what do you look for in a rod to use for lipless cranks

[coolhandlala]

just wondering what most guys use for lipless cranks.

[ejtaylor822]

You want a rod with a slow/soft action.  A nice parabolic curve that will allow the lure some action and will aid in fighting the fish.  A fast tip will not allow the lure to be sucked into the fish's mouth as well nor load up to set the hook - although with trebles not as critical a single hook.  Also, the slow action will maintain good tension on the line while fighting - not so tight that it will pull loose/off the fish's lips, nor loose tension so that it is easier for them to throw.

I use a custom made 7' Lamiglas composite (CCB) with Fuji titanium guides.  Awesome rattle and crank rod.

[Blade-Runner]

It depends on exactly what I'm doing.

For general cranking use or early season, I will usually use either a 6'6" MH rod w/ 15 lb. mono or a 6'6" M rod w/ 10 lb. fluorocarbon.

A lot depends on cover and depth. If I'm fancasting around cover, submerged rocks/wood, etc - I like the heavier power and heavier line. For deeper, clearer water with less cover (fancasting flats w/ emerging vegetation,etc) I like the lighter rod/line. I also vary the size of the Trap based on these characteristics.

Later in the spring and into summer, when I'm fishing grass, I like stepping up to a 7' MH rod rigged with 50-lb. braid and a high-speed reel. You hear often about the "ripping" concepts and this equipment does seem to work better when fishing in/around heavier cover. A 7:1 reel w/ braid and a heavier, sensitive rod is great for ripping through weeds and covering water. Often times I will use this as a search bait instead of a spinnerbait (particularly if I know a lot of guys are using blades). Lipless cranks (for me) are one of the exceptions to using a softer rod.

Although I like a soft rod at times for not ripping out hooks, the added sensitivity of either braid, a quality rod, or both can and does boost my performance with rattletraps.

[Jeff H]

I use a 6'6" M/XF Crucial.  I tried that "slow" action approach and found because of the (often times but not always) long casts involved I lost more fish than with the rod I use now.  I am almost ALWAYS around weeds with these baits so prefer firmer action.

[FishingPirate]

It depends on the structure. I definitely prefer a longer rod mostly for distance purposes. Right now Im using a 7'0" but Ive got my eyes on a 7'8" Ike rod.

[roadwarrior]

Avid AVC70MM

8-)

[njbasser]

Avid AVC70MM

This^

I also use this rod for shallow cranks, which it is great for as well

[Dave D]

St.Croix Premier Crankbait!

PC70MHM 7' MH Mod.

[jjbassjj]

6'6'' Shimano Compre M MF for open water or sparse cover and a 7' St. Croix MH MOD for ripping through the grass

[bmadd]

I prefer a little longer rod, a 7'6". This allows me to launch lipless baits so  that I can cover a lot more water. I like a MH power. Often times, I'm fishing around grass. The extra power makes it easier to rip the bait free of any grass the trebles may collect. I like a moderate action because that allows for better hookups and pins the fish better.

[fishfordollars]

7' Medium heavy with a fast tip.