I have never fished crank baits before but I would like to start soon and I was wondering what I should buy. I want something very easy to use because I have no experience. Also I would like it to be pretty inexpensive. So basically I am asking, what would be a good beginner crank bait?

Bomber Model A:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_2924_100005001_100000000_100005000_100-5-1

yea  i really like the bomber too     the best piece of info i have ever heard was just keep it simple   i say it alot    just match the hatch  buy lures based on where u are fishing   if the body of water u are going to fish have shad  by some rapala shad raps   if it has blue herring  buy some blue or ghost color cranks  if there is alot of smaller bass   get teh bomber 4a in baby bass orange belly  

Buy a few better lures so you will not be disappointed by not catching fish and the action of the lure. Rapala shadraps are a excellent bait (may cost a couple dollars more but worth it). Try matching the hatch.

I would start with a cheaper crankbait, like bombers or bandits. Remember, whenever using (lipped) crankbaits always deflect the bait.

I agree that both bomber Model A and Rapala Shad Raps would be suitable. Norman also has good baits at reasonable prices, as do some of the retailers' private brands. Just make sure that you buy baits that will run at the depths you plan to fish.

id reccomend bandit 100, 200, and 300 series in a few simple colors

dont let the huge color selection confuse you....

keep it simple!!

How do you guys remember how deep a crank bait runs?

it will usually say on the package the actual depth, but a rule of thumb:

the smaller and more vertical the lip is the shallower it will run;

the bigger and more horizontal the lip is the deeper it will run.

To help with the depths you may want to write the depth on the lip of the bait when you take it out of the box. This will help you until you become familiar with them. I also use snaps on my crankbait rods. This helps when changing baits. And I have not lost a fish with them.

As far as color I am sold on the Sexy Shad by Strike King. I have caught fish with this bait from the first day I fished it, it is a bait I will not leave home without. The sizes are also pretty easy to manage as well.

They start a 1xs for very shallow and then run 3,4,4s,5 and 6 which run the deepest at 15 feet.

I suggest you purchase a lure retriever as well. When you fish these baits you will get them hung.  

With a CB you definately want to bang to the cover.

Also I always use clips so I don't have to retie my lure. Is it okay to use them with crank baits?

What do you guys think about that SK Pro Model, particular in "Sexy Shad?"

I thought that'd still be the hot crank after what KVD did with it.

Bomber Fat Free Shad, Firetiger

I don't use them. I always retie (cut 6 to 8 inches off) after a fish and keep a check on your line for nicks and bad places from banging and deflecting them off of rocks and wood. Lost several nice fish and cranks from not doing this.

Spro Aruku Shad 75 - perch

It's a lipless crankbait with a tight wobble, perfect for a beginner

Roger

NORMAN they work the best and they sell all different depth levels

Don't think that you HAVE to bang into something while retrieving a cb. Bass don't wait around for a bluegill to bounce off the bottom, or a minnow to deflect off the weeds before he will hit. If they did, there would be a lot of small, hungry bass in your lake....

Try a basshunters custom crankbait or the bomber fat free shad.

id reccomend bandit 100, 200, and 300 series in a few simple colors

dont let the huge color selection confuse you....

keep it simple!!

This is definately the easiest way to start out.

Shad , Firetiger , rootbeer.

What do you guys think about that SK Pro Model, particular in "Sexy Shad?"

I thought that'd still be the hot crank after what KVD did with it.

I bought every series of the SK Pro Model in sexy shad. I haven't tried any yet though, most of the lakes are still semi-frozen here. I have talked to other people who have had a lot of success with them.

Also I always use clips so I don't have to retie my lure. Is it okay to use them with crank baits?

Yes.

One more question, My reel says it can take 8,10 or 12 pound test line. What would be the best to use?

i have two crankin combos. On one i have 10 (shallow to middle depths)  and on my deep crankin stick i have 12....IMO you should go 10