I always bring a couple of crankbaits with me when surf fishing and an even larger selection when float tubing. They don't seem to be as versitile as swimbaits but when the conditions are right they are tough to beat.

Some of the baits I use are Rebel Minnow, Rebel Fastrac, Excalibur Long A (discontinued but the Bomber Long A is close), & Rapala Shad Raps. I have tried Rat-L-Traps but so far no luck. I caught one halibut on a Rebel Wee-Crawfish once. I have had legal halibut hit these lures while they were floating on the surface. There are many out there and most of them will probably work. I usually pick the bait that will run the deepest without dragging the bottom.

Watch the surface/floating plugs because the birds will dive on them.

One drawback to crankbaits is the treble hooks. They don't hold the fish as well and it is quite interesting trying to dislodge three treble hooks from a hot legal halibut from a float tube.