Crankbait Rod Question?

[FishTank]

I just got my hands on a couple of new Shimano Curados (last years models) and I am looking to set one up just for crankbaits.  I need some suggestions on a rod.  I looking to spend under $200 and I am wanting opinions on length, power and action.  Also, I would like to here what you guys think makes a crankbait rod, a crankbait rod.

Thanks again for all your help.

[Mikey]

I think the best cranking rods are the Browning Silaflex rods. only 29.99 per rod. these are the same rods that helped David Fritts win the classic in 1993. very well made.

[MickD]

What makes a crankbait rod a crankbait rod? I believe it is that it is somewhat softer and forgiving than most of the graphite rods so that the angler isn't as likely to set too fast and jerk the lure out of the fish's mouth.

The softer tip also seems to give better action to hard jerk baits.

I tried a glass crankbait rod and really hated it. It was much too heavy and felt "dead."

I made a Loomis CB 843 7 foot graphite (they call it a blend, I'm not sure of the details of the material) rod and love it. It is very light, sensitive, yet fairly soft.

Check it out at the Loomis site, for a discussion of their crankbait rods' characteristics.

Trying to cast crankbaits with a fairly stiff rod is very hard on the arm compared with using a rod like this that loads easily and has a lot of flex. If you choose to go with a cheap glass rod and don't like it, keep in mind that the difference between that rod and one of these Loomis rods is night and day.

[Bass Magnet]

As far as what a rod does depends on how you use it. Todays Advance tech. allow manufactures to do almost anything.

I just fished a Championship Tournament on the Ca Delta. I was using 50lb power pro Braid on my new Castaway flippin stick. During practice I kept breaking off big fish on the hook set. It was not the rod, it was not the line or even the knot. (double Palamar). It was a combo of everything. Before day one in the tourney I took off the braid and put on 20lb Hi-Seas White Lighting and my problems were over. Braid has no stretch my flippin stick had almost no give in the tip, cause thats the way I like it. So I learned that unless you have a rod with a forgiving tip stay away from even Power Pro Braid.

What I am saying is that everything has to match from rod handle to tip and weight to the reel you use down to the type of line you are using to the weight of the jig or crank bait that you are throwing.

examples of what I use

-14in swimbait  7ozs-      8 ft MH rod 6.2:1 reel 20 to 30 lb mono

-Frogs around grass-      7.5 ft rod  5.1:1 reel at least 50lb braid

- big/deep cranks -         7ft MH rod  5.1:1 reel  15-20lb mono

- small cranks/blades-    6.6ft M rod  6.2:1 reel  12-15  mono

- drop shot-                   5.5 ft spinning rod m act, 8-12lb Hi-Seas White Lighting Line (only)

This is how I set things up for me, as a disclamer You have to do things that work for you and your style of fishing.  Good Luck and FISH HARD OR LEAVE IT ON THE TRAILER!

The Bass Magnet

[Lightninrod]

I've caught several Bass with a crankbait tied onto my 7' Kistler Medium Caster LTA rod. It's very sensitive but also forgiving even though it's a graphite rod. It even allowed me to snag and land two different 5 lbers in their face(instead of inside their mouth or lips) but didn't rip the hooks away. It weighs about 4 ounces and I can cast it for hours and not get tired and I'm no 'spring chicken'

Here's a pic of a recent crankbait 6 lber and my LTA Helium:

It costs slightly more than your budgeted $200 but you will be very satisifed with one .

Dan

[ww2farmer]

The BPS crankin sticks are really great crankbait rods............and they are easy on the wallet at only $50. I use them and couldn't be more pleased. IMHO the higher end crankbaits rods are probably the most overpriced rods in existance, while you certainly get what you pay for in the highend St.Croix or Loomis graphite rods, I feel there cranking rods don't offer any more at there higher price than the BPS rods.

[texasbass1]

I second the BPS crankin stix endorsement. I'm not putting down high end rods, but for me these rods offer great sensitivity, light weight and excellent balance. I carry 5 of them. 4 7'ers and 1 6'er.

[texasbass1]

Almost forgot, Med to Med Hvy with moderate action tip. I use the 7' Med for baits under 1/2 oz and the MH for the rest.

[FishTank]

Thanks to everyone for the help.  I ended up buying a 7' Med. Johnny Morris BPS rod.  I tried it out today with some 3/8 oz cranks and it performed quite well.  No fish but it casted well and seemed very sensitive.  

I looked at the G. Loomis Crankbait rod, a St. Croix Legend Tournament rod and a St. Croix Avid but I got the Johnny Morris rod for $119.  It looks to be a well made rod and for the price, it fit my needs without taking  $200+ out of my wallet.  

If anyone still has an opinion on this, please fill free to add some more info.  I always appreciate any advice I get on this forum.