This is a subject dear to my heart as well, living on Kentucky Lake and fishing ledges in the summer, you better be proficient with a crankbait, but they also play a huge role in shallow water early fishing as well. One of the very best crankbaits to fish in March/April is the Rapala SR7 Shad Rap in Crawdad color. Fish this bait on 8 to 10 pound line/6'6" rod on the Northen side of bays in 4 to 8 feet of water over rock, and it is deadly. Also during this same time, I would have a rod rigged with a lipless crankbait such as a Xcalibur Rattle Bait in a Chome/Black Back fishing the same type of structure. If the water is real cold and clear, I will fish a Xcaibur Xs4 Stickbait in sour grape or pearl shad color in 8 to 15 feet of water with a jerk, jerk, pause retreive. After the spawn and fish begin to move onto points and ledges, thats when we pull out the mack daddy's. Norman DD22's, Strike King Series 6's,Rapala DT 16's just to name a few. Colors, Hot Mustard, Chart/Blue and my favorite, Mountain Dew. We fish these on 7' rods with 6-8 pound Seaguar Flurocarbon line. I feel flurocarbon allows me to fish deeper due to the sinking nature of flurocarbon line and it is completely invisible under water with is another plus. My bet advice on crankbait fishing, start shallow and work your way to fishing deep. Fish medium running crankbaits in natural colors around riprap, chunk rock and shallow points and gain confidence in fishing the bait. Try different brands, shapes, colors until you find what works on your home body of water and gain confidence in using crankbaits. Then start moving out to deeper water and bigger baits and experiement there until you find the combination that works. Email with any specific questions and I hope this helps!

Ks. Do you guide over there? My bass club is talking about doing a club trip on Ky Lake. I'd love to go out on the lake with someone who knows the waters. Thanks for crankbait advice. Carl

Carl, just give me the date and I will see if it fits with my schedule and will be more than happy to take you out on the lake.

Carl,

Glad the info helped. On a side note, that would be great if you and Kevin can get out on the water for a day.

Kevin,

A little off topic, but did you see Ultimate Match Fishing where Kelly Jordon was fishing that big salmon spoon on Kentucky lake?

Brendan, yes I saw that and was totally shocked-I have used jigging spoons a great deal but not fluted salmon spoons-I'll bet ya I try it though-I have a few, but have forgotten why I have them? Johnnie
My Brother Ron, has done this before with some success. I just was too stubborn to try it.

I've been trying to locate them... if anyone knows where to get them, please post!

Saw it and Kelly Jordan actually gave me a couple. They worked for me just like they did for him on TV. The are not the end all of lures, but at the right time and place, they are AWESOME!!
We used them in July and August on ledges and caught some outstanding fish. What suprised me the most was the quality of fish we caught with them. If you want some, give me a shout and I can hook you up. The invitation is open, if anyone wants to come to beautiful Ky Lake.