I'm looking for some relatively cheap (maybe $5-10) but effective deep crankbaits. I'm fishing a tournament next weekend in a lake much deeper than I typically fish in. My usual ponds are MAYBE 8-9 feet deep (which is why I don't want to spend a fortune on crankbaits that I can't normally use), but this lake has spots down to 26-30 feet deep. I don't plan on getting THAT deep, but would like to be able to get down below 10'. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Dave

Dicks usually has matzou or how ever its spelled cranks on sale for under 5 bucks there shiny and go deep I pick up a few every now and then. There also running a sale atleast up here on clacking rap and dt cranks 2 for 10 bucks not a bad deal at all

Strike King 6XD.... Not the best but certainly cheap / effective.

In terms of cost, Strike Kings are among the best value and reasonably effective as are Norman. Learn to tune your baits and you won't have any problems.

Bombers, effective and cheap!

Bomber Fat Free Shad.. i had my luck in Crawfish color

Jr size dives to 14ft

full size dives to 18ft

we were fishing a lake where the level was up about 12ft over normal stage. i was able to get down to some grass/weeds and some good success.

i was using 8lb McCoy line and was able to get down further than my boater who was using Strike King 6XD with 12lb mono.

p.s. i also hooked a 12lb flat head catfish that same day on the FF Shad. i thought i had hooked a monser bass... LOL!!

Norman DD22 or fat free shad.

really the only two cranks i use.

Academy Sports H2O Deep cranks are great right out of the box. There $5 a peice.

Dicks usually has matzou or how ever its spelled cranks on sale for under 5 bucks there shiny and go deep I pick up a few every now and then. There also running a sale atleast up here on clacking rap and dt cranks 2 for 10 bucks not a bad deal at all

I wouldn't touch Matzuo cranks with a ten foot pole. After every cast you have to tune them and they never stay on track during the retrieve.

If your price range is $5-10, I would go with the Rapala DT series. All I really use are DT's, Normans, and 6xds, because they work and I have confidence in them.

Another vote for Bomber FF Shad!

bomber, norman,and most rapalas wont go over $10

but it'll be easier finding rapalas around sport chalet, sports authority, etc.

Cheap and effective? Strike King Series 5 & 6s and their 5xd & 6xds.

I wouldn't touch Matzuo cranks with a ten foot pole. After every cast you have to tune them and they never stay on track during the retrieve.

If your price range is $5-10, I would go with the Rapala DT series. All I really use are DT's, Normans, and 6xds, because they work and I have confidence in them.

Good advice. Matzuo cranks are junk, some of the worst baits I've ever tried.

In a pinch have used a split shot weight about 2ft up the line from my standard crank.

STRIKEKING!

In a pinch I have used a split shot weight about 2ft up the line from my standard crank.

DD22

Fat Free Shad

Strike King 6XD

Norman DD22

All around $6.00 and all work.

Good advice. Matzuo cranks are junk, some of the worst baits I've ever tried.

Off-topic, but I picked up two Matzuo poppers for $4 on clearance. Looks pretty cool, and catches fish, for me anyway.

You have many options, as others above have mentioned.

But I haven't seen anyone mention Bandits.

Chris you beat me to it. +1 on Bandits, Norman, Bomber, Wiggle Warts, Speed Traps, and Rapala.

norman dd22. Only one I buy.

Off-topic, but I picked up two Matzuo poppers for $4 on clearance. Looks pretty cool, and catches fish, for me anyway.

I actually really like the one Matzuo popper I have. It looks just like a Megabass, for 1/20 of the price haha...The only problem I have with the company I have is their inconstancy. I bought a spook style bait in one of the coolest colors I have ever seen, but it just lays on its side.

At 4.49 to 4.99 each, Normans are the best value I have found. Luhr Jensen Hot Lips are my second choice. I have a half dozen SK baits but find myself going back to my tried and trues. Confidence is a good thing.

At 4.49 to 4.99 each, Normans are the best value I have found. Luhr Jensen Hot Lips are my second choice. I have a half dozen SK baits but find myself going back to my tried and trues. Confidence is a good thing.

X2

Check your WalMart for DD22s. Mine has a very limited selection of DD22s but the price is pretty good at between $4 and $5 depending on color. One color (Black Splat) they price at something like $3.96, the other colors they price at around $4.96 (go figure).

I actually prefer the Hot Lips Express over the DD22 - they seem to dive faster and get at least as deep as the DD22. However, they're usually a bit more expensive than the Norman bait.