All Purpose Cranking Rod???

[ww2farmer]

Space is limited in my little boat, and it's getting a bit rediculous of how many specialized rods I have. Earlier I had a brain cramp and deciede I needed to add 2 crankbait rods to my arsenal, one for square bills/shallow cranks, and one for smaller mid depth cranks like SK 3xd's, Little John MD's etc....to go along with the deep cranking rod I already have, a St Croix LTB 7'10" H/Mod. "magum cranker". But now, I have not bought anything yet, think I need to go the other way and have one rod that is more for general cranking than all these specialized rods.

I tend to use SK 5xd's, and Spro Fat Poppa's more than any other deep cranks, and they are on the lower end of the LTB's rating. I occasionaly use 6xd's and Little John DD's. But not as often as the other two.

Am I an idiot (shut up Noel) for thinking, insted of having 3 cranking rods all for specific presentations, to have one that will handle the meat of what I use (1.5/2.5 squarebills, 1/2 oz redeye shads, and 5xd's), that can toss the smaller cranks better than the LTB I have, but also use it for the bigger cranks like the 6xd when I go that way. Does such a rod even exist? I am kind of a St croix guy and would like to stay that way. The 7'4" Mojo glass rod has me interested as an all purpose rod., and I think it will handle my most used baits just fine, has any one ever used that rod for bigger baits like the 6xd, and how was it ? That Mojo is only rated to 3/4's oz, and the 6xd's are a 1 oz. bait. Going from a LTB to a Mojo wouldn't bother me, but maybe the switch from graphite to glass is what would. I do crank with braid, and when I have switched from deep cranking with the LTB to squarebilling with a cheap Lightning rod shock in the same day, it honestly has not botherd me at all..........except for the fact I paid $250 for a cranking rod that is so limited in what I can do with it, LOL.

I have tried making that LTB work for other baits, but I just can't, and I don't want a rod that only does one thing (it is a dream with those deep cranks tho) due to my space/storage issues. Not to mention I am a non-boater often and am starting to get dirty looks, and snide comments from my boaters when I bring more rods than they do.

[kickerfish1]

What is your budget for the rod?

I have a dobyns 705 CB glass fast action and love it for general cranking and sort of a do it all reaction bait rod. It is even good for topwater spooks and spinnerbaits.

I have a buddy that has 5 of this same exact rod if that says anything. Retail is about $220 for the rod. I paid $160 new for mine and often you can find them during holiday sales for well under $200.

[skeletor6]

X2 make sure the fast version like he said

[shootermcbob]

I have the 7'4" mojo glass rod and have thrown many different baits with it. I have used it for strike king series 5 and 6 cranks, 1/4 cranks from cabelas and lure jensen, chatterbaits, red eye shad and many others with good results from all. I have never thrown a 6XD, but have absolutely no trouble throwing the series 6 cranks which are 3/4 ounce.

I like the feel of the glass rod and have no problems at all detecting bites. I usually use 12 lb big game mono with this rod so if you were to use braid, most likely you would experience increased sensitivity.

I have paired the rod with both a shimano curado E5 and a Citica 200E7 and like the feel with both. I am a weekend fisherman, and am maybe not as exacting with my equipment as a tournament fisherman would be, but I certainly have not complaints about this rod.

Also, I have heard a lot of people complain about this rod being tip heavy, I spend most of the time with the rod tip down so I also don't have a problem with that.

[ww2farmer]

I have the 7'4" mojo glass rod and have thrown many different baits with it. I have used it for strike king series 5 and 6 cranks, 1/4 cranks from cabelas and lure jensen, chatterbaits, red eye shad and many others with good results from all. I have never thrown a 6XD, but have absolutely no trouble throwing the series 6 cranks which are 3/4 ounce.

I like the feel of the glass rod and have no problems at all detecting bites. I usually use 12 lb big game mono with this rod so if you were to use braid, most likely you would experience increased sensitivity.

I have paired the rod with both a shimano curado E5 and a Citica 200E7 and like the feel with both. I am a weekend fisherman, and am maybe not as exacting with my equipment as a tournament fisherman would be, but I certainly have not complaints about this rod.

Also, I have heard a lot of people complain about this rod being tip heavy, I spend most of the time with the rod tip down so I also don't have a problem with that.

That's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks. I guess I will pick one up and try it, if I like it, I'll send the LTB off to greener pastures. It's a great rod, but just so limited to what it does great. I need more versatility.

[shootermcbob]

You're welcome ww2farmer. I hope the rod works out for you and you find it as versatile as I do. Please let us know how you like it if you do indeed go that direction.

[TRYTOFISH]

check out an hmg. it is a very universal rod

[Bass_Fanatic]

+1 on the Dobyns 705CB Glass fast

[J Francho]

AVC70MHM

[retiredbosn]

Been watching this thread, I can not recommend any as I have no experience with any that u mentioned but what must have been a bad rod from one of the manufacturers. Was hoping there would be a concensus on one or more rods for this purpose. I have four cranking rods from ml to hvy, would be nice to lower the amount I carry.

[iabass8]

for kvd 1.0s-2.5s and 1/4 and 1/2oz red eye shads I use the 2012 LTW MHM. It's one of the very few st. croixs that is a true MH with a perfect Mod. action for treble hook baits. If you have handed the new 7'2 MM from st. croix it's a power up from that. (that rod is a wet noodle for anything over 5/16 oz) The rating on the rod is up to 3oz and will fool you unless you handle it. I talked to dan before i got it and his explanation was that rating is meant for people not to be afraid to use heavier bottom bouncers with it. the rod is incredibly light and balances great with a 51e. I also throw bomber A's on bottom of wingdams ranging from 6-12' and it handles it fine. I would not throw a 6xd with it.