Cheap Cranking Rod

[JT Henriksen]

Hi I am looking for recommendations for a cheap cranking rod. I don't use crank baits too often so I am looking for one "do it all" rod that I can feel comfortable using at most depths and with lipless baits. I want to spend under $80 for this rod so my options are pretty limited for specialized rods. The rods that I'm looking at are the Dobyns Colt 705cb, the 13 defy black cranking, and the Powell diesel 705cb, and the St. Croix 7'2" MH power in a M action. The Powell will be on sale at TW this month for at least 30% off and I have a way to get a good discount on the St. Croix. If any of you guys have any experience with these rods or know of any other good rods that fit into my budget let me know. 

[Vilas15]

Love my St Croix 7' MH/M graphite rod for 3/8 to 1/2 oz cranks that dive 5-10'. I've fished a lipless on it too which was nice but most of the time i like to have a lipless and diver tied on so i dont do it that often. I fish 30lb braid to a 10 lb mono leader so i can feel if ive fouled the bait in weeds even at the end of the cast. Keeps fish on well enough.

[Spankey]

I fish a couple of St. Croix Premier Crankbait Rods. Have always been very satisfied. Been fishing a couple of Abu Garcia Cranking Sticks and been real satisfied with them also. I would not put them in break the bank price. Hopefully you can get to touch them first. Get the feel you are looking for. 
 

Your lure weights will be important factor. 

[garroyo130]

I usually recommend the lightning rod medium/moderate but you mentioned wanting throw lipless on it as well. 

 

As a "do it all" cheap crankbait rod, I'd recommend the Lew's Carbon Fire MH/Mod. $60 @ DSG.

 

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/lews-carbon-fire-speed-stick-casting-rod-19lewu7crbnfrspdsrod/19lewu7crbnfrspdsrod

 

 

[RichF]

Of those, I would definitely go with the St. Croix.  Great company, great customer service, great warranties, and great rods.  

[Born 2 fish]

Bass pro crankin stick great rod and cheap.

[Bluebasser86]

I'll go even cheaper, 7' MH Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. One of the most versatile, cheap rods out there. It'll crank, spinnerbait, T-rig, buzzbait, chatterbait, trap, frog, jig, about whatever you need to do. I've got a couple I use for bank fishing and kayaking for my "do all", rods.

[MN Fisher]

Okuma Stratus VI - 7' MH/MF. DSG 'exclusive', normally $79.99, currently discounted to $49.99. I have the spinning version and it's my spinning-crank rod.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/okuma-stratus-vi-casting-rod-19okuustrts7mhcstrod/19okuustrts7mhcstrod

[the reel ess]

10 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I'll go even cheaper, 7' MH Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. One of the most versatile, cheap rods out there. It'll crank, spinnerbait, T-rig, buzzbait, chatterbait, trap, frog, jig, about whatever you need to do. I've got a couple I use for bank fishing and kayaking for my "do all", rods.

I used an older 6'6" medium Lightning Rod for all my treble lures for years. It had just the right action. I have replaced it with an older 7' MH Lowrider from Falcon that was designed to be a lipless crank rod, I think. Of course, this is not a cheap rod of bought new. I got it for $50 from a guy I worked with. Used rods abound. Check EBay.

[Blaine Donders]

Dobyns CL703C

[J._Bricker]

4 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Okuma Stratus VI - 7' MH/MF. DSG 'exclusive', normally $79.99, currently discounted to $49.99. I have the spinning version and it's my spinning-crank rod.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/okuma-stratus-vi-casting-rod-19okuustrts7mhcstrod/19okuustrts7mhcstrod

I use the Okuma “Reflections” series to chuck moving baits. @JT Henriksen regarding your original post, I’m kinda partial to the Powell as I own a few of the Max series rods. And if you can save a few bucks on a chuck and wind rod....hey, spend it on a more sensitive rod for bottom contact baits where in my humble opinion it really counts...

[Born 2 fish]

12 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I'll go even cheaper, 7' MH Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. One of the most versatile, cheap rods out there. It'll crank, spinnerbait, T-rig, buzzbait, chatterbait, trap, frog, jig, about whatever you need to do. I've got a couple I use for bank fishing and kayaking for my "do all", rods.

The older model was awesome I have a few. But I don’t like the new ones with the plastic reel seat.

[J Francho]

Run what you brung!  Any M/F stick you already have, with non braid will work.  If you decide you like cranking, then get a good stick.

[zell_pop1]

If you can get the St Croix for $80 then get it. Otherwise the BPS cranking stick when it is on sale.

[new2BC4bass]

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

Run what you brung!  Any M/F stick you already have, with non braid will work.  If you decide you like cranking, then get a good stick.

Exactly what I used for years until finally getting a crankbait rod.

[WRB]

Lew’s David Frits Perfect Crank Bait rod 7’ Medium 3/8-1 oz lures should work and good quality in your budget.

Tom

[Fishlegs]

The Daiwa aird-x is another possible option in the $50 range.

[Spankey]

18 hours ago, zell_pop1 said:

If you can get the St Croix for $80 then get it. Otherwise the BPS cranking stick when it is on sale.

In the Eyecon Series they have a Med. Moderate that is a cranking rod. Might be slightly above your set point but not by a lot. 
 

If you don’t have to rush to buy it. Take your time and see and feel as many as possible. Mount your reel in it. 

[JT Henriksen]

21 hours ago, zell_pop1 said:

If you can get the St Croix for $80 then get it. Otherwise the BPS cranking stick when it is on sale.

Better yet. I can get it for $66 on the dot.

[soflabasser]

Ugly Stik makes several rods that are good for crankbait fishing.

[shackman]

Kistler crankbait special if you can find one. I've got 2 of em that I've had for years.I use em alot.