Versatile Cranking Rod

[JoeDeal55]

Does anyone use 1 rod and reel for hard plastic lures? Crankbaits, jerkbaits and walking baits? Im sure a lot of people use 3 or more different rods for these 3 techniques but for the budget guy is there 1 combo that could adequately cover all 3? 

 

Slowly building my rod/reel collection but due to income I have to really put some thought into my next combo. I have a decent 6'6 MF spinning combo for finesse and a pretty good 7' MHF baitcaster for everything else. I was initially thinking about getting a heavy frog/flipping combo next but if theres a versatile cranking combo, I may have to rethink my next purchase. Any and all advice is welcome. 

[MN Fisher]

Crank and walking baits I do on a Fury 705CB

Larger jerkbaits on that too - but the small ones (3/16oz and less) I do on a Fury 703. Your M/F spinner can handle those as I use to use my Aird-X 6'6" M/F for them

[JoeDeal55]

5 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Crank and walking baits I do on a Fury 705CB

Larger jerkbaits on that too - but the small ones (3/16oz and less) I do on a Fury 703. Your M/F spinner can handle those as I use to use my Aird-X 6'6" M/F for them

Nice! Ok what gear ratio and line would you recommend? 

[huZZah]

2 schools of thought:

1. get a slower one so you can reel fast when necessary but keep the bait moving slow (which is harder for most people) when you need to. So like 6.3 or something. 
 

2. get a higher ratio and teach yourself to reel it slowly when necessary.  7.2, 8.1. Along those lines. (Although ratio isn’t everything, you really are more interested in how much line comes in per turn…but ratio is easier to see starting out.)
 

I started at 1 but worked toward 2 over a couple years.  Just takes practice. 
 

Line I use big game 12lb. 

[MN Fisher]

11 minutes ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Nice! Ok what gear ratio and line would you recommend? 

My crankbait rig has a 6.3:1 Fuego CT loaded with 12# Yo-Zuri Hybrid

 

Any decent Mono would work fine - Berkley Big Game in 10#-12# would be a good starting line.

[Skunkmaster-k]

I use a 6’10” medium fast baitcaster with a 7.1:1 reel  , spooled with 12# fluoro for shallow cranks , jerks and weightless senkos. It started out a dedicated jerkbait rod but I keep finding jobs for it 

[ironbjorn]

One setup can crank, jerk, and walk, but it can't cover the whole spectrum. I have a setup that I use for KVD 1.5s, 1/4oz Traps, Flukes, Super Spook Jrs, Poppers, Whopper Plopper 90 and stuff like that. So technically that setup does everything you're wanting, but it's specified being that everything is between 1/4-1/2oz and it's all shallow. For you cranking could mean deep divers and walking could mean 1oz+ Spooks and Spook style baits, which one rod could do, but you wouldn't like that same rod for jerkbaits. The question is more complicated than you presented it. It entirely depends on what these things mean to you. It's entirely possible to find one rod to do these things... Kind of... With limitations... And we need to know your limitations and specifications...

[GetFishorDieTryin]

A 6'10 -7'1 M F casting rod with the right amount of tip can do all of that and more.  I use a 7'1 M F Muse for CBs/JBs, spooks/poppers, weightless plastics and lighter swimjigs/chattebaits in open water.  I wouldn't recommend spending the $ for a Muse when you get essentially the same blank in the Omen Black or Fate V3 for 50-80$ less.  

[JoeDeal55]

22 minutes ago, ironbjorn said:

One setup can crank, jerk, and walk, but it can't cover the whole spectrum. I have a setup that I use for KVD 1.5s, 1/4oz Traps, Flukes, Super Spook Jrs, Poppers, Whopper Plopper 90 and stuff like that. So technically that setup does everything you're wanting, but it's specified being that everything is between 1/4-1/2oz and it's all shallow. For you cranking could mean deep divers and walking could mean 1oz+ Spooks and Spook style baits, which one rod could do, but you wouldn't like that same rod for jerkbaits. The question is more complicated than you presented it. It entirely depends on what these things mean to you. It's entirely possible to find one rod to do these things... Kind of... With limitations... And we need to know your limitations and specifications...

