Rapala’s DT10 is 2.25-inches and weighs 3/5-ounce. I prefer this bait’s wobble and it does a remarkably great job at floating up, if it so happens to get lodged between rocks. Strike King’s 6XD is a bait that I can grind all day long without much damage.
One of the keys to figuring out which works best for you is the feedback from fish that are “not” hooked. Deep cranking riprap will undoubtedly yield positive results, but the negative feedback, such as fish slapping at the crankbait, serves information that the angler may not be fishing deep enough.
These fish tend to be looking up and will only advance to check out the bait. Using the 6XD will allow you to reach these fish eye-to-eye and get a commitment without changing your approach. This one little detail works on a variety of lakes and rivers, such as Lake Coeur d’Alene, Long Lake, Potholes Reservoir and Moses Lake. It could very well work for you on your home lake too.
DON’T GO STRAY
The only thing between you and that crankbait is your line. I have consistently upped my line diameter over the last few years. Beginning with 12 lb, moving to 15 lb and now cranking with 17 lb Seaguar InvizX.
The move is not necessarily to fish my line with more nicks or burs, but rather the ability to horse or
leverage pressure against the fish with pure strength. With good hooks, worrying about the fish spitting or losing the crankbait is not much of a worry as long as you keep your catch heading in the direction of the boat.
With rocks to either port or starboard, leading your fish away from the sharp edges of rock is the best method to landing your catch. While it may be overkill, using heavier line can help avoid disaster with a nose down pull or a tail walker at the boat.
Deep cranking riprap is an exciting approach this time of year. The hits are aggressive and on lakes with nomadic baitfish, covering water can greatly increase your chances.
Since rocks continue to hold heat well into the later months, deep cranking riprap is a surefire way to test your drag and fill the livewell.
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