It’s cranking time! Most people don’t know it, but almost every crank bait made will need tuning, sometimes out of the box, sometimes after a fish or a snag, or even just banging it off structure.

Very simply, if the bait is pulling to one side or the other, it’s out of tune. Many manufacturers recommend using some type of a snap or clip to attach your line to the lure, but some also recommend tying directly to the bait. Know how the specific bait you’re using is supposed to be attached.

Put the bait in the water, to the side of the boat, not directly behind the boat, because turbulence from your motor directly behind the prop can cause it to run differently. Put about 5-6 feet of line out and get your rod tip down into the water and observe what the bait is doing,
Watch how the bait pulls…if it pulls to one side or the other, you need to tune it. You tune it by bending the line tie to the opposite side of the pull, or in the direction you want it to run.

VERY slight changes will cause a large change so don’t overdo it. Better to make several small changes than to go too far, and weaken the tie point with back and forth adjustments. Have a good quality, long nose pliers and avoid bending the split ring. If you tie directly to the line tie, avoid scarring or putting any rough edges onto the tie point that could cut your line.

For storing your crank baits, I highly recommend the “Crank Canvas” system, a soft roll type of bag that stores and displays your baits, and is made in the USA! Several different sizes are available and gives you a quick and easy visual choice and the pockets keep your baits secure and the hooks sharp! Check them out at crankcanvas.com and tell them I sent you!

Give Howes Fishing a call at 406-257-5214 or check us out at www.howesfishing.com for awesome guided fishing from the Flathead to Fort Peck!

Mike Howe