When fishing crankbaits, do you truly need a crankbait rod??

[The Rooster]

I was told that a crankbait rod will help keep the treble hooks from tearing out as you set the hook. I've missed a few fish in the past because I used a graphite rod and pulled the bait out as I set the hook so this seems to be true, but I also fish a jerkbait on a graphite rod and usually do pretty good and they all have treble hooks too. The fish in my avatar I caught just last weekend using a crankbait (you can see it hanging out in the pic) and it was on a graphite rod. However I missed him the first time around and 5 minutes later I caught him again and that time I didn't miss. I had my drag backed off just a bit to try to compensate for the stiffness in the graphite rod and maybe that helped some on the second swing. So I thought I had the answer for future crankbait fishing, just loosen the drag a couple clicks.

Then just now on another site I read that a crankbait rod can also help add action to the bait that it won't have otherwise. Is that true?? I still have to get a rod for my cranking reel. That's the reel in the pic but I just have it on an old rod. I was going to get a Shimano Compre to match my other casting rods, and as you know they're $100 or more so this has to be the right rod when I buy it. I don't want to regret my choice after it's too late to do anything about it. So, do I need a cranking rod or can I just use a straight up graphite rod??  The Compre comes in both types and they're both the same price.  

[esoxangler]

Great question Rooster, I have been asking myself the very same questions.

[Muddy]

I tried the Fiberglass cranking rod, Five Bass Limit loves them, he has fished them a long time. In the end for me my favorite cranking rod is a 6'6" Med action IM 6 rod, does the trick for me.

[cart7t]

There are quite a few nice cranking rods out there for less than $100.  

The All Star TAS cranking series, BPS cranking sticks, American Rodsmith's Fritts rods, etc. are all nice and will only set you back $70-90.  Total.  

[OK Bass Hunter]

You don't need a crank-bait rod but it sure helps alot.

[Grey Wolf]

You're not susposed to set the hook like you do with a single hook bait. Learn to adjust your fishing technique to the equipment you have or buy a speciallity rod for each application.

I find it cheaper to adjust to the equipment I have without buying technique specific rods. That's just me though.

[Use ONLY Stren]

You dont have to have a cranking rod, but it helps if you have a rod with a more parabolic action than one with a very fast action. And line with a little stretch is also a bonus.

[Raul]

I use my CR722 and/or MBR782 for crankin.

[DINK WHISPERER]

I am like Muddy, i prefer a regular graphite rod for cranks! Although i do own two BPS Crankin' stick set-ups. Glass mixed rods just feel like they are too flimsy and can't get a hook set on em!

[The Rooster]

I'd love it if I didn't have to get a cranking rod.  Then I'd just get another medium 6'6" graphite like the one I already have, and then have a 5.4 ratio reel on one and use it for crankbaits or maybe slowrolling a spinnerbait, and I'd also have a 6.4 ratio on the other rod, which I use for jerkbaits and buzzbaits.  

That way.......IF.......I were to break a rod on a trip, I'd still have the one left to finish out the day with, but if that one was just a cranking rod only then I'd feel handicapped.  

[aarogb]

    I also believe that a crankbait rod helps on the cast.  My 7'4" Tour KVD cranking rod loads up perfectly on the cast to cast my bait a long way.

[Hammer 4]

I have a BPS Rick Clunn 7'mf worm/dropshot rod that I throw cranks with. Is it the best..? No, would a crank rod be better..? yes, but I've caught fish with it, and it cast's a long ways too. Only downside is Deep cranks, really put a bend in the rod..lol so if your throwing deep cranks, imho best to get a crankin stick..

[Guest beowulfx71]

I miss alot fewer fish with a glass rod.

[A.Parris]

I used to buy in to the glass rod theory, but I dont anymore. I know for a fact that I get more fish in the boat with my graphite rods. You can do more with your drag setting than you can with a glass rod.

[The Rooster]

I think for me, I'll just use a graphite rod instead of a crankbait rod.  I've held off a long time getting the rod for that reel because I could never fully decide one way or the other.  But after catching that last fish and first missing it, then getting another chance at it again and that time nailing it, I see that the drag reducing trick works so I'm going to use it until I ever see that it won't for some reason and then I'll cross that bridge when the time comes.

[steezy]

I use my CR722 and/or MBR782 for crankin.

Raul, ever tried a CR723, for me it works a lot better than the CR722 for cranks.

[Redlinerobert]

It's more of a sweeping motion to set the hook with a crankbait. Do you need a crankbait rod? No. Does it increase your percentage of hook ups? Absolutely.

Many manufacturers offer both graphite and fiberglass for their rods. I have two fibeglass rods that I absolutely love, the Steez Japanese only Wylie, or the Megabass Purple Dragon. Both are a bit over what you want to spend.

The issue that I have with most domestic fiberglass rods is that they are too soft in their action. Which is why I would probably go with a graphite composite that is designed for crankbaits.

For the price range you are looking at, I would definitely take a look at the All Star rods. Great rods at a great price.

[flechero]

I'll just use a graphite rod instead of a crankbait rod.

You misunderstood.  Graphite has nothing to do with it.... a cranking rod is a mod or mod-fast action.  (and can be any power)  Many people like glass cranking rods but just as many cranking rods are made in graphite.

[tritz18]

You don't need a crank-bait rod but it sure helps alot.

x2 I used to fish crankbaits on a normal general purpose rod and its not the same as using a cranking rod

[Muddy]

The only thing you need for Crank Baiting is a  CRANKBAIT, next question please

[Hammer 4]

Muddy, you must really like those bouncying green smileies huh..?  ;D

[uicdent11]

I am a big believer in crankbait rods. If you already have your all purpose rods then I would recommend adding a cb rod. I think you could get away with a fast action rod for shallow cranks, but anything from say 8' and deeper I would have a dedicated rod.

[Raul]

I use my CR722 and/or MBR782 for crankin.

Raul, ever tried a CR723, for me it works a lot better than the CR722 for cranks.

Yup, a little bit stiff for my taste, I like more how the 2 power behaves and casts.

I did use to have a crankbait rod, Kistler Mag TS crankbait series ( glass-graphite blend ), if it weren 't for the reel seat I would have not got rid of it, I liked a lot how the blank behaved.

[roadwarrior]

Although you can do all your fishing with one rod only,

ideally you need one with a fast tip for jigs and soft

plastics, another with a soft tip for treble hook lures.

8-)

[Incheon Basser]

When fishing any bait with treble hooks you don't cross eye hook set.. just sweep the rod to your strong side and keep pressure and make sure you have your net handy... keep the fish in the water too and make sure you enlarge your split rings... I use a fiberglass graphite composite for all cranking setups... and since i made that switch i have lost far less fish