I was wonering how I would go about making my own Crank retriever?  I am mainly intertested in making the kind with the heavy weight and the rope, until I get a telescoping kind.  Any help would be great.

Thanks a lot,

5150bass

I've never made one with a rope, but I have some homemade plug knockers that work great most of the time.  Attach a large snap swivel (eyelet end) to the electrode end of an old spark plug and bend it over to hold the swivel.  When you get snagged, clip the snap on the line and let it fall.  If that doesn't work, shake your line until the plug knocks the bait free.  this probably works 80% of the time and if it doesn't, you are not out much money (for the plug knocker anyway).

I've never made one with a rope, but I have some homemade plug knockers that work great most of the time. Attach a large snap swivel (eyelet end) to the electrode end of an old spark plug and bend it over to hold the swivel. When you get snagged, clip the snap on the line and let it fall. If that doesn't work, shake your line until the plug knocks the bait free. this probably works 80% of the time and if it doesn't, you are not out much money (for the plug knocker anyway).

I agree,the 'ol spark plug trick works wonders.

If you have an old ZEBCO 202 or any old closed face reel,you can put some thick braided line on it and use an old broken off rod and attach a spark plug or 2-3oz weight with a swivel and you'll have some line to work with to get your lure free.Plus the reel makes it 1000 times easier with handling the line.

I have seen people use a telescoping golf ball retriever. They cut a slit in the side of the ring for the line to fit through, and then they extend it down to the lure.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=68683&hvarTarget=search&hvarAID=&cmCat=3336061

I like fivebasslimits idea. ;D

I'm always finding something useful in this forum.  I'm going home tonight and setting up my crankbait retriever with an old spincast rod and reel.  Thanks, guys.  

Very good info gentlemen!

I like fivebasslimits idea. ;D

Thats it man,perfect lure retriever set-up.Just put some thick braid on it and you are all set.....works like a charm.Of course you can put any type of weight or lead retriever on the end,you may find that one thing works better for you than something else.

The one that I bought has chains coming off of it as well.  8 inches or so.  That way if you can't knock the lure free the chains might be able to catch a treble hook on your lure, and you can yank it free.