Marking Baits

[burt.fishin]

I was thinking of putting small marks on my cranks for easy reference to the depths. Would subtract from their effectiveness? Basically, Is it GOOD OR BAD

[DJD]

I wouldn't think it would hurt. Especially if it was just sharpie marks. What kind of marks you thinking? I don't think I would cut into my baits.

[bplgocards]

I was thinking of putting small marks on my cranks for easy reference to the depths. Would subtract from their effectiveness? Basically, Is it GOOD OR BAD

Don't see how it would hurt, but also don't see the need to do this? Can't you tell by the size of the bill on your cranks?

[burt.fishin]

djd- yeah they are just small marks from a sharpie pen

bplgocards- i would like to know the exact depth...different brands and sizes and bills can get a little confusing for me

[bplgocards]

djd- yeah they are just small marks from a sharpie pen

bplgocards- i would like to know the exact depth...different brands and sizes and bills can get a little confusing for me

In that case, sure go for it. I would mark the bill though, not the body of the bait.

[TimE]

I mark all of my "fish catching baits", i have 6 crankbaits all identical, and one will outcatch the others day in and day out.

[Carter1]

I don't know why it would be a problem. I have read where some of the pros do that.

[MagikSmallie]

djd- yeah they are just small marks from a sharpie pen

bplgocards- i would like to know the exact depth...different brands and sizes and bills can get a little confusing for me

You should just be able to tell by looking at them. I have mine seperated by boxes. Small, Medium, and Deep divers. You should know that not all cranks are going to run a specific depth. Alot has to do with line type and line diameter, thats why they put ranges on the package like 8-12' diver depending on the line size it may run 8' it may run 12' or somewhere in between. This is why I break my cranks down into boxes marked for shallow, medium, and deep.

[jcb]

Anyone else remember back in the day when it was fashionable to paint "gills" on the side of your cranks with red fingernail polish?

[mkspw]

I don't think a small mark or number would hurt anything. Line size, rod position to the surface of water will change the dept a lure will run. I've noticed one thing as I use Rapala Shadraps a lot, the shortbills even over deep water will out fish the longbills.

[Jabbo]

I can tell you that I've bought lures new and now many are beat to heck.
they are scratched, gouged, marked etc. and they still catch fish.
A few marks aren't going to make a big difference. Besides, the Green Mamas your looking for (or Brown depending) are gonna grab it and taste it if they're in a eating mood. It's a rare occasion when they critique a few stray colors or marks imho.

[RICHYD4U]

I would say do whatever works for you...like others have said, little marks won't make a bit of difference on your CBs.

-Rich