Shimano 6'8" Clarus Crankbait Casting Rod

[jwharding76]

Anyone have experience with this rod?  No local stores carry the 6'8" crankbait version in any of the various models (Sellus, Clarus, Compre, or Crucial).  I'd like to use the rod for squarebills.

 

I do not want a 7' rod.  My concern is the "medium" rating and the 8-14 test rating.  I had a 7' M St. Croix Avid Crankbait rod with a similar rating that was "WAY" too light for any crankbait with any bite to it.  I use primarily 3/8 oz and 1/2 oz squarebills, so I'm not using anything heavy duty.

 

I realize it's a preference thing; I'm more concerned about rod weight than sensitivity, too. Does this rod fish "light"?  Anybody fished both the St. Croix M Crankbait rod?  If it's anything close to the the Avid in terms of power, then I'll look for something else in a true MH.  My hope is that the Shimano fishes "heavier" than the Avid.

 

I look forward to any feedback you guys can provide.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[JeziHogg]

I use a LXC72MM for small squarebills such as KVD 1.0 and 1.5 with 10lb Invisx and I find it perfect for the smaller hooks. As for bigger KVD 2.5s and bigger LC squarebills I use a LXC76MHMF with 15lb Invisx.

[jtesch]

I have the rod and it is way undersized for anything but really small cranks, felt OK in the store and when I rigged it up I was very disappointed. I had an old premier crank rod and it had a lot more backbone.  I would say 3/8 max for the Clarus

[Preytorien]

I have a Clarus rod. I have been very happy with it. The quality is great and for cranking it seems very capable. I'm not sure of your setup but I've used it with a Sahara 2500FD reel and Sufix 832 and had great success with cranking. The only problem I've had is that with the spinning reel's ratio it tends to wear my arm out after a whole day on the water. Using it with a baitcaster should see excellent results.

[jwharding76]

I have the rod and it is way undersized for anything but really small cranks, felt OK in the store and when I rigged it up I was very disappointed. I had an old premier crank rod and it had a lot more backbone.  I would say 3/8 max for the Clarus

Thank you.  That's exactly what I needed to hear.