Cranks are not like soft plastic worms. It’s hard to name a general favorite make and color.
As far as a general favorite make goes, I like the Rapala DT original series. This includes the DT-4 to the DT-20 metal. I catch more fish (bass and multi species) on these moderate wobbling subtle-to-silent rattling cranks than any other crank out there. In pressured bodies of water these will get bit while the hard plastic brethren will get ignored. I like the DT series in bluegill however some models, such as the DT-20 do not come in that color. For the DT-20 I like Crawdad. It’s a good sunfish and/or crayfish color. Pike like them in Rapala’s Firetiger regardless of the water clarity.
If I had to choose a favorite of the DT-original series? It’s be the DT-14 simply because of the versatility of that diving depth. I fish cranks primary during the summer months in northern Midwestern lakes and reservoirs.
Lipless cranks? I know what I DON’T like but do not know enough about what I DO like to have a favorite. I DO NOT like any lipless crank that is nose-heavy and rockets to the bottom on the pause. I prefer a belly-weighted lipless crank that wobble belly-down or flutters on the pasue. I like a rip and pause retrieve in and around aquatic vegetation. I like the Strike King Red eye Shad in Bluegill but am trying others of similar characteristics as well.
My favorite post-spawn highland clear water reservoir cankbait? I really like to bring the Rapala DT Flats through the flooded timber on Beaver lake if the water level is up. Other coffin bill tight wobblers works as well. If the water level is down I stay on topwaters.
Hope this helps!
