't mention any lipless CB's in your list - if you don't have any get some - they are awsome for early spring fishing and can give you some experience.  Cranking is probably my most enjoyable way to catch fish because of the hard strikes.  But doing it all day will tire you out.  Also, if you are just learning CB's, don't be afraid to bump them into stuff (rocks, trees, stumps, even grass) this will trigger strikes more and give you a better idea of what gets the bass buzzing.

I have some. Picked up the Yozuri Rattlin Vibe and a rattlin rapala. But I can't wait to use the two Rattle Traps that I had when I fished as a kid (15 years ago). Changed out the hooks with Owners and I'm pumped to use them. Had monster success with them.

For lipless do you guys tie the line right on or do you use snaps?

I just tie them right on without any problems. I also used a snap before and didn't have any issues, but my preference is to tire directly on the lure.  

For lipless do you guys tie the line right on or do you use snaps?

If the lipless has a split ring on the line tie, it's fine to die direct....if not, than I would most certainly use a snap - as with almost every other crankbait, tying directly to the line-tie inhibits the action.  Using a snap or a split ring will free up the action.      

Thanks. I know the Method doesn't have a split ring so I will tie on a snap for that. I was just wondering because I've heard that snaps kill the action of some rapalas.

SNAP SWIVELS really alter the action on Rapalas. Just a regular lure snap will do no harm!

SNAP SWIVELS really alter the action on Rapalas. Just a regular lure snap will do no harm!

Thanks for clearing that up Muddy. Thats all I have is snap swivels so I'll have to do some hunting. Any recommendations?

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_7816_100010005_100000000_100010000_100-10-5

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20293&rid=&indexId=cat20293&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat20293&id=0011850

Both Cabelas and BPS has em. There is also one made by Norman, I found them not as easy to switch baits with a a lille too heavy for the size,

The Method Crankbait has some killer vibration and wobble.  I've done well with it, but only on green fish so far.  Never tried 'em on smallies.

Brad