7' Vs. 7'6'' Vs. 8' Glass Custom Rod For Crankbaits

[MN Bassin' nOOb]

Question for everyone:

I've really gotten into cranking over the past year, and have found that I'm usually cranking about 75-85% of the time when fishing lakes here in MN. Previously, I had a Citica that I ran 1/2 oz lipless cranks with, but also threw on a few KVD 4, 5, and 6 series Sexy Shads on a 7' MH BPS Extreme or a 7' M Vendetta with a BPS PQ.

However, I recently purchased a Daiwa Zillion (6.4.1) and threw it on a 7' MH St. Croix Premier. After looking at another cranking stick, the guys at Thorne Bros. here in MN (custom rod builders) suggested I go for a longer glass rod for better hook set, lure depth, etc. and based on what I've heard & read on here, I agreed.

As such, I'm currently having a custom made 7'10'' M glass rod made (just ordered it today). However, I'm worried about it being too long, or too difficult to throw my 1/2 oz lipless cranks. Based on what I've read, I think it might be great for the deep running 5 or 6 series (15-20 ft) depth, but am worried I won't be able to effectively fish the 1/2 oz lipless cranks in the 8-14 ft range (or even shallower square-billed 1.5 and 2.5).

So short story long here; should I change the order to get a happy medium somewhere in the 7'6'' range, or just keep the 7'10''? Does anyone have any experience with either/both to know if I can run the 8' or is it too specific to the deep divers and is a 7'6'' a happy medium? Some say the longer the better for cranks, but I'm just looking for whatever guidance you can give that would give me the most fishability out of the rod...1 custom rod was expensive enough for me, 2 would be tough to get past the wife.

Thanks guys!

[gobig]

I use glass on my lipped cranks and graphite for lipless. I dont think you will dislike the length. You will be able to cast a country mile. Glass is to soft for my liking when im ripping a lipless through the grass.

[MN Bassin' nOOb]

Really? Man, I thought many guys use glass on lipless cranks...I thought KVD's stick he uses for lipless is glass? Also, I know he's probably in the 7'4'' range on his, but I'm hoping I don't lose anything by being that much longer at 7'10''...

[smalljaw67]

I agree with gobig, I don't like glass as they just have to much weight for me but when it comes to lipless cranks I like a fast action rod, I know I'll lose some fish but the way I use them doesn't allow me to use a rod with a parabolic action. Most of my lipless cranks are getting pulled over weeds and when the bait snags the weeds I rip it free, and it works just like you hear pros say, when the bait pops free that is when a lot of stikes occur, ripping a lipless crank through weeds with a soft rod is incredibly tough at times, that is why I use the fast action rod, I compensate for the action by using a medium powered rod in a lot of cases.

[0119]

Thorne Bros in your area is probably right on for what is best in your area. They are there, we are who knows...everywhere. You'll be thrilled just having a custom rod believe me. Its too long for my liking but I fish nothing like you do. Have some confidence in what the local guys suggested especially from a place like Thorne Bros. who are renowned. As far as it being glass I much prefer it to graphite for cranks and have had no problem with the vegetation here and my waters are more plant that open.

[flechero]

Mostly personal preference but I don't like glass, especially in the longer rods, the weight will show itself and you'll end up cranking less, IMO. You can get a great graphite blank that fishes glassy at much less weight and similar price.

[gobig]

Quality glass blanks are almost as light as graphite now and with a good blance point they will not wear you out like the old days. I throw all of my square bills and med divers on a Lamiglass SR705R. This is by far the best crankbait rod I have used.