Mid- Deep Cranking Rod

[SeanKC15]

What are you all using for a mid-deep cranking rod? I like graphite, and I am having trouble finding a 7 1/2 ft cranking rod. I picked up a 7 5 Fenwick, but the reel seat doesn’t seem to work well with the curados I want to use on it. Looking at a dobyns champion cranking rod, but was hoping to not spend 250+. Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated. 

[webertime]

One of the closeout Megabass Orochi Launchers?

[BigAngus752]

A few years ago I called Duckett Fishing and ended up talking with a guy in the rod shop. They had discontinued my favorite line of rods and I told him I was trying to find a MH rod with a lot of backbone but a very parabolic tip and moderate action that could hurl a lure a mile and could keep a fish pinned with treble hooks.  He said, "Wow, you practically just quoted Jacob when he told us what he wanted".  I figured that was a clue so I bought one Jacob Wheeler rod.  I now own 3.  I use them for medium and deep crankbaits, medium and large spinnerbaits, and vibrating jigs.  If this description sounds like what you are looking for you can always find the Jacob Wheelers on sale sometime from now until Xmas.  I have two MH/Moderate Fast and 1 HF.   

 

Edit:  I just looked them up and saw that Duckett has discontinued them and now sells Jacob Wheeler Select rods for $249.  Maybe you can find one of the original Wheelers still in stock somewhere.  Should be $149 or less.  I suggest the MH/Moderate Fast in 7'3".  

 

 

 

[NorthernBasser]

Check out the ALX IKOS Thunder. 

[casts_by_fly]

What’s mid deep for you?  For me, that’s a rod capable of a dt6 up to a dt16. I don’t get to do that much because when the fish are at that depth around here we have lots of grass. When I can do it though, I use the falcon expert Hudson special. It’s a 7’3” and perfect for that. If you want it’s big brother rod, the Toledo special is a longer and slower version at 7’8” and a slower action. They will set you back $200 and $220 respectively but if you can wait for after Christmas you can get the 10% off gift card special at TW. 

[Eric 26]

I’m going to suggest looking into Okuma especially right now with the Tackle Warehouse 20% off rods sale. Although I don’t have their crank bait specific rods I do have a couple TCS A rods including their 7’-0” medium plus moderate fast taper that I’ve used smaller cranks and square bills on and they have a 7’-6” heavy moderate fast TCS A in addition to a couple different crank bait specific rods.

[SeanKC15]

Appreciate all the advice. As far as a depth range, probably no deeper than 20’ and I’d say most of it would be in 10-15’. I really like dobyns and think I may just spend the extra on the champion xp 7 6. 

Eric26- I was looking at okuma on twh. Is the okjma cranking rod for 160 glass? Maybe I read it wrong but it didn’t look like graphite. Or is the glass rod really better for big crank baits? I just have not liked the feel of glass in the past. 

[Eric 26]

@SeanKC15 According to the Okuma website the blanks are 24 ton graphite so no glass as far as I’m reading. Also so you know if you buy it now you get an additional 20% off so it’s under $150.00.

Edited November 20, 2024 by Eric 26
Added content

[Columbia Craw]

What weights?

[casts_by_fly]

12 hours ago, SeanKC15 said:

Appreciate all the advice. As far as a depth range, probably no deeper than 20’ and I’d say most of it would be in 10-15’. I really like dobyns and think I may just spend the extra on the champion xp 7 6. 

Eric26- I was looking at okuma on twh. Is the okjma cranking rod for 160 glass? Maybe I read it wrong but it didn’t look like graphite. Or is the glass rod really better for big crank baits? I just have not liked the feel of glass in the past. 

 

the other one to consider is the Falcon Lowrider in the cranker 2.  Its a 3/8-3/4, 7'6" MH/MF and is the lowrider version of the cranker 2 blank.  They come in at $129 with full cork and good reel seats (I prefer the fuji seats on falcon rods to all others).  I haven't handled this specific rod, but it hits all of the right spots for you.  I think its the bigger brother to the Hudson special but in the lowrider line.

[FrnkNsteen]

If you like Dobyns,... What about a Dobyns Kaden 735CB?

 

I've never used one, but cheaper than the Champ XP, it's 7'3" so approximately the length you were mentioning, and I hear people mentioning how much they like them. 

 

I've heard people saying they like them for a bladed jig rod too. Just a thought if you say you like Dobyns.

[Maverick2017]

Phenix Feather 7’7 MH

[WRB]

2 hours ago, Maverick2017 said:

Phenix Feather 7’7 MH

 XF for diving crankbaits?

Tom

[GReb]

If you want to save money the Falcon Lowrider 7’6 Cranker is graphite and isn’t bad. I use it for my 10-12 ft divers. Never need anything deeper than that on my water but I’m sure it could handle smaller body deep divers. Definitely not a 10xd 

[NorthernBasser]

5 hours ago, WRB said:

 XF for diving crankbaits?

Tom

 

The Feather's action ratings are listed way faster than what they really are. The 7'1 H/XF is a great Chatterbait rod. The tip is anything but extra fast. 

[Rockhopper]

IMX Pro 906C CBR is exactly what you are looking for and is a killer rod.  Though it is more expensive, but 20% off until 11/22 at TW.  Brings the price down to $312 from $399.

[Dan N]

Check out ALX rods

[SeanKC15]

Appreciate all the advice. I decided to order the dobyns champ. Love it in the flipping stick, so I decided the extra 100 for exactly what I wanted was probably the way to go. If anyone wants a review I’ll test it out this weekend. 

[Eric 26]

Review 🤔

[Bassnyak]

On 11/19/2024 at 6:00 PM, SeanKC15 said:

Appreciate all the advice. As far as a depth range, probably no deeper than 20’ and I’d say most of it would be in 10-15’. I really like dobyns and think I may just spend the extra on the champion xp 7 6. 

Eric26- I was looking at okuma on twh. Is the okjma cranking rod for 160 glass? Maybe I read it wrong but it didn’t look like graphite. Or is the glass rod really better for big crank baits? I just have not liked the feel of glass in the past. 

another site,25% off right now,just sayen

[DogBone_384]

I rotate three deep crank casting reels:

1. Kistler 7’3” KLX MH/MF. My work horse. Throws almost anything. A+ sensitivity.
2. Kistler 7’3” Medium Feel ‘N Reel. Very limber tip and lots of backbone. Very sensitive and throws down to 1/4 oz. Nicely.
3. St. Croix Premier 7’ MH/M. My pick for 16-20’ baits. Not as sensitive as Kistler.