HELP-Cranking!

[aikenyounggun]

Ok, heres the situation: I want to be well rounded by the time i hit college and really start fishing BFLs and whatever else as a boater. I have 2 1/2 years before i get there, but i want to really know every bait well and have confidence in it. I have been fishing since i was young, but i have only really developed confidence in soft plastics and jigs. The one cranking thing i have down is lipless/rattle-traps. But i want to learn how to gain confidence in CRANKING. I want to bug you guys for some general info on how to do this.

So, lets go basic: What should i be lookin for this time of the year? What general colors always work for you (no need to tell secrets)? What depths should i be throwing? Any other things? Line?

I have a lot of crankbaits cause my dads boat, but i also plan on buying some? whats the best bang for the buck? i have an academy gift card.

Any other hints will be much apreciated. I pond fish couple times a week and fish the lakes around here maybe twice a month. So any hints, ideas, or any basic knowledge will help.

Thanks in advance, God Bless.