Carlos wrote:
Chris, the only think I can offer is, to check your bait as often as you
check your line. I am forever coating my wood crankbaits with clear
fingernail polish to keep them sealed. As soon as I detect it I lay
them on the deck in a corner to dry and seal them when I get a chance.
If they can soak up any water, balsa baits will come apart.

I also do a seal job on the hook eyes with super glue when brand new.
It's the only way to get them to last.

Carlos
Thanks for the input guys, I guess if I really sat down and thought
about it, as much as I throw them, and as harsh as zebra mussels and
rocks are on them, maybe I am getting optimal use. With that said,
Carlos, you are right on, I have to retie about every 10th cast. I have
lost 3 or 4 crankbaits to fish when I set the hook the line breaks from
me not retying. I guess it really hit me because I have lost 6 DT
crankbaits in the last week (including tonight).

Hopefully they go on sale soon :-)! Then again, restocking my box over
the winter will probably cost me over $100 for just crankbaits :-).

Also, John, I have some #13 black/silver rapalas that I bought when i
was 13 living in San Diego. Still have them, and use them today, only
thing I have had to change is the hooks. Twitching those things on top
just never gets old :-).

Chris