Joe,

The simple answer is yes. It helps if you have a fast tip rod. Some guys
use fiberglass rods for crankbaiting. I've purchased one and to be real
honest with you I'm not sure there's much difference. The trick is not to
jerk it away from them or to tear it out of their mouths. I think the theory
behind the fast tip is that it is a little more forgiving on the hook end of
the line. Thus less likely to pull the bait out of the mouth while still
providing an extra bit of hook setting effort to compliment the smack you
feel at the hit. I don't set the hook on a crankbait for instance the same
way I do on soft plastics where I really rare back and let er go. A short
snap of the rod is usually good enough IMHO. I almost always fish cranks
with the tip down to help facilitate that quick little snap when I set the
hook.

Like other lures, fish hit crankbaits differently depending on their
mood. When not agressive often bass with get up behind the bait, open thier
mouths and the vaccumm sp? produced will just suck it into the mouth and
you'll barely know it. So sometimes when you are retreiving and you don't
feel that wobble test the line for weight and then set the hook.

Good luck, this newsgroup is one of the best online as far as I've
concerned and I've bass fished for nearly 35 years now. Lots of great guys
with tons of knowledge . . . except for that guy . . . what's his name ...
Joe hooobenrooch or something like that from Secret Weapon spinnerbaits. Has
a partner named Bob who's a real trouble maker too g But other than that
you'll enjoy this bunch.

mike v.
p.s. here's a little tourney trick I learned years ago and when you see it
in the water you'll appreciate it's attracting ability. Buy a small pack of
tiny little plastic grubs (white or yellow). Like the kind used for
panfish, as small as you can get. stick it on the rear hook of the rear
treble hook. Drop it in the water and when you pull your bait that hook
naturally flares back and it looks like a small minnow is chasing your
crank. Drives em nuts. Remember to keep it very small or it will screw up
the action on your bait. Also rig it curl down. tight lines good fishin.
--
God Bless America

Josh The Bad Bear