Crankbait Rods

[DelcoSol]

I fished the Duckett crankbait rod today and I must say I was impressed. Throwing the 6XD and reeling was almost effortless compared to my MH Veritas. Both rods had a 6.4:1 reel. After using the Abu my hands were killing me. The Duckett was much more fluid. 

[martintheduck]

What action was the Duckett?

[Arv]

If you're looking for a rod that will handle cranks, topwaters and spinnerbaits I'd check out the Powell Max TW Squarebill rod. I have the old Endurance 695cb, which I'm pretty sure is basically the same rod. This rod does a great job with squarebills, lipless cranks and topwaters. I also wouldn't hesitate to throw a spinnerbait on it as well. For a cranking rod I find it to be pretty versatile. TT also did a review you can check out if you're interested. If you're looking for a mid-deep cranking stick, I'd look for something longer.

[DelcoSol]

Duckett does not specify an action for their rods. It only says MH Crankbait. I assume it has to be a moderate because the tip is much softer than the regular MH micro magic. Do you guys think its worth spending a lot of money on a cranking rod or is it something I can get away with in the $100 range? I understand the higher dollar rods are much more sensitive but is that really important while cranking? 

 

Thanks for the tip Arv. I have actually been checking out the Powell rods before and am interested in them. 

[Arv]

Here's my take on cranking rod sensitivity, for what its worth. I want something sensitive, yes. Does it have to be THE MOST sensitive rod affordable, probably not. I would reserve that for bottom contact presentations. But you still want to know what your lure is doing, when its bumping into something and when you get bit. At the $100 dollar mark, you might be able fine a rod that is up to your standards. Just don't go for something cheap to fill a hole in your line up though. I've done that before and I wind up selling the rod for much less than I bought it for and buying something that I should have waited for and bought in the first place.

[DelcoSol]

I agree. I don't want to buy a POS but at the same time I know the important money is invested in the bottom contact rod. I am also new to crankbait fishing but I want something to increase my chance of success. I will be getting the Lews tournament MG in the 5:1 ratio to pair with the rod. I don't really have a clue which brand rod I am going to get. Probably between the brands of Dobyns, Duckett, Falcon, Powell and Phenix but I have to do some more research.

[Arv]

Sounds like you're off to a good start. I doubt you could really go wrong with any of those. I've had experience with Dobyns, Powell and Phenix, not all cranking rods mind you, but I feel that they all put out a quality product.

[pbizzle]

I like the All Star Rods.

[CentralBamaBassin]

I bought a st croix mojo bass glass CB rod 7'4 medium about a month ago and love it throws everything from 5xd's to 1.5's without any problems . Plus the rod is really light weight for a glass rod