Best sqaurebill crankbait rod around $100

[Tucker]

I'm wondering what is the best sqaurebill crankbait rod around $100. what is the best length, power & action? also can you throw chatterbaits/spinnerbaits on the same rod? And lastly what is the best gear ratio for this application? Thanks!

[Rozebol]

I've had good luck with the Okuma Helios 7' MF for squarebills. It's a great multi-purpose stick that can be used for several applications. Extremely light and very sensitive too! You should be able to find that rod for around $120 with a quick online search. Lots of ink on the forum herein. I run a Chronarch 51e in 6.4 gear ratio with 12# YoZuri on mine. However, you could look at a Fuego CT in same ratio and have a great setup! Good Luck!

[blckshirt98]

"Best" is kind of subjective, it depends on what suits you.  I tried a Powell Max 3D Composite crankbait rod for smaller squarebills that I got at half price, and absolutely hated it because it was too light and the handle was short.

 

For smaller and lighter squarebills (up to KVD 1.0/1.5 size) I get the best control and cast distance using my spinning gear with straight braid, you might want to give that a shot for your smaller crankbaits before buying a new setup.

 

KVD 2.5 size and up I prefer to use casting gear, though what one person may amazing, another person may dislike.

[LonnieP]

Dobyns Fury 705cb. 109 $ Best in that price range

[anderb54]

I've got a Temple Fork TFG 705 that I love for throwing squarebills. Perfect length, and I like the Moderate Fast taper on it for trebles

[burrows]

For square bills specifically, specifically! I like a glass or glass composite in the 6’10  Powell endurance medium fast. I don’t personally believe you need a medium heavy for square bills specially if your using glass or a composite the rods are thicker and stronger than graphite, from personal experience the Powell endurance has plenty of back bone to rip square bills out of grass. My older square bill rod was a Powell Diesel glass in medium fast specifically for square bills and it was a pleasure to fish with did a fantastic job. I have no idea of the glass from back in the day but the new glass or composites on the market now a days are plenty sensitive and do a great job for square bills.

[Columbia Craw]

Seven foot, medium heavy, moderate fast action. The Dobyns Fury 705CB is my recommendation. 

[FishDewd]

I've done fine with crankbaits with my Lew's Tp1 7' MF topwater rod for about $90 on sale... I haven't had a ton of hits on it, but I've landed nearly every fish that has hit it. I just reel down and side sweep it. Been perfectly fine for small cranks for me.

[Beetlebz]

I guess I'm the odd man out, but then again I usually am ? depending on where I am squarebills get thrown on either 7'2" MHF on 10# YZH or a 7'5" MHF on 15# big game. I prefer the 7'2" rod with 15# big game but that limits my presentations with other baits. It gives me a ton of backbone either way and plenty of power to pull fish when they dart into grass mats while fishing edges or out of the wood when beating the bank. This has become especially true for the super shallow cranks like the 6th sense MVMT 80x... I almost wish I had 20lb flouro rigged up some days.  

 

I prefer a fast tip to snap the lures out of the grass when they get snarled up, not unlike lipless cranks... haven't had issues with hook up ratios.

 

Both rigs have 7.3:1 reels.

 

I absolutely throw spinner baits on one or both of these rigs depending on what else I have rigged up for the day. Chatterbaits I actually prefer throwing on a heavy rod, but i will use the 7'5" MHF with 15# big game often too. The fast tip and lower stretch help facilitate quick blade restart after pausing or hitting cover. 

[long island basser]

I use an Okuma EVX 6’8” M -mod fast, rated 1/8 thru 3/4.

Works well for multiple techniques. I use a 6.3:1 reel, 27” per turn.

Retails around $109.

 

[bagofdonuts]

i like my falcon bucco 7', MH, mod fast. right at $100.

[Quarry Man]

Cabela's Tournament ZX 7'1" M Moderate