Got a trip planned for the week of April 14. Taking lots of soft baits (worms, lizards, creatures, swimbaits, etc.). Just wondering what crankbaits might work best. Colors, depth ranges and brands would really help lots.

Strike King Pro-Model Crankbait - Series 5 - 5/8 oz. - Green Gizzard Shad

Should be a catching bonaza with a few good ones mixed in.

Anyone know the current water temp? Its been the same post on the TPWD page for several weeks

60-69 deg may find some 70 by end of week

Thanks! I don't have that one among my 200+ collection. I'll get a couple.

I worked really hard to develop a crank bait pattern on scattered grass pods along the shoreline every Spring. Pods in about 3 to 5 ft of water worked best with one about every 5 to 10 yards apart. These will hold spawning fish that are looking for these darker pods that survived the winter months. They have not bloomed yet and are still brown and crusty. These really warm quickly in the sun just like a huge rock. My partner and I would have 4 cranks tied on and usually developed the pattern quickly. All were 1.5 SB.
- Sexy Shad
- Pail Chartreuse green back lots of hologram glitter.
- Very subtle Crayfish pattern - NO bright oranges or reds. The lighter Crayfish colors worked best.
- Chrome with a Black back. Lots of wear on this bait with most of the Chrome worn off down to the Bone Color on the sides. Norman Little N Crank for this.

Thanks Donald. You're saying the KVD HC shallow 1.5 that dives 3 feet, or the silent 1.5 that dives 3 to 6? Appreciate your help!

Back in the late 80's, fished a club tournament way up the Rio Grande. Caught loads of dinks and a small limit, up to about 4 lbs. on a strawberry glitter chicken foot. If you know what that is, you're a wise old basser!

I saw 74 degrees on Saturday afternoon. Started the day at 66.

We sure did!! I still have a plastic box with some in it of several colors including the Strawberry.

I use the silent running crank baits. The one that runs 6 ft. will be OK. You can control its' depth with the height of the rod tip. The strikes are going to be viscous; so no need to set the hook much. Just lift and slide them to the net.

Are they still spawning, or are they post spawn now?

Almost done..

Hopefully they stay on beds till friday then

I was there this weekend and there are still plenty of beds with fish on them.