Favorite Sub $200 Crankbait Rod

[hokiehunter373]

Lets hear it.  Family got me a new reel for Christmas that now needs a new rod for it's home.  I'm looking for a medium/moderate rod.  Considering a 7'1" St. Croix Mojo Bass.  What are some other options?  Thanks in advance.

[Choporoz]

Have you handled that rod?  I bought it without having seen it, or any other glass rod made in last 40 years.  I couldn't stand it.  Bought a Cashion Elite graphite crank rod and couldn't be happier with the change. If you want to try the Mojo.... PM me if you are more or less between DMV and Kerr.  I transit that stretch frequently.

[hokiehunter373]

@Choporoz thanks for reaching out

 

Anyone have input on these rods as well?  Seems like a steal: https://dobynsrods.com/product/dc-705cb-fr/

[Spankey]

For many moons I’ve used the St. Croix Premiere Cranking Sticks. They are good rods, I like their version of a moderate action. They discontinued them some time back. I think SC has them incorporated into their higher end rods now. 
 

Over the last few years I’ve jumped on the Abu Garcia bandwagon and fish a couple of the Veritas “Winch” Series rods. I’m more than satisfied with these rods. I prefer Cork but the style of foam on here is not a problem. I don’t think about it. Took a bit of time to get use to the fact they are white rods, in color but that didn’t take long. Got over that after the first bass caught with it. To me well worth the $100-$110. $80 at TW Sale. 
 

Asked for an Abu Garcia Ike Delay rod for Christmas. Be a while before I fish it.  It’s gonna be just fine. To me feels identical or close to the Veritas. Rod is a crankbait rod. She scored a good price on that rod from TW BF sale. 
 

The Abu rods are nice, I don’t base my buying of it by reviews or opinion too much. Went by feel and touch. On water test would be nice but I wasn’t that lucky. 
 

Getting some opinions will be good but try not to buy one untouched. Try to find the one you want or have someone order it in for you to feel it. If you can put your reel on it when you are deciding that helps even more. You’ll know if it is right. 

[volzfan59]

I've got a St Croix Mojo Bass cranking rod. It's okay but no where near as good as my BPS Crankin' Stix.

 

[swhit140]

Powell Diesel Crankbait Rod, $89.99. I know it is a cheaper rod but it is a great rod for the price. Respectively lightweight at 3.8oz and good quality built rod, I would recommend this rod to anyone.

[J Francho]

Okuma EVX. I have two and they work great. 

[SproDD79]

The okuma crankbait select series is a solid choice  for cranking. The DC 705CB FR is a nice crankbait rod and can serve as a jerkbait rod as well. 

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Guide_Select_Crankbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-OGSCB.html

[hokiehunter373]

Ok, so a big fat no to the mojo bass lol. I’ll look into the others 

[LonnieP]

Daiwa Tatula  7’ Medium/regular glass

[PhishLI]

5 hours ago, hokiehunter373 said:

I'm looking for a medium/moderate rod.  Considering a 7'1" St. Croix Mojo Bass. 

Just in case you've waffled in the past hour, I'm with @Choporoz. I have one and hate it.

[TcRoc]

5 hours ago, hokiehunter373 said:

@Choporoz thanks for reaching out

 

Anyone have input on these rods as well?  Seems like a steal: https://dobynsrods.com/product/dc-705cb-fr/

?Yup. Dc Champ for a $140 .. heck I like the green

[PressuredFishing]

6 hours ago, hokiehunter373 said:

Lets hear it.  Family got me a new reel for Christmas that now needs a new rod for it's home.  I'm looking for a medium/moderate rod.  Considering a 7'1" St. Croix Mojo Bass.  What are some other options?  Thanks in advance.

Are you serious about throwing cranks? Like at least once a week for an entire trip? Or do you just want "a rod" that gets better hookups when you want to throw them more often. If you want a serious one I'm probably not the guy, but if you want a dirt cheap reliable rod, any rod that is glass, composite, or a graphite moderate action should work, one of my favorites is an ugly stick, they are softer, any rod that has a deep blank bend will work fine.

[hokiehunter373]

7 minutes ago, PressuredFishing said:

Are you serious about throwing cranks? Like at least once a week for an entire trip? Or do you just want "a rod" that gets better hookups when you want to throw them more often. If you want a serious one I'm probably not the guy, but if you want a dirt cheap reliable rod, any rod that is glass, composite, or a graphite moderate action should work, one of my favorites is an ugly stick, they are softer, any rod that has a deep blank bend will work fine.

I mainly want a good treble hook rod

[WRB]

Look no further then the Flea Market Dobyns DC705CB  for $160

Tom

[kdubracing]

Okuma Guide Select Crankbait rod is great. I got one when they were new and like it better every time I fish it. 

[hokiehunter373]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Look no further then the Flea Market Dobyns DC705CB  for $160

Tom

Torn between that and the Okuma right now

[Bankbeater]

For casting crankbaits, and other moving baits, I like the BPS lineup. I started using the green extreme rods years ago for moving baits. You can’t beat them for the money. 

[padon]

17 hours ago, hokiehunter373 said:

Lets hear it.  Family got me a new reel for Christmas that now needs a new rod for it's home.  I'm looking for a medium/moderate rod.  Considering a 7'1" St. Croix Mojo Bass.  What are some other options?  Thanks in advance.

ive been looking at those. i need a soft rod for trebels but i dont want something as soft as glass. i crank grass alot and i need to feel when the bait is ticking grass. i also need the backbone to rip that bait out of grass triggers strikes.which model do you have?

[tander]

I throw cranks probably 80% of the time. Before last year I used the Lew's David Fritts rod but I wanted something lighter. Bought the Daiwa Tatula Elite Randy Howell rod and love it. It is rated a ML but seems a little stouter. I had very few fish come unlooked.

[steve-pierce]

I have a Mojo crank rod, a couple BPS cranking sticks, a couple Abu winch and some Shimano Sellus crank rods. I like them all. I don't understand the need for expensive cranking rods.

 

I have an older Fritts glass rod but I'm not a fan. It just seems too noodlie. 

 

The grips are another area that I use to pick a cranking rod by. Unlike pitching where you are cradling the reel, long casts means that you will be holding the grip and possibly the butt. They have to feel right also. I couldn't use a rod with Winn grips

 

[HaydenS]

On 1/12/2022 at 5:17 PM, hokiehunter373 said:

Ok, so a big fat no to the mojo bass lol. I’ll look into the others 

I fished a magdraft on one, they seem like great rods, my buddy loves it.  But, they are BIG and heavy, which is to be expected from a glass rod, but these are kinda excessive I feel like.  The butt length is perfect though!  

[Mbirdsley]

On 1/12/2022 at 4:11 PM, J Francho said:

Okuma EVX. I have two and they work great. 

I love my evx for cranks 

[hokiehunter373]

8 hours ago, Mbirdsley said:

I love my evx for cranks 

Right now that's what I think I'm getting.  Just need one back in stock

[long island basser]

On 1/12/2022 at 3:58 PM, swhit140 said:

Powell Diesel Crankbait Rod, $89.99. I know it is a cheaper rod but it is a great rod for the price. Respectively lightweight at 3.8oz and good quality built rod, I would recommend this rod to anyone.

 

I own the 7’5” mh  , excellent rod for the price.

Mainly throw 15’ to 20’ diving plugs on it.

Could pull double duty with 1/2 to 3/4  spinnerbait and chatter baits.  Up to 1 oz ploppers and wakebaits.