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I know a lot of crankbaits for bass have rattles in them, some don't. You guys think it makes a difference whether a crank has rattles in it or not? Under what conditions would you want a crank with a rattle? Without a rattle? Interested in hearing people's opinions. Thanks in advance!
Andrew
Usually the only crank I fish with rattles is a rattle trap or unless I am in stained water. I like a crank bait with a wide wobble. I believe this is producing enough vibration in the water for a bass to detect the bait. Baits such as a rattle trap with a tight wobble are better suited for rattles since they produce less vibration. I believe color and retrieve have by far more impact rather than rattles. I do believe some baits as rattlin rogues, redfins, and thundersticks with rattles do a better job fishing at night. I believe at night the extra rattle helps.
I also prefer them without rattles as most guys are throwing factory baits and 99% of them have rattles the only exception for me is when their really aggressive
In my opinion, it becomes another personal preference situation. Itend to go more with color choice and type of wobble or action. I use to have good luck with Bagley cranks which at the time did not rattle, but had a variety of differnt wobbles in the models they offered. Have also thrown many Rapalas, but my crank of choice over the last several years has been Bandits. I use different models, but now limit myself in color to about four colors and use the water clarity or where I'm throwing to determine what color.
I really like the rattle type most of the time especially in the stained water. When the water is less stained i usually go for the no rattle natural color scheme baits. Rattle traps are thrown in any color of water for me i just adjust the size and color...
Appreciate the input gents! For those who like them, would the depth of that the crank is running make any difference (shallow versus deep runner)? How about the way you are using it, crank versus jerkbait for example. Or type of forage the crank is imitating (crawfish versus minnow, for example).
I know in clear, shallow creeks, a loud rattle does not seem to be the ticket. A slight rattle or no rattle does better.
VMAX, was thinking of that too. I've started messing more with making my own bass cranks, so that is definitely a concideration. Also gotta figure that with a wooden plug the sound of the rattle will be different.
Andrew
The depth I fish depends on the fish. I keep deep diving and shallow crankbaits with me at all times. I try to locate the fish on the fishfinder and use a crankbait for that depth. I usually like ones that run 8-10 ft. I usually use a stop and go retrive when they are suspended. When the fish are holding closer to the bottom the crankbait needs to bump the bottom. This triggers more strikes. When the fish are shallow and more aggressive is when I like to use a jerkbait. I fish more lakes that are clear so I tend to stay with natural colors unless the water is stained then I will go with reds or firetigers. Most people just throw out and real a crankbait back in. Yes, this will catch some fish, but changing the retrieve will produce more fish. The bait needs to imitate an injured shad.