Does anyone use a Medium XF for Cranks?

[Megastink]

I’m thinking about throwing my squarebills on my 6’10” M F Jerkbait rods because my crankkngnrods have little backbone to horse a bass away from stumps and brush. I don’t buy into the theory that a slower action “allows” the fish to engulf a lure. Have you ever seen a bass eat a plug? By the time the feeling of the bite registers in your head, that bait in already on its way to the crushers. 

Plus, I replace my trebles with stout ones, so I’m not concerned about tear-out.

 

I think I’ll also have the added benefit of carrying a few more of the same rod. For instance, i have two 6’10” Duckett Triads, one rigged for jerkbaits and one for topwater/flukes. Carrying a third rod would give me the ability to also have multiple topwaters or multiple jerkbaits tied on if I’m fishing a place where a squarebill won’t play, and vice versa.

 

Im just wondering if anyone does this, and if so, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts. 

 

Thanks!

[Turkey sandwich]

I don't like throwing treble hooked baits on anything with an XF tip.  The benefit of the slower action is keeping the fish pinned when they jump/headshake/change direction/etc - essentially all things that create slack.  I don't use moderate action rods because I fear fish ripping the hooks out or to allow fish to "engulf" a lure.  I use it because the deeper bend allows it to keep pressure on the fish while compensating for the leverage/movement the treble hooks give the fish.  The way I see it, something has to give, be it the action of the rod, or some seriously stretchy line, and I (personally) do not like stretchy line. 

 

I can see some reason for using a MF or even F (if the rod manufacturer has a fairly "soft" fast action) for certain presentations, but I only see an XF creating many more problems than benefits.  I have no trouble moving bass, often in current, with moderate action rods. 

[Team9nine]

Thoroughly tested it to my satisfaction and determined XF was a big mistake, at least with shallow diving and squarebill type baits. Do what you want, but I won't be revisiting the idea anytime soon 

[iabass8]

Been using a MXF rod for jerkbaits for over a decade. Love it and have no issues. Squarebills I use a dobyns CB glass.

[IndianaFinesse]

I do not know if they really help them engulf the lure or not, but I can tell you that your landing percentage will go way down. Even if you're using stout hooks, those hooks don't do anything for tearing the flesh in their mouth when their just skin hooked on one treble. I like medium fast for shallow cranks and squarebills.

[CroakHunter]

Most guys that freak out at the idea of throwing cranks on a fast or extra fast rod, throw jerkbaits and possibly topwater poppers on a fast or extra fast and those baits most of the time have smaller lighter wire hooks. I don't use a fast or extra fast on cranks because a slower tapered rod loads easier and makes it easier for me to have a long cast. I'm not known to have the longest casts (30-40 yards) and distance is key with Crankbaits. I also crank with braid to leader, I'm sure most people would have a cow if they knew that I Still caught fish. 

[Turkey sandwich]

1 hour ago, CroakHunter said:

Most guys that freak out at the idea of throwing cranks on a fast or extra fast rod, throw jerkbaits and possibly topwater poppers on a fast or extra fast and those baits most of the time have smaller lighter wire hooks. I don't use a fast or extra fast on cranks because a slower tapered rod loads easier and makes it easier for me to have a long cast. I'm not known to have the longest casts (30-40 yards) and distance is key with Crankbaits. I also crank with braid to leader, I'm sure most people would have a cow if they knew that I Still caught fish. 

 

I fish jerk baits on a number of different rods, depending upon wind, what kind of presentation is getting hit (slower walking versus fast and erratic), and how accurate I need to be with my casting.  I also fish braid to leader for both, crankbaits and jerk baits, and would only consider spooling to straight mono/FC/Copoly if I committed to an exclusive F or XF jerkbait rod.  In which case, I would seek out something seriously stretchy because SOMETHING has to give to keep treble hooks pinned/under consistent pressure.

[LCG]

I have used a st Croix mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod for treble lures, mainly mepps spinners #4. If you set the drag a bit looser than normal it works fine. I don't generally throw a lot of lures, more of a plastics guy so I don't have a dedicated crankbait rod. 

[Boomstick]

I would use a M/F, but not a M/XF.

[fishwizzard]

I just picked up an Avid M/XF for jerks and poppers and am really like it more then the Fast/MBR action that I was trying to use for them before.  I am also going to try it with small squarebills to see how it does.