Long-Handle Crank Bait Rod??

[Linesides]

I am in the market for a crank bait rod that I can use to work the larger cranks that run in the 16 to 20 feet depth range. I went to Bass Pro Shops and spent over an hour and a half looking at different rods. I was specifically looking for a rod at least 7' in length, preferably even longer, that wasn't too tip heavy. I also wanted a long rear grip. After all the time spent, I really liked the new KVD series rods (7'4 didn't have the 7'10 to see) and a 7' Falcon Original FC-5-17 casting rod. I looked at the Quantum Energy PT's but they were too tip heavy compared to the others.

The Mojo series rods by St. Croix were really nice, but the handle on the 7' medium casting model was way too short IMO (around 6). I would of bought the Mojo but for that. The rear handles on the KVD and Falcon rods were 10, which still felt a little short. I own a Dobyns swimbait rod that is 7'9 with a 14 rear handle and it is a rocket launcher! It just seems that the longer handle helps in casting and gives you good leverage tucked under your arm. Not sure if I can afford another Dobyns though =(

Any recommendations on a long range casting cranking rod that can handle the pressure of big-lipped divers?? Am I the only one liking a longer rear grip; sad to say the market seems to answer yes

Thanks for any input!

Eric

[skunked_again]

when you go back to BPS take a good look at the falcon lowrider series. its a good piece.

[21farms]

eric,

swimbait rods have such long handles because the lures are so heavy that you really need two hands spaced far apart to cast them properly and without wrecking your shoulder.

i have cranking rods from lamiglas, loomis, shimano and powell and none of them have long handles. when i got my first crankin' rod, i wanted a longer handle too but, after a few years fishing them, i think i understand the thinking that went into them. i think the reason for that is that most fisherman will work the retrieve of cranks with the tip down, maybe in the water, and a long handle would be sticking up into your chest and face with your wrist at a weird angle because the handle would have to clear your gut.

btw, almost every rod i've ever handled that was 7'6" or longer felt tip heavy to me. also, i've been around the block on the longer rods too. i thought that, if 7'0" feet was good, 8'0" was even better so bought 3 more cranking rods in 7'5", 7'6" and 7'10" and discovered that i liked 7'0" the best. but, that's just me.

[Bassyak]

I bought the Tour KVD 7'4", looking for a rod similar to what you are describing, and I think it fits the bill nicely.  The handle is long enough to tuck under my arm when cranking the big bills without getting in my face.  I paired mine with a Curado 200E5 and love the combo.  Light for its size and pretty well-balanced.

It works well slinging 5-6" hollow-belly swimbaits, too.  I was casting a 5" Yum Money Minnow a couple weeks ago and made the mistake of connecting the hook to the stainless steel speed snap I'd been using for deep cranks.  Got a good strike on the minnow and straightened that snap out.  Lost the fish and the bait, but it showed that the rod had some serious power.

[Linesides]

Thank you guys for the thoughtful replies; they all make sense. I do like the KVD series and have had good results with the 3 Falcon rods that I own; I'll look into their Low Rider series. Looks like they have 2 Low Rider cranking rods; one 7' and the other 7'6"...

Thanks again!  

[Pantera61]

In the old days, long handles were the standard on crankin' rods.  Crankin' was two-handed affair.  I had a Quantum 7' Tour Edition with cork fore and rear grip.  What a stick.  I had a problem with it, can't recall what, they send me back a rod with the fake EVA.  I couldn't sell it fast enough.

I saw something Randy Howell used a few years ago, the handle was just too short.

[jaym137]

I have 3 crankbait rods that I love. First for small cranks like Rapala DT 6 size I have a Kistler 7ft crankbait special rod. For the majority of my cranks ie.. DT 10's, etc I have the Loomis 845 cbr 7ft. I also thought handle was a bit short on the loomis and kistler, so I added a Bass Pro balancer(adds a couple inches) and rod grip tape. I balance all my rods. My deep crankbait rod is a Dobyns 845 cb first generation which has a long handle which I feel is really a must for really deep divers like Norman D22's or Rapala DT 16's etc. I use zillion crazy crankers 4.9 to 1 gear ratio for 2 rods and a curado (not the newer version) 5 to 1 ratio on another. The newer 2nd generation Dobyns are probably even nicer, but I like the one I have fine.

[cidgrad96]

One of the other reasons swimbait rod handles are longer is so you can tuck it in your side and not wear out your arm retrieving that big bait all day. On that note, I've been seeing a lot more long deep crank rods lately with longer handles. Guys are using that same tuck in the side technique so they can crank all day easier.

A 7'6" rod with a 12" handle has the same usable length as a 7'3" rod with a 9" handle. Hope that makes sense.

The advantage of a longer crank rod is longer casts. Longer casts are good because you can keep a lure in the strike zone longer and it's easier to cast past your target so the crank is already at the right depth when it reaches the target. Also, you have more control over depth with a longer rod. You can stick more rod in the water and drive a few extra feet out of a certain lure. Works real good too!