How much should I spend on crank bait/ treble hook rod

[Bigbruce]

So I’ve been doing my research and I’m confused as ever. Looking for a rod to pair with my Daiwa tat for a Crankbait and treble hook rod. My other rod is a mojo bass MH with a tat on it and I have a few decent spinning combos.

 

So my question is, will spending more money be worth it for moving baits? I’ve been looking at $100 13 fishing, more expensive St Croix line, Dobyns line, and because of this forum Kistler rods. My budget is $100 to $200ish. Don’t mind spending a little more for a better product just don’t want to be wasting money when I could use it on other things.

[Bluebasser86]

Spend as much as you want. I had good luck with an Ethos cranking rod that I found on clearance for $38 and currently use a Quantum KVD cranking rod I found on clearance for $24. Lots of guys like the BPS cranking stick. If you really like cranking and do it a lot, then maybe you'll get the extra value out of a higher end rod though. 

[Jrob78]

Cranking is a technique where you can get away with a cheaper rod because sensitivity isn't nearly as important as in a bottom contact rod. Look for something with a mod or mod fast action in whatever length and power is appropriate for the baits you plan to fish.

[Spankey]

I can’t tell you how much to spend but I’ve had two St. Croix Premiere Series Cranking sticks for a long while now. I love them. I just picked up a Garcia Veritas for some heavier deeper cranking. Lake is frozen can’t give any reviews but there will be no need to that rod feel great with my reel on it love the softness of the tip and where the backbone of the rods starts. 

 

Opinions will work work as a start for you but go touch a bunch of them. Don’t rush to buy it take your time. Do some homework, keep in mind the lure weight you are working within. The rod is an extension of YOUR arm not some other guys. Opinions will go so far. It has to be right for you. 

 

A rod rod I wanted to see and touch is a rod called a Fenwick Fenglass. Can’t find one, not able to touch one. Made for cranking. Price doesn’t break the bank. But how can you buy what you can’t find. 

[LionHeart]

What size crank baits are you planning to throw with this rod?

[TBAG]

I've got a couple crankbait specific rods, both bought used.

 

I like my Legend Glass but it's not for everyone. I also have an Avid crankbait rod.

 

People swear by the Fury CB rod here and after buying a few Sierras from the last TW sale I'd say you couldn't go wrong with that rod for the bottom end of your budget.

[junyer357]

8 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Spend as much as you want. I had good luck with an Ethos cranking rod that I found on clearance for $38 and currently use a Quantum KVD cranking rod I found on clearance for $24. Lots of guys like the BPS cranking stick. If you really like cranking and do it a lot, then maybe you'll get the extra value out of a higher end rod though. 

X2 on the ethos. Mine are a 7' med -mod.   Like the first one so well i bought 3 more. 

[Bigbruce]

2 hours ago, LionHeart said:

What size crank baits are you planning to throw with this rod?

I plan on using 1/4 to about a 1/2 weight. I figure this gets me shallow to medium depth. I just bought a kayak, but not sure how much I will go heavier or deeper. Also saw some old posts saying Dobyns gives 30 percent off to military if you order direct through them. That may change the level of rod I can afford as well.

[Quarry Man]

the 7'1" M mod Cabela's Tournament ZX "Crankbait" model is awesome. I have mine paired with a 6.3:1 Cabela's Arachnid, which is basically an upgraded Tatula. I would recommend this setup if you can find the reel, great. if not, get a tatula. even though it is typically frowned upon, I fish 15 lb braid on this setup for mostly topwater and crank baits. it is very sensitive, and I have never gotten a bad backlash, or a dig in.

[LionHeart]

If you can find the Tournament ZX rod above, get it.  Unfortunately they have all but disappeared.   

 

Consider a Falcon Bucoo SR medium moderate or medium heavy mod-fast.  I have a mod-fast and use it for cranks, lipless, small moving baits, and it is fantastic.

[CrankFate]

I don’t know. BPS makes great  sub $100 cranking rods. I have two. But I can also say that sometimes, a stiffer, higher sensitivity, more expensive Rod imparts a tighter side to side wobble in the crankbait that the soft rods I prefer just can’t. Sometimes that’s all that will catch the fish.

[OnthePotomac]

I do not have one, but I have only read good comments on various sites  on how the BPS cranking stick is really liked by those who fish them.

[Tizi]

I purchased a Lew's David Fritts cranking rod from Dick's last year.  I am pretty happy with it so far.  I have it paired with a Fuego CT.

[FishDewd]

I recently bought a couple of St Croix midrange rods, one for light cranks, the other for moderate weight cranks. I just need one more to toss heavier cranks and I'm all set- got a sixth sense crank on discount (about $3 from Cabela's) that's gorgeous, but I have nothing that will throw a 1.6 oz lure currently. For me, the important things are: sensitivity, lure rating, and action/power. You'll want something closer to a moderate to moderate-fast action for best results. Imo.