Crank lure rod

a rod 6’6″ to 7’6″ works very well makes longer casts so the lure can get to it’s max depth
a rod made of a graphite /fiberglass composite has a slower tip (bends farther down the rod with no loss of power)
so the fish has a better chance of getting hooked and less of a chance of tearing hooks loose (the rod is more forgiving of head shakes)
that is the general heads up of a crankbait rod

Interesting you should ask that Drew…one of my goals this year is to increase my use of crankbaits as part of my fishing/guiding arsenal.

Not every rod in your rod locker is going to be good for catching fish with the crankbait. I believe a good crankbait rod should have a relatively slow (moderate) action. In other words, the rod should start to bend down about half way down when moderate pressure is applied to the top section. Fast action means that just the top third will bend with the same pressure.

Slower rods will help cast the lure further and help keep from tearing out the hooks when you catch a strong fish or when your fish turns and runs hard near the boat. As Rod-Man said, the slower action will also give the bass a little more time to inhale the bait before you set the hook, ensuring that you don’t rip the bait away from the fish before it gets the hook.

If you don’t have a cranking rod, select a medium action rod that will have enough power to cast the big-lipped lures and handle bass. Avoid a very stiff rod and don’t use one that is too wimpy either, because you will need to get a good hookset on fish that may be far from the boat and a rod that has no backbone won’t get the job done for you.

Many companies have crankbait specific rods…and most are baitcasters. I like longer(7’0 to 8’0) rods for longer casts, accuracy, and greater leverage.

My Favs;

St. Croix… TBC 78MHM or TBC 72MM ($250)

Dobyns…… 764 CB or 765 CB ($249)

Rick Clunn (Wright McGill) 7.0 Squarebill or 7.8 Deep Cranker ($109)

Shimano, Loomis, Fenwick also make nice rods

Another rod specifically made for cranking that is good is the quantum KVD cranking rod.

St Croix Mojo Crankbait MM74 is a fantastic rod if you can get one. Hard to get but well worth the wait if you do.

Thanks for the info. Drew

For crank rods, it depends on the presentation tactic and crank size really. General rule is medium lite and at least 6’6″, but I always go longer and with heavy instead of light. Longer rods allow for longer casts and also more forgiveness on hooksets. you don’t need to set the hook as hard and the fish has more to contend with fighting in the rod so landing fish is easier too. The best all around (small to big cranks) rod I would suggest to you is a custom rod from Thorne Bros.

You can have the exact rod made if you want as they have it saved in a profile folder, but here it what it is:

7’2″ Rainshadow GCB710MH (longer rod needs medium heavy)
I have this paired with Quantum E100H PT to pick up line fast

This setup allows for really long casts and all retrieves from rapid straight to jerk baits.

If you call or go to Thorne Bros, ask for Lonnie. He is the man when it comes to building rods. If you tell him what you are wanting to do with it, type of fish, type of reel, etc., he can build you a rod to match your needs and budget. Not all custom rods are expensive, just an FYI.

Hope it helps.

Michael Walters
http://www.team503.com