I am fairly new to crainkbait fishing.  I've always had a couple but never used them.  Then I was out fishing last weekend and heard they were working well.  I threw one on and started catching fish.  

My question is this.  I'm looking to go out and purchase an assortment of cranks to carry in my box from Bass Pro.  What would you recommend to buy as a solid base for someone getting started.  There are like 50 million different ones out there so I'm just looking for a little guidance.  I fish mostly in Missouri at Lake of the Ozarks, Mark Twain, and farm ponds.  I'm looking to spend somewhere in the $50-60 range.  I know that could only be like 10 cranks, but it is a start.  

Thanks,

Steve

At LOZ ive been catching some off of the Bomber Fat Free Shad cranks in craw colors.

My most productive crankbait ever and probably the reason why it 's my most productive because it 's my favorite is the Rapala Shad Rap in all it 's versions and sizes, followed by Storm 's Thundercrank & the Wart family, then come those japanese puppies, Megabass Bait X concept, Deep X 100, Deep X 200 and Lucky Craft 's Moonassault.

I like Bandit crankbaits.  Almost all of my shallow to medium running cranks are bandits.  I also like the Rapala DT-6 in black and silver.  

Also, I would recommend some rattle traps,  I like 1/2oz chrome with black or blue backs.

0'-2' Norman Fat Boy (Bluegill)

3'-6' Bagley BII (Chartreuse Black)

4'-10+' Rat-L-Trap (Chrome Blue/ Orange belly)

11'-17' DD22 (Suicide or Yearling Bass)

14'-18' Fat Free Shad (Dance's Pearl White)

That will get you started!

BTW, I caught my PB largemouth on the Norman Fat Boy.

8-)

There are countless crankbaits which catch fish. You're going to have to be arbitrary and buy a few from well-known manufacturers in the depths that you'll be fishing. I wouldn't worry about color too much. Something muted, like shad or bluegill and something bright, like firetiger, are all you need, in my opinion. For what it's worth, my favorites are the original Rapala balsa, non-rattling Shad Raps.

The Rapala DT (Dives To) Series is another that shouldn't be ignored.

I like the shad colored bandit that swims 2-4 feet.  I fish pretty shallow most of the time and this seems to work well.  I also like a a crawfish colored bandit for the same depth.  Have fun.  I love catching em on the crankbait.

I've used a bunch and they so many are really good. I suppose if  iwere staritng out I'd go with Rapala DT's. So well designed -not too costly.

DT Fat, DT4, DT6, ...

Baitfish color (I like the olive/foil), and a fluorescent.

x a bazillion to the guys who said DT!!!

i suggest you buy the whole DT lineup up to at least 10 feet (3,4,6,7,10) in the color that closest matches your local baitfish.

that way you have a bait to catch fish at any depth!

I agree with Raul, the Shad Rap, in all it's versions has put more fish in my boat than any other lure. The DT's are good lures, however I still catch more fish on Shad Raps than I do DT's.

Falcon

Thanks for all your help guys.  I'm heading out to Bass Pro today and going to go put my stimulus check to good use.

Thanks for all your help guys. I'm heading out to Bass Pro today and going to go put my stimulus check to good use.

fill us in when you get back!!!  

my best producers have been the Rapala Shad Rap, Rapala Tail Dancer (basically the same type lure but with a wally diver shaped body and slightly different action), Excalibur Fat Free Shad (now made by Bomber Lures, I think) and a couple of older Spro cranks when they first started. (called prime crankbait, I think)

Colors that have worked well all around for me are perch patterns, basic gizzard or threadfin shad, tennessee shad and craw colors.

Welcome aboard!

8-)