Murphy’s preferred cranking gear:

– 7- to 8-foot, medium-heavy- to heavy-action rod

– 5:1 or 6:3:1 reel filled with plenty of line

– 10-pound fluorocarbon (water deeper than 15 feet)

– 12- to 15-pound fluorocarbon (water less than 15 feet deep)

– Crankbaits: Rapala DT series 14, 16; Mann’s Depth Plus 15 or Depth Plus 20; Norman DD 22

– Fishing stained to medium: Murphy prefers a Norman that has a little tighter wobble.

– Fishing stained water: Murphy prefers using something with a wider wobble and some rattles such as a Mann’s 15 or 20 plus.

– Gin clear water: Murphy prefers using the Rapala DT series with no rattles.

– Biggest crankbait bass: 8 pounds, Kentucky Lake on a Norman DD 22