01-30-2007, 06:11 PM
[#00005b][size 2][#00005b][size 2]Tuning crankbaits is a tricky business. It takes patience and practice to determine the ideal action for each lure. Regardless of being new or right out of the box, most brands and models of crankbaits need a little fine tuning to get the most action from each lure.
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[#00005b][size 2]Crankbaits run best when attached to the line using a small fast lock snap. Make sure the snap used doesn't include a swivel and be sure the snap is rounded in shape so the lure has a free range of movement.
[/size][/#00005b] [#00005b][size 2]A polamar knot is the best way to attach a snap to monofilament fishing line. The strongest knot available and easy to tie, consult any package of fishing line for instructions on how to tie the polamar knot.
If your crankbait runs to one side or the other, check the hook hangers. If the belly hanger or tail hanger is bent to either side, straighten it out. If the split ring is bent or jammed, replace it.
If the bait still runs to one side, use a pair of needle nose pliers and bend the line tie eye toward the side it is running to. Bend it very slightly with light pressure and then test it. It usually does not take much to correct this problem. Look for damage to the bill of the crankbait. If it is damaged on either side, you may be able to take a file and even out the sides of the lip and make it run correctly. Experimenting with and changing out the factory-installed hooks is a great way to add subtle improvements to the action of the crankbait. One rule of thumb is the larger the bait and wider the wobble, the broader range for experimentation. Conversely, the smaller, more precise engineered baits have fewer hook options. Just because the bait is packaged with a particular hook doesn’t mean it is the absolute best hook for you or your style of fishing. This also the same with spinner baits and blades but thats a different story for another day . [/size][/#00005b][/size][/#00005b]
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[#00005b][size 2]Crankbaits run best when attached to the line using a small fast lock snap. Make sure the snap used doesn't include a swivel and be sure the snap is rounded in shape so the lure has a free range of movement.
[/size][/#00005b] [#00005b][size 2]A polamar knot is the best way to attach a snap to monofilament fishing line. The strongest knot available and easy to tie, consult any package of fishing line for instructions on how to tie the polamar knot.
If your crankbait runs to one side or the other, check the hook hangers. If the belly hanger or tail hanger is bent to either side, straighten it out. If the split ring is bent or jammed, replace it.
If the bait still runs to one side, use a pair of needle nose pliers and bend the line tie eye toward the side it is running to. Bend it very slightly with light pressure and then test it. It usually does not take much to correct this problem. Look for damage to the bill of the crankbait. If it is damaged on either side, you may be able to take a file and even out the sides of the lip and make it run correctly. Experimenting with and changing out the factory-installed hooks is a great way to add subtle improvements to the action of the crankbait. One rule of thumb is the larger the bait and wider the wobble, the broader range for experimentation. Conversely, the smaller, more precise engineered baits have fewer hook options. Just because the bait is packaged with a particular hook doesn’t mean it is the absolute best hook for you or your style of fishing. This also the same with spinner baits and blades but thats a different story for another day . [/size][/#00005b][/size][/#00005b]
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