modifying crank bates

[turbo-2nr]

any one have some good info on how to modify a bill to make it not dive as deep?

[Mike Cork]

Depends are what you are doing? And remember that this destroys the bait and will never run like intended again.

1) if you look at some of the older rapala's that were designed to take a large bait and make it run shallow. The front of the bill is turned down. Basically heat up the bill and take the width of a pair of needle nose pliers tip and bend it straight down. Be very careful to keep it straight or it will run very crooked.

2) Shave the lip down and make it smaller with a dremel or sand paper. This is the best way as you can control the change much easier and can make a change that only effects a couple feet at a time until you find what you're looking for. Shaving the sides first will make quick changes but be sure to keep it equal.

[macon123]

I've sanded some bait bills on a table sande, the disc sander part with success simply by being careful to keep things even.  I took off the hooks from the crank before sanding and hand held the lure on the table as I sanded.  All the ones I sanded now run more shallow and are running true.  I also sanded some by not rounding, but making a squarebill and then hitting the corners a tad at a 45 degree angle.  Good Fishing, Mac

[Camden]

How much of a depth change are you wanting? i wouldnt recomend doing alot of major modifications to any crankbaits as it is the action that makes the bait in the first place.
if you are only needing small depth changes I would reccomend you change lines first. different lines will change running depths on cranks.