Crank is a spinning bait, wobbler, which is one of the first to be added to the range of novice fishermen. The choice in its favor is not in vain. A wobbler of this class is easy to master, since it does not require ornate animation techniques, like a minnow. In addition, its versatility and catchability make it possible to catch a predator in any body of water.
The crank class wobbler came to us, traditionally, from Western colleagues. This bait was originally used for bass fishing. Having fallen into the hands of domestic spinning anglers, the crankbait began to be used for fishing for white predators, perch, pike perch, and catfish. Ultralight models turned out to be capable of effectively catching even peaceful fish.
Today there is no fisherman who does not have a set of cranks in his arsenal. These baits are suitable all year round, since their persistent aggressive play turns on not only an active predator, but also provokes sluggish or well-fed fish to bite. Definitely, beginners should not pass by wobblers of this class. We'll look at how to fish with a crank below.
What is a crank?
Crank (English crank) is a wobbler that has its own game. Almost all models belonging to this class are endowed with active noisy movements. To animate the bait, you do not need to perform any animation techniques; it works steadily and catches fish on the banal monotonous winding of the reel.
The crankbait has a short body that tapers sharply towards the tail. The size of the wobbler blade and its angle of inclination depends on the working horizon. Many models have a balancing system inside, which also acts as a noise chamber. Thanks to this, the bait makes loud sounds in the water, attracting predatory fish from a long distance.
All cranks are equipped with hooks. Large and medium models have two tees located in the belly of the bait and in the tail. Ultralight wobblers, as a rule, are equipped with one located at the rear.
Wobbler made from a stick “on the knee”
The designs of homemade baits can be of varying complexity. I will consider the simplest version of a wobbler, which can be made easily and quickly, without any problems.
The basis of the bait will be a dry stick. It can be cut right on the shore from any suitable tree or bush. Even willow with a hollow core will do. Although it is better to choose a harder wood. The wet branch will shrink in volume when it dries. You should either immediately take the dry fragments, or remove the bark and let the pieces dry for a week.
The twig is cleared of bark. The tail part is carefully cut off with a knife, forming a smooth narrowing to nothing. The front part is cut at an oblique angle. A through axial hole is made in the workpiece with an awl or a thin drill. If the workpiece has a soft core, then it can be pressed through literally with the same wire. In this case, willow and other similar branches are ideal, especially for a quick fix.
The wire is inserted along the axis. Rings are formed on it at the front and back. The spinning line will be attached to the front ring. To the back ring there is a treble hook through the winding ring. A piece of wire is used to make a fastening for the second tee, which will be suspended from below. Choose a place approximately in the middle or a little closer to the nose. Make a transverse hole. A wire with a ring at the end is inserted from below. The area that came out through the back is folded over and also hidden in the material. You can put this ring on without glue. A second tee is attached to the loop.
In a hurry you don’t have to paint or impregnate it at all. Such an improvised wobbler will work fine for several fishing trips. If they want a more durable option, then they impregnate it with drying oil and then paint it with nitro paints or varnish it.
If the weight of the bait is not enough, then several holes are drilled in the belly and pellets or other pieces of lead are pressed into them.
As you can see, the role of a deepener here is played by an oblique cut in the bow of the wobbler. There is no classic blade, which significantly simplifies the design.
This bait is great for catching pike and perch in remote waters. The fish there are greedy and not afraid, which means they are ready to bite on anything. Such a simple trick may not impress fish in the pressed waters near cities. Off the beaten path - more than that.
The main secret to the success of such a deception is maintaining symmetry. You need to try to cut evenly, avoiding large distortions between the left and right halves. The advantage is that you can test the blende in water and immediately sharpen and level the product, achieving an even trajectory.
Crank classification
Cranks, like any artificial spinning bait, can be classified according to different criteria:
- according to form;
- by depth;
- to size;
- by buoyancy.
Classification of rolls by shape
Based on their shape, all crank wobblers can be divided into three large groups. This parameter determines the scope of application of the bait, the features of fishing with it and other subtleties, knowing which, the angler can use it as productively as possible.
