Rod Length With Deep/heavy Cranks

[Sonik]

I like my current cranking rod but there's just no way it will handle an 8xd or a 10xd (if I get a wild hair to go that big). It's a 7'1" medium/moderate-fast. Works great for my squarebills and lighter cranks up to 1/2oz. The rod specs seem accurate because 5/8oz deepish cranks really pull on the retrive. I tried a 3/4oz lipless Xcaliber and I was afraid to load it too much on the cast.

So, I ask, is it just preference between 7' H and a 7'6" MH cranking rod? I don't have the length in my rod locker for a 7'6" so that type of rod would need to be telescopic handled. And if it telescopes, it seems like the parabolic bend would stop at the part where the blank retracts into the handle, negating the whole point of the 7'6"? I'm not sure. Maybe I lose either way?

[tbone1993]

Just hooked a 10xd to my 765cb glass dobyns ( 7ft 6 mh  5 power glass rod) and it is really iffy. I think I could cast it but it honestly scares the hell out of me.  It handles 6xds perfectly though. I would go with something designed to fish 10xds if you're going to start throwing the on KY.  I have my eye on the 806cb but I cannot justify buying a rod that I will throw probably 2 times a year when Im on KY or ledge fishing. If I lived close to a big reservoir I would already have two of them.  As for the rod length just throw it on the deck or the passenger seat. You just don't go out and throw a 10xd on an average day. The days that youre ledge fishing it will most likely be in your hand or on the deck so rock locker space shouldnt be a concern. If traveling is an issue just throw it in the front passenger seat.  

 

Any rod not made for big baits is just going to be overpowered IMO. 

[Ozark_Basser]

For DEEP cranks, I feel the longer the better. Longer casts is pretty much the only reason for me.

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/DHC7-761-CAHFS-primmus-review.html

 

 

 

[fishballer06]

There's a different rod for throwing a 10XD than there is for throwing even say a 6XD. The 10XD is really going to require a specific rod that will most likely only be practical for such a large crankbait (or swimbaits). 

 

If you're using a medium power, you're probably not going to throw anything bigger than a DT6 (ideally). If you plan on throwing a DT10-16/5XD/6XD, I would recommend a MH power rod. Anything bigger than those lures, I'd suggest a H to XH power rod. 

 

For reference, here's my current deep cranking rods, what they're rated for, and what I use them for:

 

St Croix AVX70MHM (3/8 - 1oz) - DT10/14, 5XD, 6XD, Mag Warts, Dream Classic, FF Shad, Little Johns, Arashi Deep, larger rattle traps

 

Dobyns Champion 765CB (1/4 - 1oz) - DT16, 6XD, DD22, BD8, R2S Goon, DC300-400

 

St Croix AV70HM (1/2 - 1 3/8oz) - DD22, BD8, 6XD, 8XD (if I had some), Little John DD, R2S Goon, DC400

[stkbassn]

I think Powell makes an 8 foot rod that might handle this bait but I have seen some manufacturers out there advertising rods that are made for these baits...It might be Castaway that I saw but don't quote me. Search on Tackle Warehouse or some of the other sites that sell cranking rods and you'll find one. I like 7'6 up to 7'11 for launching bigger cranks myself. If I had more time here I would find it for you but hope this is encouraging at least.

[F14A-B]

I threw a 10xd on Kentucky lake, with a 7'11" Rage heavy moderate fast action... The rod did ok.. I hated the bait, 4 hours and done!

The length helps to bomb the baits, still, hard to bomb a 10xd..

[J Francho]

I've used a seven footer for years. Just got a 7-11 that I can't wait to try.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Not to sound like a broken record, but keep in mind that Hvy/MH/4 power 5power etc are all subjective. There is no industry standard for rod specs. Deep cranking is one of the few applications where casting distance is a real benefit and longer rods aid in distance casting. I'd look for a 7'6"> with the tip and power to cast the bait. Unfortunately the labeled specs will likely vary from rod to rod even though they may be close in actual use.  

[tomustang]

Look into 2 piece 8' trolling rods, a medium can mostly throw 2oz easily

[gvillebassman]

I've thrown the 10XD extensively and I've come up with two different setups.  One for flouro and one for mono.  For mono, I use a Duckett 7'10" XHC Micro Pro.  This is a flipping stick but with the mono you get some stretch that allows you to play the fish.  If I use flourocarbon I use a Duckett 7'6" MHC Micro Pro.  This rod has some more bend which gives you some give to fight the fish.  Basically with the mono, I use the line to give and with the flouro I use the rod to give.  Theres no way I would actually throw the bait on a "Crankin" rod.  It just doesn't have enough power to handle this size bait.  Also, try casting it like an A-Rig, with a longer, smoother lob cast than the normal snap of throwing small crankbaits.  

[Sonik]

Maybe the 10xd ain't worth it. I'm relatively new to cranking actual diving cranks beyond 8-10'. Light squarebills, lipless, etc, ok. Maybe I should spend another year working a deep Bomber, DD22, or 6xd before stepping up. I'll need something but I think that yall are right and the giant crank needs it's own rod. I should probably go for the next step up to handle 5/8-1oz cranks.