Best Rod Action For Crankbaits?

[VinnieT]

I have a MH power rod with fast action. Good for cranks?

[Bass Junkie]

It's personal preference, but a fast action rod is usually not the best choice for rods. Most fisherman prefer a slower action, composite or fiberglass rod to allow a little forgiveness when the fish takes the bait, as well as shock absorption to prevent the hooks from tearing out one the fish is on.

[VinnieT]

So would MH fast action be good for soft plastics and jigs?

[JunkYard814]

I think that MH Fast action would definitely be better for jigs. I definitely wouldn't use it for deep cranking as the more line you have out, the harder it will be to set the hook with a fast action rod. You may be able to get away with it for shallow cranking. If you do chose to do that, you might want to go with a fishing line with less stretch, like braid or fluoro.

[VinnieT]

I think that MH Fast action would definitely be better for jigs. I definitely wouldn't use it for deep cranking as the more line you have out, the harder it will be to set the hook with a fast action rod. You may be able to get away with it for shallow cranking. If you do chose to do that, you might want to go with a fishing line with less stretch, like braid or fluoro.

would it be good for soft plastics?

[Bass Junkie]

I personally use a 7'2" MH rod for practically all my jig and heavier plastic presentations. It also makes a nice hollowbellyl swimbait rod.

[JunkYard814]

You could use it for general soft plastics, although you may want something lighter for finesse fishing.

[Sam]

You do not want to pull the treble hook baits out of the bass' mouth.

This is why you set the hook with a "swinging" motion to the left or right and keep the line tight.

A medium with a moderate fast action tip is all you need.

Be sure to match the rod's specs with those of your line test and bait weight.

I use both a G. Loomis crankbait baitcaster and a Bass Pro Shop cranking stick. Both work great and there is a big price difference. Go figure?

Balance the rod's specs with the line test and bait's weight and "swing" your hooksets from right to left or left to right and you will do very well with the technique.

[Sam]

Medium heavy with a fast action tip is what you need for plastics and jigs.

[roadwarrior]

The rod is probably best suited for jigs and soft plastics, but will work for crankbaits, too.

Consider Medium Power/ Moderate Action for your next rod. That would be a better fit

for most treble hook lures.

[K_Mac]

Bass Junkie and the others are right, generally speaking. My crankbait fishing has improved since going to a glass rod with a little more forgiveness. I had used a MH fast action rod with a softer tip for years, but the slower action of the crankbait rod is better, esp right at the boat where most fish are lost.

One more thought, and the reason I say "generally speaking". A friend gave me a very nice 7' 2" micro guide, moderate action E21 Carrot Stix cranking rod rated 3/8-1 oz, which puts it it in the MH to H range depending on the manufacturer. He bought it to throw DD22s and other deep divers. It is just too stiff for this purpose in his and my opinion, in spite of the slower action. This rod makes a very good flipping/pitching stick for heavier cover and it works great for frogs as well. I am sure there are others who feel it is perfect for the purpose it was designed. My point is, rods vary greatly across manufacturers and finding the best for you can take a little trial and error. Good luck.