Crank baits… trolling early season

[cycleguy]

I use a lot of shad style (Berkley Flicker Shads) baits here in WI on inland lakes. Stick baits, not as often. Before I get into shopping for Husky Jerks or such... anyone have advice on if these have potential? Brand new items I already have, from years ago. For use in early to mid April. I want to be prepared and love trolling, so this will be outside my time enjoying the jig side of it all.

If Reef Runners or Husky Jerks are really that much better… where do you start on sizes?

Storm lures, L to R:
Thunderstick Jr, like 3.5” long.
Thunderstick Jr Deep, 3.5”, plus 1” bill.
Thunderstick Deep, 4.5” plus bill.

[WI Walleye]

Those are all Storm Thundersticks, not Husky Jerks.

I've always used Rapala DHJ12's and RR800's. The Reef Runners seem to be better in the warmer water. I read a lot about Smithwick Perfect 10's early so I've added a collection of those to the arsenal as well.

[cycleguy]

[QUOTE=WI Walleye;51730]Those are all Storm Thundersticks, not Husky Jerks.

I know… had Husky Jerks on my mind when typing it.… trying to get feedback on these as well as that size info, thanks for pointing it out so I could fix!

[BtweenShots]

I had only used dhj10's and had no problem with them, but last year I added some of the 12's because of the custom colors available
over the standard colors in the 10's and I really did not do any better between the two as far as the catch. Maybe it was colors and maybe not. Hell, I been known to make bad choices on the bait a lot lately. I made a purchase of a few Matzuo Kinchou Minnows and
not a taker for sure. I added the Bandit Deep Walleye this year for maybe a better (bigger catch). Oh, by the way open your wallet
if the "CUSTOM" colors suite your needs.

Gene

[Ted]

What about hot n tots or wiggle warts?

[Dr.Ed]

Still use the H182 and H183 a lot off dipsys and downriggers and flat lines and will drag wiggle warts off bottom bouncer sinkers with much success. My favorite bottom lure is the hot tiger Rattle Tot. I run most of the stick baits mentioned in this thread but it is nice to go back to the old tried and true and see that they still work. Newer isn't always better so I keep an open mind....

[ErieEye]

Don't ask me why the pick is upside down. I seam to have that problem a lot on this site.

[wakina]

Don't ask me why the pick is upside down. I seam to have that problem a lot on this site.

I'll help you out!

[Carpn]

For early season perfect 10s are tough to beat. Blue/silver and lemon lime crush were good last yr early and for the fall bite. They've come out with some good looking stock colors this yr. For fishing in Mar april on erie I'd definetly make sure and have a few P10s in the boat

[ErieEye]

Thanks Wakina. I think the problem is a smart phone in dumb hands.