I guess I haven't found the right lake in Minnesota for cranks yet. Tried it many times and I also have caught a ton of "slough sharks." I like that term, havent ever heard it before. But I also like to pickle pike, so it isnt a total loss, except when it comes time to clean those slimy snakes.
I like the lindy rig also, good feel.
One other way I love to approach wally's. Lake Audubon in the spring, right after the ice out. Landing #2 is a little bay, and I have a nice spot of shoreline that I like to set up a few rods. It probably is the most enjoyable time I have fishing for wally's. The method we use is again plain hook, tipped with a fathead. Just toss that out as far as Ye can, open the bail, put a shotgun shell on the tip of rod and wait. When you hear a 'plink' you know you are in business. See, the shoreline is all rocks, and when the the fish takes line out, the shotgun shell pops off and hits the groud, hence the 'plink.'
What makes this even better is that you bring firewood, cook as you catch, maybe have a few refreshments, and camp out. One of the best fishing adventures a bunch of friends can ever have.