Braided line with a crankbait?

[896J]

Does anyone know if 20-pound braid will allow a deep diving crankbait to dive as deep as 10-pound mono or flourocarbon. I want less stretch on hookset, but I need to get deep diving crankbait to dive pretty deep.

[SkeeterZXR21SHO]

You may want to be careful about the no stretch braid. You may rip the hooks right out of their mouths.

[Sacto John]

If you are using a Composit or Glass rod than you should be ok, but I would not be comfortable with a graphite rod and braid.

[Ouachita]

I believe I've had a few too many crankbaits shaken off using a non-stretch line, especially braid. Fluorocarbon is better, sinking easier, getting more depth than braid. Maybe braid is so unforgiving it adds leverage to a lure that already offers leverage to be slung out of the bass' mouth. I haven't found any rod that will add forgiveness back in on a long cast. A glass rod and fluorocarbon would be a good match-up for depth and holding ability. Graphite plus mono works well together for crankbaits. It's going to end up being a personal thing for you most likely, as I've sure seen a lot of different combinations that somehow work for others.

Jim

[JeremyL]

Just use a good 10lb floro or copo like silverthread an40 or yozri hybrid.

[896J]

I'm not worried about loosing fish. I know that part. Does anyone know if crankbait on 20# braid will dive as deep as 10# mono?

[SkeeterZXR21SHO]

I did a google search on braided line verses mono and found this on a website. Here is what he found not about depth of the crank but the action.

"A wide wobbling, diving crankbait fished on stretchless piano wire-type line will noticeably loose some of its "bass appeal" because it will look like its being dragged through the water, rather than swimming."

I also found this on Wisconsin national Resources Magazine

ROD, REEL AND LINE: A baitcasting or spinning reel paired with a medium action rod are good choices when crankbaiting. A rod with a very slow tip will enhance your hook-up percentage and help land more fish. Six- to 10-pound test monofilament line allows your lure to achieve its maximum depth on the retrieve. Heavier lines may be needed if you’re fishing around rocks that cause line frays. Keep in mind that heavier line reduces a crankbait’s running depth.

I know it is talking about mono but as you go up in strengh in mon you loose depth. I would bet the case would be the same with braided line.

[11pounder]

Look at the diameter on the spool,if it is the same diameter as mono they will run close to the same depth. the problem with braid and running depth is that it wants to float and on a long cast the braid will try to float and pull the lure upward.

[896J]

I was wondering about the floating, that's one of the reasons I like braid with frogs. One of the problems I've had with the DD22s and CB20s is that when I set the hook with 10# mono, it streches and the hooks don't penetrate well on bigger fish with tougher mouths. But I use those baits when the fish are deep, so I don't want to loose depth on my retrieve....

[swilliams]

I have had the same problem when fishing the bigger cranks on light line.

I have switched to light wire Daiichis (rated for 10lb test) for the belly hook and don't have that problem anymore. Also, the vmc's David Fritts is pushing right now have done well for me. The ones with the wide gap that look funny. I have these on the back hook of all my deep diving cranks and can attest to increase landing ratios. Plus they penetrate easy.

As far as line goes, I am a fan of 10lb or 12lb fluoro for deep cranking and occasionally 8lb. I like to keep my line diameter around .010 or .011 for going deep. If the fish get deeper than I can hit with that, it is time to change baits for me.

[Sacto John]

I crank a lot, especialy in the winter, and for my DD-22s I use 10lb Floro and a 7 foot medium action glass composit rod. I replace all my hook with priemium hooks. I almost never "set" on crank fish more of a suttle lifting on the rod when I get bit.

[Ouachita]

20# braid will roughly have a diameter of 8# mono, so the lure will dive the same depth if not a little deeper. I disagree braid "floats" unless it's a specially coated fly line. It just isn't dense so takes longer to sink. Braid is easier kept in a straight line between you and the lure due to no stretch, while mono bows. I believe mono allows a lot better crankbait action due to its stretch. Braid kills the action of many crankbaits because it won't forgive. It just tows a lure, while mono lets it swing side to side.

Jim