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.