A punching/crank bait/swim bait rod

[Traumabrew]

I am looking for a rod that I can use to effectively punch, flip, and use for crank and swim baits. It seems like they have a specific rod for every technique. But I was wondering what 1 rod and reel set up I could use for these techniques. I am trying to get myself a 4 rod set up for kayak fishing. Currently have a 7 MHF, 7" MLF spinning, 7'6" HMF (only rated up to 1 1/4oz lure); so I am looking for something that can handle heavier crank baits, swim baits and punching. I think this would give me the best rounded rod/reel arsenal for kayak fishing. What rod and reel would you recommend.

 

If anyone has a different suggestion, please let me know.

[Stephen B]

A rod that can effectively handle heavier crank baits, swimbaits, and punching is a difficult task especially for one rod. A little more detail regarding how big of swimbaits and crankbaits you plan to throw would help and price range as well. I have rod in mind that may work for what I currently think you are looking for. Thanks!

[Traumabrew]

I am looking for something up to 3 oz. I don't plan on throwing huge swim or crank baits. I do want the option to toss out some 2+ oz punching rigs as here in Florida we have some really thick cover. I prefer to keep my rods between 100 to 175 and reels about the same. I honestly don't believe as a recreational angler, paying more for a rod has any benefits besides lining someone elses pocket. And as a pro, you usually have sponsors that give your rods, reels and tackle or you can justify the cost as a job expense and deduct it from the taxes. The only way I can explain pros having 10 rods and reel set ups that cost around 1000 each just on their boat. I have seen videos where some pros garages or barns look more like a high end tackle shops than a home garage. LOL

 

My current flip/pitch rod is the Fitzgerald Vursa 7'6" heavy but it only handles up to 1 1/2 oz lures.

[Stephen B]

It's a little over your budget but the 7'6 H Hammer Swimbait rod (rated from 1 to 3 oz) would be the closest rod to what you are looking for that I can think of. But ultimately a rod that can effectively handle heavier crank baits, swimbaits, and punching is a difficult task especially for one rod.

 

However, I am sure others can give other options as well that you could consider.

[MassYak85]

Just my opinion and I don't mean to sound too blunt, but you are asking too much for one rod. Not only will the rod not be up to the task...I cannot even fathom where to start for a line choice for what you describe. Punching with 2oz+ weights is pretty much 65 or 80lb braid or bust. Small swimbaits (treble) and cranks you are talking more like 15lb mono/fluoro. Sure you could use a long leader, but with punching you are going to want a stout rod to drive home that beefy hook and haul the fish out of thick cover. With that same rod fish are going to completely unload and throw your treble hook baits with even the slightest headshake and a leader won't change that...and if they don't manage to shake your lure you are going to be straightening hooks really quick unless you really lighten your drag....in which case you are back to the fish throwing your baits when they shake. 

 

If it was me I would get two rods and lower your budget on each if need be, but I don't think you will be happy (or successful honestly) if you try and force those three techniques into one setup.

- A longer (7'6+) moderate or moderate-fast rod rated up to 2-3 oz will help launch those deep diving cranks, keep fish pinned when hooked, and will also allow you to throw smaller treble hook swimbaits like a 168 s-waver. 

- A true flipping stick rated for punching those truly heavy weights (2+ oz) will obviously be good for punching, but you can double it as a swimbait rod for single jig-hook swimbaits like Hudd 68's, 5 or 6" WRS etc. since it has the stout backbone to drive those beefy hooks home. 

 

[Smalls]

You’re definitely asking for 2 separate rods. You want a broomstick for punching. You want a rod that has a parabolic bend for crankbaits. 

 

Trust me, no one wants to spend all this money on the right gear. It gets downright expensive. And I’m a firm believer that it’s possible to get by and fish almost every technique with less than 5 rods. But there is no magic rod. They all have limitations. 

[Angry John]

There is a rod but it's way out of your budget.  One of my favorites.  Do you want one rod to do three rods jobs your going to pay three rods worth to get it.

[Traumabrew]

Which rod you talking about the dx795?

1 hour ago, MassYak85 said:

Just my opinion and I don't mean to sound too blunt, but you are asking too much for one rod. Not only will the rod not be up to the task...I cannot even fathom where to start for a line choice for what you describe. Punching with 2oz+ weights is pretty much 65 or 80lb braid or bust. Small swimbaits (treble) and cranks you are talking more like 15lb mono/fluoro. Sure you could use a long leader, but with punching you are going to want a stout rod to drive home that beefy hook and haul the fish out of thick cover. With that same rod fish are going to completely unload and throw your treble hook baits with even the slightest headshake and a leader won't change that...and if they don't manage to shake your lure you are going to be straightening hooks really quick unless you really lighten your drag....in which case you are back to the fish throwing your baits when they shake. 

 

If it was me I would get two rods and lower your budget on each if need be, but I don't think you will be happy (or successful honestly) if you try and force those three techniques into one setup.

- A longer (7'6+) moderate or moderate-fast rod rated up to 2-3 oz will help launch those deep diving cranks, keep fish pinned when hooked, and will also allow you to throw smaller treble hook swimbaits like a 168 s-waver. 

- A true flipping stick rated for punching those truly heavy weights (2+ oz) will obviously be good for punching, but you can double it as a swimbait rod for single jig-hook swimbaits like Hudd 68's, 5 or 6" WRS etc. since it has the stout backbone to drive those beefy hooks home. 

 

What 2 rods would you suggest? Also, what speed reels would you use on them?

[clh121787]

One rod comes to mind it's a no brainer. Orochii xx leviathan 

[MassYak85]

5 hours ago, Traumabrew said:

Which rod you talking about the dx795?

What 2 rods would you suggest? Also, what speed reels would you use on them?

Honestly heavy duty punching and cranking are the two techniques I use the least so I'm not sure I can recommend much specifically. What size cranks are you talking though? I assume you meant heavy deep divers? If you meant squarebills now we're probably talking three rods tbh. 

[Choporoz]

I use one rod for deep cranking, carolina rigs, punching and swimbaits; though, admittedly, I don't do a lot of any of those.

7'11" HF TCS Mat Daddy;  https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Tournament_Concept_TCS_a_Casting_Rods/descpage-TCSA.html?from=basres

 

I'll admit though, that this rod rarely goes with me in my yak for a couple reasons.  The handle is longer than I like while seated; and those four techniques are not close to the top of my preferred fishing from the yak.  Summer in a boat, however, and the rod is a must-take.

....just looked at Fitzgerald Vursa 7'6" H on TW and it says its rated to 2 oz ...(newer model?)

If yours is too, disregard my TCS recommendation - it also is rated to 2 oz, so you may already have the TCS ranges covered.

[fishwizzard]

If you remove cranks from the mix, an iRod Fred's Magic Stick might fit the bill. I use it in my kayak as a general "heavy" rod.  The handle is kinda long though and it's a bit annoying to use seated.  It will only really cast well imho up to around 2 ounces.  But, it's a great rod for stuff in it's range and it's in your budget.  

 

16 hours ago, Angry John said:

There is a rod but it's way out of your budget.  One of my favorites.  Do you want one rod to do three rods jobs your going to pay three rods worth to get it.

Which rod are you thinking of?  

[Angry John]

Megabass white python.  Most versatile stick there is.