Crankbait Rod

[NathanH]

I'm in the market for a crankbait rod. I plan on using it for tossing cranks that are around 3/8 to 3/4oz so a litte bigger baits with more a lip. Any help on a pole suggestion would be great. I know I want a 7ft pole. I'm a little shy of a Medium power pole as I want some backbone. Any thoughts Would like to keep it under 150 dollars.

[locomoto]

Well not quite under $150 but you may be able to find a deal on a St. Croix AVC70MHM. MSRP is $180.
http://www.stcroixrods.com/product/avid-series-casting

[NathanH]

Thanks Loco. Thing is that rod tops out at 1 oz I wont toss too much over 9/16 I think the 3/8 to 1/2 is where most of my baits will be with a diving lip. Seems like too much rod being I will be on the very low end of the weight guidelines. Is it too much rod?

I also dont see a point in paying 180 for a crankbait pole. Is blank quality going to be that big of a diffrence from a premier or mojo bass for a 100 or 120 for the same rode guide lines just "lesser" blank quality? I could see the point if it was a jigging rod and sensativity was very important.

I just dont know so anyone who has feed back on these questions and the orginal please chip in your two cents its needed

[locomoto]

My goto cranking rod is a Legend Tournament 70MM. That rod is also available in the Premier line up for $120.
http://www.stcroixrods.com/product/premier-casting
The nice thing about cranking rods is that they load up through a longer part of the rod which aids in casting and puts less stress on the tip. As you know fish that hit cranks are substantially more aggressive than those that need to be finessed with a jig. The moderate action also takes care of that violent strike. I agree with what you are saying that a jig stick ought to be more sensitive than a crank rod but I think they are sensitive in different ways.

Good Luck

[walleyedmike]

I'm assuming that you're using baitcasting gear. I use a Shimano Compre 7' Medium Crankbait rod, it has a nice soft action, I can throw smaller cranks with it, but it still has plenty of backbone. $109.99 last I looked.

[Hawker]

AllStar "ASTCB45CB"! 7 FT, Moderate/Medium, 3/8 - 3/4 oz, 8-17 lb line! This is "one sweet rod", I was impressed beyond belief!! Can't beat it for a $70 rod, fishes like one twice the price! Academy is now the "exclusive" retailer for AllStar rods now! (http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...-1?N=101394130)

[1625rebel]

I'd go with a St Croix Triumph, 6'6" or 7', Medium power. That will be half or less than the price of an Avid (which I use for many applications). If you're rough on your gear, get an Avid as it has a lifetime warranty. Both rods will be good for casting and trolling, where the Avid will telescope much more of the lure action and make it easier to detect weed fouling.

A MH rod is too much IMO. You'd really be cutting your distance with the lighter lures.

[Chode2235]

I use the eyecon bouncer rod as my crankbait rod. Its the same blank as their Premiere and Mojo rods.

Its a 7 ft MH medium action rod. Its nice and sensitive as it is graphite, but has a nice action to it which is good for cranks.

I use it for throwing bass/pike cranks (lots of DT 16s etc), but also really like it as a bottom bouncer or long line trolling rod too. I have a low speed curado reel on it (5:1).

Its probably my favorite rod.

[NathanH]

Thanks for all the great replys keep them coming. I need to head to the store and get a feel for a few of these rods. I like the idea of the 1/4 to 3/4 lure range vs a cap at 5/8. Its nice to have a little room on the top end.

Triumph 7ft Med is in the running love the 1/4 to 3/4 range. Love the price. Worried about the fast action.

St Croix Mojo Cranking stick in that 1/4 to 3/4 oz range but is Glass and I dont have much expericance there. Action is Moderate so thats a plus

Cabelas Tourny Trail 7ft MH 1/4 TO 3/4 oz Moderate Fast Action. On paper this seems like on the be best options.

I will also be looking at the Premier and Avid casting rods.

I know I will toss enough a number 5/8 and 1/2 oz lures and the 5/8 max on a number of these rods makes me nervous. I have seen a rod or two over load and snap.

[Brad Adrian]

Another vote for the St Criox premiers. I have the 6'6" medium and the 7' MH,which is powerful enough for Rapala DT-16's and Strike Kind 6XD's. When it comes to crank baits, I thinks the diving lip of the bait is more of a concern then the weight of the bait. The premiers are well within your budget.