- Fat. Translated as “fat man.” The most massive group among cranks. These are universal wobblers, suitable in any conditions. They hold the current perfectly and do not lose their play when moving across the stream. They are distinguished by impressive long-range properties and noisy aggressive behavior, attracting predators from afar.
Photo 1. Seductive fat man - fat. - Flat. They have a flat body. The vibration frequency during wiring is average. They are not so stable in strong flows, therefore they are recommended for slow flows or standing reservoirs.
- Shad. Translated as "herring". Many models in this group are a kind of symbiosis of crank and minnow. The bait allows for different animation techniques, including jerking elements. Can work on currents and in closed reservoirs.
Photo 2. Shad has a slightly elongated shape.
Important! In some classifications of wobblers, shads are considered a separate class of bait, along with crankbaits and minnows. This is not a mistake, but the opinion of many anglers. Moreover, the essence does not change.
Classification of cranks by depth
In terms of depth, crank-class wobblers, like other bulky solid baits, are:
- superficial (designated SSR),
- subsurface (SR),
- deepwater (MR, MDR, DR, DDR).
Classification of rolls by size
By size they can be divided into:
- ultralight;
- light;
- average;
- large.
The latter, by the way, are not so many. They are used primarily in trolling fishing in vast water areas, designed for impressive depths and weighty trophies.
Classification of cranks by degree of buoyancy
According to the degree of buoyancy, cranks are:
- floating;
- drowning;
- suspenders (very rarely).
The first ones are the most common and are used everywhere. The latter are used in currents because they better maintain a given horizon in a strong current. There are few suspenders among this class of wobblers. Mostly these modifications are found among shad, which can be twitched like minnows.
How to choose a catchy wobbler - general principles when fishing for pike perch
When choosing bait for fishing pike perch, you should pay attention to:
- Artificial fish shape . The predator's mouth is small in size, so experienced fishermen recommend purchasing narrow-bodied baits such as minnow and shad.
- The angle of entry of the bait into the lower layers of water should be natural.
- Color range. When fishing a reservoir in the dark, you need to use bright/luminous models of wobblers. For daytime fishing, artificial fish in natural tones are suitable.
Acid wobblers are the best for pike perch at night and in muddy water - Dimensional characteristics . When choosing the size of the bait, you should be guided by the basic calculation proportion, according to which you will need 5 cm of wobbler per 2 kg of fish. Weight is also selected depending on the size of the intended prey. For fishing a small predator, wobblers weighing up to 9 grams are suitable. To catch larger specimens, it is advisable to purchase models whose weight reaches 21-30 grams.
Note! The attention of the pike perch is attracted by the vibration emanating from the bait.
Where to use cranks?
Crank fishing, as mentioned above, is possible in different types of reservoirs. These baits work successfully on rivers with any current strength, are used in lakes, quarries, swamps and toad grasses, and show their best qualities when fishing in reservoirs.
In our latitudes, the main objects for fishing with crank wobblers are:
- perch;
- chub;
- pike;
- asp.
Deep-sea models capable of fishing channel holes and ditches are good for catching pike perch and catfish. Miniature wobblers regularly catch ide, rudd, dace, sabrefish and other representatives of the ichthyofauna. You can even catch bleak or roach with the smallest and weightless baits.
The best time for fishing with fats and other types of cranks is summer. During this period, the fish are most active and respond well to the aggressive behavior of wobblers. In cold water, bites occur less frequently, but still, if you present the bait correctly, you can return home with a decent catch.
How to fish with cranks correctly
The basic movement of the crank is uniform at the same speed throughout the feed. There are two opinions regarding the intensity of fishing line reeling:
- Some recommend feeding the bait as slowly as possible so that it works to the point of failure.
- The latter advise, on the contrary, to rotate the reel handle as quickly as possible so that the crank makes strong vibrations, attracting fish from afar.
Both options have the right to life. You need to constantly experiment with the speed of the retrieve, choosing the optimal one for the given conditions and the mood of the predator. Moreover, depending on the angle of the crank feed, the intensity of winding the cord on the spool changes.
