ScorpiFish Posted January 26 Posted January 26 Just picked up a St Croix Avid AC66MHM (for $50!!) and looking for recommendations on a good reel to pair with it in the $100-$125 range for a dedicated crank bait rod. I have a $50 gift certificate at Bass Pro Shop so will probably be purchasing there. Also what speed would you recommend? Thanks in advance! Quote
Super User MickD Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 Daiwa Fuego is a fine reel. 8:1 or lower. Quote
Super User WRB Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 Today a 6’6” crank bait rod is considered short length. What type of “crank baits” do use? Crank bait like lipless or shallow divers like square bills the reel gear ratio/IPT is less important. Deep diving crank baits with larger longer bills create a lot water resistance to overcome. Deep divers lower gear ratio/ lower IPT are easier to use; 5.1:2 to 6.3:1 ratio/ 24-26 IPT. Tom Quote
MediumMouthBass Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Any 6 speed reel would work for cranking. Only time you would need something special is for lighter/non aerodynamic stuff that can be hard to cast, and deep divers that need to be cast very far so they can get to depth, they also put a lot of wear on the reel from their drag. If you are fishing lighter cranks/non aerodynamic baits the SLX 70 with an MGL spool is phenomenal. Deep divers or big crankbaits a BB1 Pro, one of the only reels made for cranking and cranking only on the market currently. A bit out of your price range but you can find one on sale and have BPS price match it. Even for regular cranking applications this thing works great. I use mine mainly for lipless cranks and love it. For all around cranking a Shimano SLX A $100, SLX XT $120, Daiwa Fuego CT $120, Tatula CT $150, Lews LFS $100 are all good options at your price point before using the gift card. 1 Quote
GReb Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Lews LFS is great for squarebills and small cranks. It’s small handprint make it easy to roll cast and the magnetic brakes work well for that bait. If you want to spend more the SLX mgl and curado 70 mgl are also an amazing unit for that style fishing. Quote
dk2429 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Depends. Deep cranks, a 5:1 or 6:1. Shallow cranks, 7:1. There’s no better reel than a Shimano SLX XT for $129. Get it cheaper on Amazon or look for a sale. Quote
SkippinJimmy Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Use the Revo 6.4:1 you said you already own on the other post and use the $50 on something else. Quote
Eric 26 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Although I’m not going to recommend a specific reel as there are a ton of great ones already mentioned. I am going to offer up since you said you’re going to purchase at BPS wait until they have their annual spring classic sale which usually includes a trade in program and trade in either one of your lower end reels or your ugly stick. I will add BPS usually puts their house brands on sale with a slightly better deal and if I’m not mistaken their bait casters are made by Doyo with the same frame as the Lews LFS. I had a Carbonlite 2.0 combo that I ultimately sold off not due to the performance of either the rod or reel but rather the reel just doesn’t fit my hand the way I like. Although it might be a bit more than your looking to spend if you do take advantage of the trade in the new Daiwa Tatula 100 in a 6 speed would be my recommendation but I will admit I’m a bit of a Daiwa fanboy. Oh and also I know I lied when I said I wouldn’t give a recommendation. 1 Quote
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