Tuning Crankbaits

[Mitch f]

Was wondering what is your preferred method for tuning crank baits to make them run deeper and have better action at slow speeds?

[flytyer57]

Was wondering what is your preferred method for tuning crank baits to make them run deeper and have better action at slow speeds?

The depth and action of a crankbait is controled by it's design. As an angler, you could use a smaller diameter line to increase depth and use a lite wire snap (not snap swivel) instead of the split ring for better action. Changing the factory hooks to lite wire hooks may also help.

Other than that, you start getting into shaving the lips making them thinner, or sanding the lure body itself. I've never personally got into modifying crankbaits as it seems more of a problem than what I need. Remove too much off a lip and the crankbait could be ruined. Same goes for sanding the bodies.

To me, there are enough different styles of crankbaits out there that will do the job I'm looking for.

Or better yet, take up fly fishing and tying your own flies to do what you want them to do.

[RSBreth]

The best way to get cranks to run deeper is thinner line, which means superline, either braided or fused.

More action? Use a lure with a more aggressive wobble and/or louder rattles.

[Guest]

I like to change out the hook sizes to one size larger on floating rapalas, I also use the suspend dots near the middle of them, gives them a little extra thump. I also add a split ring to the front of the bait.