Small to mid sized is all I have in my tackle. No big walking baits or jerkbaits. And I only fish ponds so I wouldnt be throwing any deep divers.

Also, certain limitations I just have to deal with being on a budget. I can deal with it not being the best rod for the job as long as it can somewhat handle it. If that makes any sense.

Edited September 18, 2021 by JoeDeal55

[Dwight Hottle]

You need a MH moderate action rod & that will cover all your treble hook baits. 

[Born 2 fish]

Yep I use a 7’ medium bps crankin stick for jerkbait’s , walking baits,blade baits and crank baits.

[ChrisD46]

Which rod would be more useful for such applications : A 7' medium fast or a 7' medium moderate fast ?

[JoeDeal55]

3 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

Which rod would be more useful for such applications : A 7' medium fast or a 7' medium moderate fast ?

Or a 7' medium heavy moderate? Ive seen all three thrown around for cranks. And now im even more confused lol

[Deleted account]

Could you do all three on one rod? yeah, would one want to? No. A cranking stick is by design not very versatile.

[huZZah]

35 minutes ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Or a 7' medium heavy moderate? Ive seen all three thrown around for cranks. And now im even more confused lol

Because it’s opinion. But they’re helpful for decision making. I don’t like a moderate action on my cranks, but I’m also never deeper than 6-10’.  And to me, the one time I’ve been out trolling at 20’+, that was when the moderate action made a difference. 

[JoeDeal55]

7 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

Could you do all three on one rod? yeah, would one want to? No. A cranking stick is by design not very versatile.

Guy 1: uses 7' medium heavy moderate for crankbaits.

 

Guy 2: uses 7' medium moderate-fast for crankbaits and uses 7' medium heavy moderate for jerkbaits.

 

Guy 3: uses 7' medium fast for crankbaits and uses 7' medium heavy moderate for topwaters.

 

This is just an example of what ive seen browsing the forums. Although they use different rods for crankbaits they are using the same rod for 3 different techniques. Im not a pro nor do I have very much experience but if 1 rod can do more than just 1 dedicated technique than it is versatile imo. Personally I have no idea. I only own 2 rods other than a bunch of hand-me-down zebcos. Knowing my financial status it would take me a lifetime to own a single rod for every different technique so im trying to cut corners lol. So idk if im looking for a crankbait rod that I can also jerkbait and topwater or if im looking for a jerkbait rod that I can also topwater and crank etc. 

[jimmyjoe]

1 hour ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Or a 7' medium heavy moderate? Ive seen all three thrown around for cranks. And now im even more confused lol

 

  That's because there is no industry standard for "action". What one company calls "moderate fast" another one will call "moderate". 

   A good example is Cashion vs. St. Croix.         jj

[Deleted account]

40 minutes ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Guy 1: uses 7' medium heavy moderate for crankbaits.

 

Guy 2: uses 7' medium moderate-fast for crankbaits and uses 7' medium heavy moderate for jerkbaits.

 

Guy 3: uses 7' medium fast for crankbaits and uses 7' medium heavy moderate for topwaters.

 

This is just an example of what ive seen browsing the forums. Although they use different rods for crankbaits they are using the same rod for 3 different techniques. Im not a pro nor do I have very much experience but if 1 rod can do more than just 1 dedicated technique than it is versatile imo. Personally I have no idea. I only own 2 rods other than a bunch of hand-me-down zebcos. Knowing my financial status it would take me a lifetime to own a single rod for every different technique so im trying to cut corners lol. So idk if im looking for a crankbait rod that I can also jerkbait and topwater or if im looking for a jerkbait rod that I can also topwater and crank etc. 

The only way to find out if a particular rod will work adequately for any particular lure or presentation is to put it to the paces. Reading about what others use, or their opinion on how well it works is a recipe for frustration and disappointment. 

[Eric 26]

2 hours ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Guy 1: uses 7' medium heavy moderate for crankbaits.

