Any suggestions on suspending crank baits? The brand I've used for 5 years is no longer manufactured, Any suggestions greatly appreciated

Norman suspending versions of the DLN and D22
Harder to find, but still available

These work pretty well in the cold water.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Bomber_Flat_A_Crankbaits_3_8oz/descpage-BFA.html

Rapala makes quite a few. Suspending and count down models.

Shad Rap

I tried a lot of others, so I just made some myself. Hard to do, but well worth it when the fish are not biting anything else LOTS of trial and error, But I finally got some to suspend pretty well. Fish seem to love them. Or HATE them. Some bites are just there and some fish attacK them. wish I could be more specific, but it is an individual lore thing. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

How did you make them?

Easiest way is to buy Storm suspending strips/dots. You then add them to the belly of the bait(usually near the front hook so it stays nose down) until it suspends how you want it too. You can also try wrapping lead core tape around the hook shanks. Or going up in size on your hooks. Sometimes it just takes 1/4 to 1/2oz of weight to make the bait suspend or even sink. Fill your sink with water and have at it! Keep in mind flouro will help keep it down too.

Some good methods mentioned already but I'll add some I used for Shad Raps.

Upsize the hooks on a Shad Rap - this can help slow the float. I believe SR-5s have a size 8 hook and you can upgrade to a size 6 without them handcuffing together.

Add a slit-ring to the front hook hanger - I don't mean adding a split ring so your front hook is attached by a chain of split rings but just adding another split ring next to the one holding the hook.

Drill a hold in the chin of the bait and insert the desired amount of a nail weight - Iaconelli has a good video where he drills a hold and inserts a section of nail weight then seals the bait with epoxy. If you find the video and watch it, keep your volume down when he tank tests it because he starts screaming.

For the bigger cranks, I drilled a whole in them and added BBs untilI got the right fit. Then I painted them while fixing the while. Not hard, but takes a while to do it. Getting theh balance just right. II got past adding suspend strips and dots. They work pretty good, until they spring a leak and then you need to fix them or throw them away. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keeps afe and good luck.

Thad Raains

YIou can also put a weight in front of the crank, on the line tie and use that method. Not quite as accurate as the other method, but a while lot easier.

Thad Rains

love the storm suspending dots idea , thanks every one for the help

Carolina rig a floater. Use a jig as your carolina rig weight.