Abu Garcia Winch casting rod

[FryDog62]

I'm potentially in the market for a crankbait rod for throwing squarebills, 1/2 oz Lipless, and medium crank baits like a DT-10. Looking for suggestions in the $150-250 range.  I prefer graphite and not glass, maybe open to composite... 

 

I came across online review for the newer Abu Garcia Winch (not Veritas or Vendetta versions) this one: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-ABURODS.html?from=basres

 

The review talked positively about its Moderate Composite action being very good to keep fish pinned - and how light and balanced the rod was. Does anyone have some real time on the water with it and can provide feedback? Am possibly thinking the 7 foot Medium or MH.

 

Again, open to other suggestions too. I like the specs on the St. Croix Victory 7'2" MH-M, but have read mixed reviews so far.

 

 

 

[Deephaven]

I had Thorne Bros build me a custom stick for those for about that price using one of their St Croix TB specific blanks.

[Spankey]

I find the Abu Garcia “winch” crankbait rods to be decent rods. I’m fishing them on Revo reels. I’m pretty much a creature of habit and very rarely stray from things I’m use to but I took the chance on some Abu rods and reels and I am glad I did. Fishing Squarebill and deeper cranks on them. 

[FryDog62]

40 minutes ago, Spankey said:

I find the Abu Garcia “winch” crankbait rods to be decent rods. I’m fishing them on Revo reels. I’m pretty much a creature of habit and very rarely stray from things I’m use to but I took the chance on some Abu rods and reels and I am glad I did. Fishing Squarebill and deeper cranks on them. 

I've fished the Veritas Winch before and it was decent, but have you fished the new Abu Garcia Winch model? Wondering how its different - is it just grip, guides, etc or is the action a little different?  The Veritas only comes in a Medium-Moderate, but the Abu Garcia Winch comes in both a Medium-Moderate and a MH-Moderate. The action may dictate which rod for me (Squarebills, 1/2 oz Lipless, DT-10's, etc).  Thx

[Spankey]

The think are making that “Winch” rod in two versions now. White new Veritas, PLX or something like that. They have the moderate action than I see where the spinning version is a mod. fast with a new handle design and the rod blank is black. I don’t have a Abu Garcia dealer out my way to work with. Don’t really have a tackle shop worth a dang out my way for that matter. I used the guys out at TW to help me out with the first rod I selected. My second was just the next power up. I realize they are not maybe a St. Croix Tourmanent Grade but I think the moderate action of the Abu rods are true. At least true to my likings. 

[genericname]

FryD62 did you get the winch? I have here 6 moderate/fast rods I am testing one of which is the winch. They all feel a bit stiff but Im sure once a fish is on I could tell the tip is softer. Any observations after owning it? thanks

[SproDD79]

I prefer to fish graphite crankbait rods, I use the Dobyns 764cb for a dt 10 and love it. The rod  is light , sensitive has enough give to keep trebles in but is not a noodle. For 1/2 oz lipless , I lean towards the 765 cb. I have handled an okuma guide select 7'5 medium crankbait rod and liked it as well, between the two ,I lean towards the dobyns.

[FishTank]

I have the St. Croix Legend Glass in the 7'2'' M Mod and it works great for DT10's and their like.  I have tried several crankbait rods over the years and this has been my favorite. 

[TNBankFishing]

50 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I have the St. Croix Legend Glass in the 7'2'' M Mod and it works great for DT10's and their like.  I have tried several crankbait rods over the years and this has been my favorite. 

DT10 on the medium? Interesting. I thought it would be maxed out not by weight but by depth. Do you think the MH could push 15ft like the tactical DD and MB deep x 300? 

[FishTank]

46 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

DT10 on the medium? Interesting. I thought it would be maxed out not by weight but by depth. Do you think the MH could push 15ft like the tactical DD and MB deep x 300? 

I have no issues throwing up to the max rating on this rod, 3/4oz but it's sweet spot is 1/2oz,  which the the D10 is pretty close.  Despite it being a Med. rod it's pretty stout where it counts. Where it struggles is bringing in deeper diving baits like the DeepX 300 from the bottom. The tip can bend enough to the point where it will start put some good pressure on your hand but if you bring it up slow, it's not an issue.  It does work great for the DeepX 200 though. My current favorite is the Megabass Super-z series.  All of them work great with this rod. 

[WRB]

M a d e in CHINA is a deal breaker for me anything with Abu Garcia label today.

St Croix are made in the USA that is all I need to know.

Tom 

[FryDog62]

3 hours ago, genericname said:

FryD62 did you get the winch? I have here 6 moderate/fast rods I am testing one of which is the winch. They all feel a bit stiff but Im sure once a fish is on I could tell the tip is softer. Any observations after owning it? thanks

I ended up buying a graphite Tatula cranking rod and absolutely love it! 

 

Daiwa Tatula Casting Rod 7'2" Medium, Regular, 8-17lb, 1/4-3/4oz

[genericname]

On 6/5/2022 at 9:11 PM, FryDog62 said:

I ended up buying a graphite Tatula cranking rod and absolutely love it! 

 

Daiwa Tatula Casting Rod 7'2" Medium, Regular, 8-17lb, 1/4-3/4oz

Ok. I ended up with the Powell 7' MH cranking rod. It is 3.8 ounces compared to 5.3 for the abu. Not all about weight but Powell balances well also. Powell Rod half the price about. I will check out a Tatula at store one day. Take care. 

[Mbirdsley]

I like graphite cranking rods.  Save $50 and look at the Okuma EVx carbon cranking rod 7 ft medium.  I bought mine for $100 2 years ago.  Love the rod. It handles small kvd 1.5 sq bills/bandit 200’s  up to a XD-5/DT-15. I have it paired with a diawa 150p tws tatula.  Awesome shallow to medium crank rod. 

[Spankey]

This is not my post but I find the Abu Winch Series to be great sticks. Especially for the price. I crankbait fish with a few. 
 

I'm a St. Croix fan boy for the most part but I don’t find them making rods with soft enough tips for my liking when it comes to crankbait fishing. 
 

They probably have something but I can’t touch anything locally. I fish a couple of old Premiere Series crankbait rods but they are long long discontinued.