The cranks are unique in that they work stably at different wiring angles. Wobblers can be caught upstream, against the current, across the stream, and are stable when fed in a drift or in an arc. They can be rafted over long distances to promising points, and then driven at the desired pace.
Advice! Shads can be carried out with jerking elements. Unlike many minnows, they catch both on a monotonous serve and on twitching.
Floating models are productive on stop&go fishing, which consists of periodic stops while reeling in the fishing line. At this time, the bait floats up, swaying. This option often works for sluggish, inactive fish. Used for fishing for perch, pike perch and pike. The white predator rarely responds to such animation.
Top 10 perch wobblers
Among the huge number of wobblers for perch that are offered to beginning spinning anglers in stores, there are many frankly useless products. Made at factories in the Middle Kingdom, they have a bright and promising appearance, most often copied from branded baits. But under water they do not evoke any emotions in the perch. Such models most often end up in snags or fishermen's boxes. To purchase truly catchy wobblers for perch, you should study the experience of spinning fishing masters. They will suggest not only working models, but also suitable types of wiring.
YO-ZURI L-Minnow 44
One of the most famous wobblers is the YO-ZURI L-Minnow 44. There are many legends about it among spinning anglers. But the fact that this bait attracts the attention of perch is an indisputable fact. One of the advantages of this minnow is its casting range. Any beginner can carry out the bait. To do this, it is enough to “dilute” the uniform wiring with short jerks to make the bait irresistible. The bait works great in the spring, sinking to the 1 m mark. With a length of 44 m, the wobbler weighs 5 g.
ZipBaits Orbit 80 SP–DR
This model also applies to perch-killing wobblers. With a large length of 80 mm and a weight of 8.5 g, the bait hangs in the water column, because it is a suspender. If you place the bait correctly, then the relatively large size will not be an obstacle to the attack of the humpback whale. The predator responds best to a retrieve consisting of jerks and a subsequent pause of 2-3 seconds. If the predator does not manifest itself due to passivity, then the duration of the stop increases to 6-7 s.
Jackall Tiny Fry 38
The Jackall Tiny Fry 38 wobbler has proven itself to be excellent when catching perch. For many spinning anglers, this bait occupies a leading position in various ratings. A distinctive feature of this model is the long-distance casting system. If you use a thin cord, you can reach any “boiler”. Experienced spinning anglers consider uniform reeling and twitching to be the best retrieves. Anglers can use either a sinking modification or a suspender.
Lucky Craft Bevy Shad
The shad class bait has become a classic of perch fishing. For catching the average minke whale, a model with a length of 60 mm and a weight of 5.3 g is suitable. If you want to feel the bite of a real humpback whale, then it is better to take a bait measuring 75 mm. The optimal wiring option would be the “stop&go” technique, but good results can also be expected from jerk animation. Aggressive twitching will unbalance the most passive predator.
Daiwa TD Popper Z
The realism of this popper is emphasized by lively eyes and three-dimensional scales. The bait has a length of 65 mm and weighs 6 g. The body of the wobbler adheres well to the surface of the water, clearly responding to light jerks. During the animation process, the bait makes peculiar squelching sounds, which are formed thanks to the built-in rattles. Popper forgives various mistakes common to beginners, but does not tolerate sudden jerks.
Deps Radscale
There is a lot of potential in the Deps Radscale walker. To fully exploit all the capabilities of this wobbler, it is important to find your irresistible wiring. This model is not one of those that starts with half a turn. But the spinning anglers who picked up the key to the walker will certainly be envied after a successful fishing trip.
Kosadaka Boxer XS
The Kosadaka Boxer XS crank-type wobbler has a body with a textured structure. Holographic eyes add realism to the bait. With a length of 40 mm and a weight of 8.5 g, the crank is an ideal model for catching perch. Inside the body there is a noise chamber that attracts perch from long distances with sound vibrations. The bait has good range and accuracy.
