How do you guys decide whether to use rattling or non-rattling crankbaits? What are the conditions under which one type way outperforms the other?

How do you guys decide whether to use rattling or non-rattling crankbaits? What are the conditions under which one type way outperforms the other?

Conventional wisdom says that you might use non-rattling baits in clear water to avoid spooking them and rattlers in dirty water to get the fish's attention. However, the trouble with that is that rattlers work in clear water and quiet lures work in dirty water. But you can't go wrong by at least starting out based on the conventional wisdom

My unproven gut feeling is that rattles are somewhat overrated.

How do you guys decide whether to use rattling or non-rattling crankbaits? What are the conditions under which one type way outperforms the other?

Conventional wisdom says that you might use non-rattling baits in clear water to avoid spooking them and rattlers in dirty water to get the fish's attention. However, the trouble with that is that rattlers work in clear water and quiet lures work in dirty water. But you can't go wrong by at least starting out based on the conventional wisdom

My unproven gut feeling is that rattles are somewhat overrated.

i somewhat agree with you. What your saying makes sense, but I have never found a downside to rattles in clear water, or dirty.

I have seen bass run away from rattles, and I bass hit a bait with rattles so I guess it is a confidence thing I guess.

                   -gk

And i have never seen an advantage to them either!

    The only reason I use rattles is because they help my confidence.  It makes me feel that I am doing the most I can to get a fish to bite.