Success with deep diving crankbaits can truly be a feast or famine experience. Knowing the type of crankbaits to throw is probably the easiest part of the equation. Deep divers such as Mann's 20 and 30 Plus, Norman's DD-22,Lure Jensen's Hot Lips, Rapala's Down Deep and Poe's 400 will pretty much complete your arsenal when if comes to offering different profiles and wobbles in these deep runners. It is imperative to use the proper rod and reel when throwing these bottom plowing lures. A 7 or 7.5 foot rod is a must when throwing these big plugs. These rods allow for a longer cast and make the bait run deeper and enter the strike zone. Many beginning crankers have ask me if their flippin stick will work for deep cranking. The answer is a definite no! A flippin stick is too stiff in the tip  and will cause you to lose more big bass than you can imagine. You need a rod that has a more forgiving tip. This allows the fish to inhale the bait deeper and prevents tearing out the treble hooks when the fish surges at the boat. I have found the Castaway Launcher to be the best all around deep cranking rod on the market. Many of the cranking rods on the market can handle the intermediate depth crankbaits but are inadequate when if comes to pulling the real rooters like the Mann's 30+.The gear ratio is the key to having the proper baitcaster for deep cranking. Most fishermen agree that somewhere between 3.8-1 and 5-1 is the proper ratio. I personally opt for the upper end of the range and use a 4.8-1 or 5-1 ratio. I spool my reels with a premium monofilament and use 10 pound test when the fish are holding the deepest.  If they are at intermediate depths, 12-14 pound line is sufficient.

Many beginner deep-crankers think the above mentioned plugs are seeking bass in the 20+ foot range. This is not the case.Most of the bass I have caught on these baits have been in water from 6-15 feet deep. It is true that many times your boat is positioned in 20-30 foot water depths as you bring your crankbait across the drop.

Finding bass with these deep probers is the most challenging aspect in the art of deep cranking. This challenge is true with any bass fishing technique; however, most shallow water patterns have visible structure to help locate the fish. It literally takes hundreds of hours to become proficient as a deep cranker. With the aid of a topo map and a flasher, the committed cranker must explore numerous humps, bars, channel bends, rock piles and river channel irregularities to locate these untapped schools of bass. It may take years of practice to establish a confident and successful "milk run" of deep cranking holes, but once you have accomplished this the  rewards will come. It is very important to be patient, confident, and methodical once you have establish a good selection of cranking spots. Many times in tournament situations I have fished several spots without a bite only to pull up on another and bust a 20 pound. stringer in 5 casts. That is why I love to throw the big plug. When you do find the fish, the action can be some of the most exciting you will ever experience. I have also had days when I may fish 20 spots and only catch one here and there. But by weigh-in time I have accumulated a hefty bag of fish.

On the TVA impoundments I fish in East Tennessee, the generating schedule can have a tremendous influence on the deep crankbait bite. I have found through experience that the current makes the shad move to the top of the bars and humps, Thus causing the bass to follow and feed. So keep an eye on the current and many times the spots you have already fished unsuccessfully will suddenly become a prime feeding area for big bass.

You will find that deep cranking is most effective when the weather is hot. I have had most of my success from post spawn through September. It depends on what part of the country you fish,but as a general rule this technique is most effective in the summer months.

Hopefully this article has given you some helpful insights into the art of deep cranking.So if you've got the time and you want to experience some real excitement.....CRANK EM UP!

Doug Plemons
Nichols Marine Pro Staff Member