 

Guy 2: uses 7' medium moderate-fast for crankbaits and uses 7' medium heavy moderate for jerkbaits.

 

Guy 3: uses 7' medium fast for crankbaits and uses 7' medium heavy moderate for topwaters.

 

This is just an example of what ive seen browsing the forums. Although they use different rods for crankbaits they are using the same rod for 3 different techniques. Im not a pro nor do I have very much experience but if 1 rod can do more than just 1 dedicated technique than it is versatile imo. Personally I have no idea. I only own 2 rods other than a bunch of hand-me-down zebcos. Knowing my financial status it would take me a lifetime to own a single rod for every different technique so im trying to cut corners lol. So idk if im looking for a crankbait rod that I can also jerkbait and topwater or if im looking for a jerkbait rod that I can also topwater and crank etc. 

You will be surprised how fast and fun it is to build a collection if you’re patient. I’m by no means a rich man but watching for sales and good deals including on this flea market yields great results. I’ve yet to pay retail on any of my gear. 

[MN Fisher]

15 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

You will be surprised how fast and fun it is to build a collection if you’re patient. I’m by no means a rich man but watching for sales and good deals including on this flea market yields great results. I’ve yet to pay retail on any of my gear. 

^ this

 

Totaling up retail on my rigs = $2100

Totaling up what I actually paid = $1200

 

General sales, closeouts and even used gear have made it into my arsenal.

 

My most 'expensive' rig would be the Patriarch 7.9:1 on the Fury 704C

Retail - $320

My cost - $157...rod on sale, reel was bought used.

[ironbjorn]

18 hours ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Small to mid sized is all I have in my tackle. No big walking baits or jerkbaits. And I only fish ponds so I wouldnt be throwing any deep divers.

Also, certain limitations I just have to deal with being on a budget. I can deal with it not being the best rod for the job as long as it can somewhat handle it. If that makes any sense.

For what you're talking about a 3 power Dobyns would be perfect and allow you to do some other things as well. Whatever series fits your price range.

[PotatoLake]

I use a 6 10 medium shimano expride for most of my topwater baits (short enough that I can walk the dog), all shallow cranking (moderate enough action to land the fish), and for jerkbaits as it’s been known as an excellent jerkbait rod. 

[the reel ess]

I use an old Falcon LowRider 7-0 MH "Big Cranker" for the bigger trebles. 

I use a 6-6 M Lightning Rod for medium size trebles. I'd like to upgrade it but it works so dang well. And the action is perfect for this use. I keep the drag set loose on both of these because I use braid for mainline with a short mono leader. Either of these would suffice, but the LowRider is more versatile.

[JoeDeal55]

6 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

You will be surprised how fast and fun it is to build a collection if you’re patient. I’m by no means a rich man but watching for sales and good deals including on this flea market yields great results. I’ve yet to pay retail on any of my gear. 

This is my goal... eventually. Fishing has always been fun, but since I started seriously bass fishing, its no longer a fun hobby anymore. Its a way of life to me now. So yes, in 20-30 years I am sure I will have a nice collection of gear to cover th. But for now im saving up to get another rod or 2 to somewhat cover everything I want learn. After that I can be more precise with my choices and start collecting. Its going to take a while but ill get there eventually.

6 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

You will be surprised how fast and fun it is to build a collection if you’re patient. I’m by no means a rich man but watching for sales and good deals including on this flea market yields great results. I’ve yet to pay retail on any of my gear. 

Also, you mentioned this flea market. Where do I find that?

[Eric 26]

25 minutes ago, JoeDeal55 said:

This is my goal... eventually. Fishing has always been fun, but since I started seriously bass fishing, its no longer a fun hobby anymore. Its a way of life to me now. So yes, in 20-30 years I am sure I will have a nice collection of gear to cover th. But for now im saving up to get another rod or 2 to somewhat cover everything I want learn. After that I can be more precise with my choices and start collecting. Its going to take a while but ill get there eventually.

Also, you mentioned this flea market. Where do I find that?

Go to the forums section look for the header marked more topics. It’s right under other fish species.