Some magazine story titles just reach out and grab the readers attention. Holding that focus is yet another matter. Picking the five top walleye crankbaits of all time is a very difficult list of lures to justify. No less than two dozen crankbaits deserve mention as both dependable and capable walleye producers. Shaving that list down from 24 to five top picks is like going fishing and leaving half your family at the dock.
Crankbaits are one of those fishing lures that rise and sometimes fall from fame quickly. The few crankbaits that do stand the test of time are unique in a number of ways.
Each of these lures brings to the table exceptional action that routinely triggers strikes from toothy walleye. A walleye crankbait must also have a shape that closely mimics common baitfish. The best walleye crankbaits achieve a depth range that's consistent with walleye haunts. Also a top five walleye crankbait must be versatile enough to be useful in both casting and trolling applications.
ACTION, SHAPE, DEPTH & VERSATILITY
Most of the top walleye crankbaits have tight actions. Wide lipped baits with correspondingly wide wobbles don't trip the trigger of walleye as often as more narrow lipped baits that produce a refined subtle action.
The shape of a crankbait plays not only a role in lure action, but also how fish react to the sight of the lure. Lures that closely mimic common baitfish are near the top of any walleye crankbait list. Shad and more slender minnow profiles rank right at the top of list when picking walleye crankbaits.
The most common depth walleye are taken at ranges from 10-20 feet. Not surprisingly the top walleye crankbaits are lures that can achieve these depth ranges.
Some crankbaits are more versatile than others. Lures that rank as good trolling baits may be too light for practical casting applications. To be ranked as a top five walleye crankbait, a lure should be capable of both serious trolling and casting applications.
THE NO. 7 RAPALA SHAD RAP
The No. 7 Shad Rap has it all. Action, profile, depth range and versatility. Despite all the other similar looking shad baits on the market, nothing has ever equaled the walleye catching ability of the No. 7 Shad Rap. The smaller No. 5 and the larger No. 8 have their moments as well, but the middle of the road No. 7 does the best job of matching the hatch.
THE REEF RUNNER 800 SERIES
The deepest diving of the Reef Runner lures, this minnow bait ranks high on the top five list for a number of reasons. The subtle action that stems from the long, narrow lip and banana shaped body has been copied, but not duplicated. Because this lure dives a little deeper than other similar baits, it is very useful in both trolling and casting applications. The other huge advantage of the 800 series are the unique and often amazingly effective color patterns that Reef Runner continues to pioneer. When lures with good actions and shapes are offered in productive color patterns, there is simply no limit to how many fish they can catch.
STORM ORIGINAL HOT N TOT
The Storm Hot n Tot is the exception to the rule when it comes to walleye crankbaits. This metal lipped lure has a more aggressive action than just about any other crankbait. The Hot n Tot stands on it's nose and wobbles violently. The violent action and flash created by this bait simply drives walleye wild when the water temperatures are warm. If the Hot n Tot has a failing, it doesn't produce as well in cold water.
On a more positive note, the Hot n Tot can be easily tuned without tools making it one of the most user friendly crankbaits of all time. The 1/4 ounce size is the most popular size and a top walleye producer.
REBEL D20 SPOONBILL
This walleye classic has been passed over in recent years for lures with a more modern flare. The straight minnow body and inserted lip of the Spoonbill started a diving minnow bait craze that has lasted more than three decades. Today a number of baits closely mimic the Spoonbill and some almost equal the walleye catching powers of this classic. Available in both a smaller size 10 and a larger size 30, the 20 is the just right size for walleye fishing.
SALMO HORNET
Almost all the lures in this top five list have been around a very long time. The Salmo Hornet is the new kid on the block.
What makes the Hornet a stand out crankbait is a combination of action and overwhelming quality. All crankbait manufacturers strive to make every lures to the highest standards of size, shape, weight and finish. No other crankbait can match the quality control standards of the Hornet. Each and every lure is a mirror image of the next.
This means that when one Hornet is catching fish, you can buy another one and duplicate the same fish catching powers. This rarely happens with other crankbaits because the lure to lure quality control doesn't compare to Salmo lures. The handmade old world quality of the Hornet is amazing. What's even more amazing is they don't cost a fortune.
HONORABLE MENTION
The top five walleye picks listed above are without question classics deserving of space in any tackle box. This doesn't mean that other lures aren't also worth owning and using. A number of honorable mentions simply scream out as great second string candidates.
The Rapala Deep Husky Jerk, Dave's Lures Nitro Shiner, Cotton Cordell Wally Diver, Bomber 6A, Berkley Flicker Shad, Reef Runner Rip Shad 400 series and Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow series are all outstanding walleye lures that won't disappoint.
The listing laid out here may or may not match your own personal favorites, but they have earned their reputations the old fashioned way. The popularity of crankbaits is often regionalized, but in the big picture each lure in this top five listing is a national favorite. Each has carved out a special niche in the world of walleye fishing.
Crankbaits are one of those fishing lures that rise and sometimes fall from fame quickly. The few crankbaits that do stand the test of time are unique in a number of ways.
ever equaled the walleye catching ability of the No. 7 Shad Rap. The smaller No. 5 and the larger No. 8 have their moments as well, but the middle of the road No. 7 does the best job of matching the hatch.
