Thaw-out crankbaits?

[Bassboss]

I've been reading in few places, that a shad rap is a great cold water lure if you can fish it slow enough. I know the shad rap floats. And I also know that suspending jerkbaits are great winter baits as well. So by putting two and two together, it makes sence to me to use a suspending glass shad rap. Has anyone had any experience throwing these two baits in the winter, when the water is still very cold (30's, 40's), which one produces better?

Thanks for any help!

[rrw4258]

If you are interested in a suspending shad rap, try the Shad Rap RS... it is a plastic, suspending version of the original shad rap.

http://www.landbigfish.com/showcase.cfm?PID=326

Ryan

[carolina-rig-01]

A lipless crankbait is an awesome early spring crankbait when you yo yo it on a slow retrieve.

And Wiggle Warts are some of the best cold water crankbaits ever. Fish it around shallow chunk rock and let the bait bang into the bottom on the retrieve. Crawdad colors work best around here.

[Jrob78]

I would think about adding some weight to suspending jerkbaits to actually get them to slowly sink. I think that works better than just suspending in really cold water. I agree with Kory also, lipless cranks are killer in the spring.

[walkeraviator]

Do glass shad raps or the RS have rattles? Because part of the shad rap's effectiveness is it's silent approach

[BigBassin144]

Never had much experience with the shap raps. But a couple of my early spring cranks are the original Storm Wiggle Wart and the Bomber Fat Free Shad in various depths.

I'd also suggesting getting a suspending jerkbaits. The Smithwick Rattling Suspending Rogue is probably my favorite for around $5. The Rapala Husky Jerk is good too, although a bit more expensive. And of course, the LC Pointers.

BB

[walkeraviator]

Oh forgot... try teh X-Rap shad too... they suspend. Few years ago at KY lake, had good luck on the No. 8 X-Rap shad in Clown when my usual firetiger wiggle wart was lettin me down.

[MIbasser]

Traps and jerk baits work great once the season is open....

Keep in mind you are now in the north, where we have fishing seasons. I would make sure you look at the regulations on open season, catch and release season and bag limits.

http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/seasons/bass.htm

[keithdog]

If you have this years Cabelas 2011 fishing catalog, look on page 122, or go on line and take a look at the Cabelas Shad Rap lures. Called Rad Shads, they have both sinking and suspending versions. And they are less expensive than the Rapalas. I've got a few Cabelas cranks and they seem to be well made.

[unbiased14]

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

Do glass shad raps or the RS have rattles? Because part of the shad rap's effectiveness is it's silent approach

the glass shad rap does, But I don't know for sure about the RS. I think I remember in a product description that it does, but i'm not entirely sure so I can't say anything about that.

[bassboogieman]

I'm happy to find out you do not store your crankbaits in the freezer.....

[carolina-rig-01]

Originally Posted by bassboogieman

i'm happy to find out you do not store your crankbaits in the freezer.....:d

hahahahaha!

[mrmuskie5]

Originally Posted by carolina-rig-01

A lipless crankbait is an awesome early spring crankbait when you yo yo it on a slow retrieve.

And Wiggle Warts are some of the best cold water crankbaits ever. Fish it around shallow chunk rock and let the bait bang into the bottom on the retrieve. Crawdad colors work best around here.

+1 took the words out of my mouth lol

[Bassboss]

Thanks, I'll make sure to get some of them wiggle warts, tackle shops got 'em pretty cheap, so I'll grab two or three for their.

[skeeterbite]

I am a strong believer in the shad rap and choose it over the other baits however it depends on location and depth. Like some of the other post i am a fan of the wiggle wart as well

[Tavery5]

Red Eye Shad, Wiggle Warts, Suspending Jerkbaits and flat sided cranks