Small/Light Crankbait Rod

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

Now that my rod building skills are improving, I’m looking to build myself a slightly higher end, technique specific rod... starting with my favorite technique. Small squarebills and lipless crankbaits. I’m currently using a Falcon Bucoo Trap Caster for this, but this rod will be specifically for smaller presentations and 1.0 size squarebills and 1/4oz Bill Lewis originals on 12-15# flouro are a little too light on that rod for my taste. 
 

Two Part Question..

1. What blanks would you guys recommend for this?

 

2. As far as guide style goes... what would you go with? 

[MickD]

Cast or spin?  

 

For spin a terrific rod blank for what you want is also a quite versatile rod, but it really excels at small cranks and is surprisingly affordable for its quality.

 

REVIP70ML-SBInshore / sea trout /

7'

6-12

1/8-3/8

0.390

5.0

M-Fast

1.7oz

ML

 

Rainshadow Inshore Popping, action and power are perfect.  If you plan to use braid under 15 pound test the Fuji reduction train KLH 16, KLH 8, then KL5.5M is perfect, followed by a couple KB's then KT's to the end.  I like size 4 runners for this.  If you plan heavier line the go KLH 20, KLH 10, then KL5.5M, followed by the KB's and KT's.  But I see no need for going to the heavier line option. 

 

I have built a number of these for me and my son.  His first reaction to his was "This is really a sensitive rod."  But it also loads perfectly for small cranks, and the M-fast action is right for casting the cranks and handling the fish.

 

For cast, I like the the American Tackle Bushido 

CB68/6-12

Bushido 6'8" Popping/Crankbait 6-12 lb.

1

6'8"

6-12 lb.

1/4 - 5/8 oz.

.415"

4.5

1.37 oz.

Mod-Fast

Medium

This is another bargain blank that performs way above its price.  It's power and action match a Loomis that I built many years ago.  For guides I like the Fuji RV6 first guide, followed by 3 KB's, then KT's to the end.  Size as you want, I like 5's for this type of build.

 

Please keep us posted

 

[MickD]

Just re-read and noticed your 12-15 FC preference.  If spin, go with the KLH 20 first guide.  If cast, OK with the blank mentioned above.  What is ideal for your small crank is the spin option with the 10-15 braid.  IMHO.  I really think you should, because you can get great Fuji guides for a reasonable price, and these blanks are very affordable, build both.  The spin with the 16KLH.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

I probably should’ve mentioned that I was planning on building a casting rod lol. I actually have a “small crank braid” spinning rod that I built as practice with a 6’6” CRB ML-M. Turned out to be a great rod. Anyone have any experience with the Mudhole composites? I was just looking at the 6’11” M-M and a composite is something that interests me

[MickD]

I have no experience with the Mudhole composites, but the Bushidos and Revelations are great blanks at a great price.  Mudholes may  be, also.  I'm sure you'll get some comments on them.

 

REV casting rod I'd suggest you take a look at is : Revelation 

REVS68ML-SBFinesse/Tubes/Small Crankbaits

6'8"

6-12

1/8-3/8

0.44

5

Fast

1.71

ML

This is listed by Batson as a spin blank, but blanks don't know what they are going to be built into, and this one looks right.  I've not built it.  It should be a little crisper, faster action than the Bushido, which I would call a moderate, not a moderate fast.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

6 hours ago, Batson said:

We have two new options in our RainShadow Revelation lineup that fit what you're looking for.

REVC69MMF - Designed specifically for squarebills. Line wt is 10-17lb for a 1/4-5/8oz lure wt.

REVCB70ML - We saw a need for a lighter power rod for small crankbaits. 6-12lb / 3/16-3/8oz

Really liking the idea of the REVCB70ML. I see it’s rated for 6-12lb line... would it be able to handle 14lb FC? Sometimes I like to go slightly heavier with a 1/4oz trap to keep it running a little higher in the water column 

[MickD]

Yes.  2 pounds over is insignificant.  But you can use anything you want-you can use 30 pound braid if you want.  You just don't use as much drag as you might have with a more powerful rod, and you don't stress the rod more than about 90 degrees by pointing it more at the fish.

 

The only issue with overstressing the rod by using heavy line is if you also use lures much heavier lures than its rating, and don't carefully lob them.  If you try to do snap casts with heavy line and lures, that's when you might break the rod.

 

I missed this blank when looking for one for you.  It sounds almost exactly like the Bushido and Loomis rods that I have used for light cranks, and much more, for years.  I expect it's very much like the REV IP70ML.

[Batson]

14 hours ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

Really liking the idea of the REVCB70ML. I see it’s rated for 6-12lb line... would it be able to handle 14lb FC? Sometimes I like to go slightly heavier with a 1/4oz trap to keep it running a little higher in the water column 

As Mick mentioned, 14lb won't be a problem. Truth is that most rod companies put a lower line rating because we know anglers will always push over the limit. 

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

9 hours ago, MickD said:

Yes.  2 pounds over is insignificant.  But you can use anything you want-you can use 30 pound braid if you want.  You just don't use as much drag as you might have with a more powerful rod, and you don't stress the rod more than about 90 degrees by pointing it more at the fish.

 

The only issue with overstressing the rod by using heavy line is if you also use lures much heavier lures than its rating, and don't carefully lob them.  If you try to do snap casts with heavy line and lures, that's when you might break the rod.

 

I missed this blank when looking for one for you.  It sounds almost exactly like the Bushido and Loomis rods that I have used for light cranks, and much more, for years.  I expect it's very much like the REV IP70ML.

 

3 hours ago, Batson said:

As Mick mentioned, 14lb won't be a problem. Truth is that most rod companies put a lower line rating because we know anglers will always push over the limit. 

Big thanks to both of you guys for the help. Greatly appreciated ??