RAPALA RATTLIN' RAPALA
The best lure from the rattlin series is the Finnish model RAPALA RATTLIN' RAPALA. It is best to get a modification with a length of 40 mm and a weight of 5.3 g. Rattlin's playing is distinguished by high-frequency vibrations. The optimal wiring would be a uniform winding of the fishing line and a classic step.
Kosadaka Cord-R 70F
An excellent compound wobbler for perch is the Kosadaka Cord-R 70F. With a bait size of 70 mm, its weight is 4.15 g. This floating model behaves realistically in the water, reminding a perch of a wounded fish. A silicone tail and glitter imitating scales create the illusion of a natural victim.
Source: fishelovka.com
Famous crank models
This type of hard plastic bait is produced by every manufacturer. The fishing market offers the most diverse models, differing in size, color, and performance characteristics. Sometimes making meaningful choices is difficult. Below we list some popular crankbaits that are known to most anglers and have proven themselves to be universal, catchy and stable wobblers.
Smith Camion
Photo 3. Wobbler Smith Camion.
A family of miniature wobblers designed for ultralight. The baits were originally developed for trout fishing. In our reservoirs they turned out to be unusually catchy for white predators, perch, and medium-sized pike. Chub fishing enthusiasts especially liked the model. In northern latitudes, grayling and whitefish take it well.
Cranks from this series are available in different sizes and weights. In addition, individual models have different depths. The line includes both surface baits and diving baits at 2-3 meters. The wobbler is stable in any current and works stably at different fishing speeds.
Jackall Cherry
Photo 4. Wobbler Jackall Cherry
Another popular line of baits aimed at light spinning rods. Available in various modifications, differing in size, weight and working horizon. It has good flight performance, is stable in different currents and at any feed speed.
In our conditions, the crank of this model is used for hunting large chub and ide, asp and perch. Deep-sea modifications can tempt pike perch and medium-sized catfish. Of course, the pike will not miss the bait.
Yo-Zuri 3D Crank
Photo 5. Wobbler Yo-Zuri 3D Crank.
A universal crank, created for “adult” spinning and trolling. When retrieved, it dives to depths of up to 4 meters, provoking the predator hiding in the shelter to grab it. It has a wide, noisy game, is stable at fast retrieve speeds, and is not afraid of strong currents. Quickly reaches the given horizon and does not leave it throughout the entire feed.
In our reservoirs, this crank catches pike, pike perch, large perch and catfish well. In spring and autumn, it can tempt an asp that has sunk into the middle layers or to the bottom. On large rivers, a wobbler is used to hunt for trophy chub and ide.
Bomber Fat A
Photo 6. Wobbler Bomber Fat A.
A well-known series of baits that is used in spinning and trolling. Small models have proven themselves well in ultralight. They are suitable for fishing at shallow depths, tempting chub, perch, rudd, ide, small pike, dace and saberfish. Large modifications are used for hunting pike perch, catfish, trophy humpback salmon and heavy, toothy beast.
The crank has an aggressive game with a high oscillation frequency. It behaves quite confidently in a strong flow and allows the use of fast movements. Flight performance is average, but the wobbler more than compensates for this with excellent catchability and versatility.
Deep-sea wobblers of the deep class
Deep-sea wobblers are baits of the so-called deep class, which can be used for fishing at significant depths. Some models of deep wobblers are capable of diving to a depth of ten meters. Speaking about deep-sea wobblers for pike perch, in 90% of cases it means the use of cranks , which are most effective when catching fanged ones. But, in some situations, pike perch prefers deep-sea minnows or is even ready to tear rattlins to shreds.
Almost all deep-sea cranks have a narrow body that resembles a drop. This is due to the fact that a wide-bodied bait is more difficult to drive to greater depths and will need to be equipped with a larger blade, which will increase the resistance of the wobbler when retrieving and reduce the flight range when casting due to the larger windage of the bait.
When choosing a deep crank for catching pike perch, you should also imagine in advance how this or that wobbler model will behave on the retrieve. Pot-bellied cranks with wide blades have a large amplitude of vibration, and more powerful cranks have a high frequency of vibration, but they are not so “noisy”.
