Crankbait Setup

[Luke Taylor]

I am looking to get a new crankbait setup.  What are the best Rods, reels, line, knots, etc.

Also I don't have a budget

[fishnkamp]

Oh boy could we spend your money!!! LOL

Seriously, if you want a very good crankbait setup there are tons of options.  Here are some good ones.

 

Lets start by picking a reel. I have fished a lot of baitcasters and have come to prefer the Daiwa Tatula series reels because of their build quality, ease of casting, total reliability and a very good dual breaking system to eliminate backlashes.  I started with the original size Tatula reels and still fish 4 Tatula Type R models. I also own 2 of the newer Tatula CT series which is a bit smaller than the original and some anglers really prefer the smaller reel,. I have some of these reels in right hand and some in left hand retrieve and in 6.3, 7.3 and 8-1 ratios.  I love fishing all of them. These reels are available from $100 to around $190 depending on the model and source. If I was going to purchase a new crankbait setup, I would either buy a Tatula CT in 6.3-1 ratio  for around $10 to $130, or I would consider the newest version called a Daiwa Tatula SV TWS.  It runs $200 roughly. Obviously your pocket book will make that decision.   My crankbait rods have Tatula Type R and Tatula CTs on them.

 

Lets look at a few great rods per price range.  These are rods designed to throw shallow to mid depth crankbaits not super big deep divers.  This will include shallow and mid depth cranks, traps, and bigger spinnerbaits ( up to around 3/4  or 7/8 ounce not 1 or 2 ounces).

 

For a rod in the $150 and below price range look at the following rods:

A Dobyns Fury FR 705CB  for $110 and Falcon Bucoo Micro 7" MH Trap Caster rod for $130.

 

For a rod in the $200 and below range look at the following"

A Powell Max 3D 6104 CB G/C Mod Fast Medium or an Irod Genesis II 703CC Gabe's Rip Rap Special. Both of these will run you around $160.

 

Now for options above those already mentioned, I would recommend a Dobyns XP Champion glass rod. Look at a rod like the DC 705CB Glass, DC 705CBMF Glass or perhaps a DC735 CB Glass.  These  run around $240.

 

Any of these rods will provide you with a great comb. I personally fish with many of these rods and know how well they fish.  Good luck in your search. I am certain there will be plenty of other members to come along and make suggestions as well.

[A-Jay]

Hello Luke and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

What baits do you plan on throwing with this 'new' set up ?

A-Jay

[Bankbeater]

My crankbait setup is an Abu 5600C4 on a 7'0" BPS Tourney Special. It's well balanced and I don't get tired casting it all day. This rig isn't sensitive, but I'm not crawling the bait along the bottom. When something pulls back, I set the hook.

[new2BC4bass]

Do you know if you like graphite, fiberglass or composite rods for crankbaits?  Do you want a spinning or a baitcast combo?  There are people using braid, mono, fluorocarbon, co-polymer and hybrid lines for cranking.  Most of us have favorite knots.   Each person will tell you his favorite setup(s) is/are the best.  However, I know what I use is really the best.    Just kidding.

 

I always used a MF for crankbaits, but finally bought a couple crankbait designated rods.  As yet I'm not sure which rod material is my favorite.  I have a 704CB Glass I like a lot so far.  I had gotten so all my 6'6" rods sat because I had come to like longer.  Absolutely love my Aetos 6'6" MLM I got last year.  Has me digging out my other rods of the same length.

 

Use whatever knot you are familiar with.  I like a Uni, some like a Palomar, some a San Diego Jam, or a Clinch knot, etc., etc.  Obviously some knots are stronger than others, but just about any well tied knot should work.

 

Personally I prefer a mono or Co-Polymer line to braid or fluorocarbon.  Others will be just the opposite.  Doubt there is a wrong choice.  I always thought braid would be too unforgiving, but guys on here have proved me wrong.  I am just not a big braid user.

 

I don't see a need for a specific reel for cranking unless you are going to be using deep divers.  The consensus is to use a reel in the 5's.  I don't fish deep divers.  The Tatula is an excellent reel that can be found for about $100 with a minimum of searching.  Check ebay.  The PQ is often cited as the best $100 reel that can be bought for about $60 on sale.  Look to a President spinning reel for a good bang for the buck spinning reel if spinning is your choice rather than baitcast.  I bought my brother-in-law a Daiwa RG spinning reel this year for his birthday and he is loving it so far.  I read the Daiwa REVROS is another good reel at its price point.

 

The used market can be a good place to find a quality reel at a price that might fit your budget if you don't mind used.  I am willing to pay a few extra dollars for ones in good cosmetic shape.  It is much cheaper to have a professional clean and check the reel than it is to get a new paint job.

 

EDIT:  BTW,  and 

[IndianaFinesse]

No budget? It's time to break out the nrx's and metaniums baby!!!

[clh121787]

Short answer. Dobyns champion 764 rm cb . Shimano curado 6:1 , 12# invisx s.d. jam.  Let the popularity contest begin!

[Burtonxj]

Separate threads for every set up..

 

If you google any of these you'll get a bunch of threads that have been started on BR.