crankbait rod.

[CanalStalkin]

Hey guys, I recently purchased the Bass pro extreme combo in MH,fast action. I love the rod for plastics (which I mostly fish) and the occasional jig, but I cant throw a lighter crankbait for the life of me other than something heavy like the strike king red eye shad which I throw alot. I am assuming I need to step it down to a medium action fast tip? I really want to throw more cranks, but it is so frustrating. Also I am on a budget and have a new abu 5000 round reel laying around. Should I have a problem throwing lighter cranks with this reel? Have any of you guys used the BPS crankin rod? I see they are on sale right now.

[skunked_again]

i used a Berkley Cherrywood with a abu 5600 for years to toss cranks. as long as the reel is in good working order it should work fine mounted on the right rod.

the BPS cranking rods are ok. my daughter uses one a lot.

this would be the first cheap rod i would buy:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_104157_100002000_100000000_100002000_100-2-0

[CanalStalkin]

I love the look of that. Not many to chose from, so for cranks and top water I am assuming the 6'6 M? My MH just seems like it is SUPER stiff, very similiar to my buddys heavy.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

For cranks and topwater I would say either a 6'6''M or 7'M Cranking Stick, have used both, the 6'6'' is better for smaller cranks while the 7' is better for deeper cranks.

[fathom]

the abu 5000 series are excellent reels but, in my hands, they suffer somewhat casting the lower weights.

a more moderate action rod like the bps cranker will help.

[CanalStalkin]

I don't throw deep diving cranks since I am shorebound, so the 6'6 should be good then. Appreciate the help BigRickRolled. and Fathom I guess I can always try it out, but to me it doesn't look like itd throw small cranks, although I have talked to a few guys who use them for cranking, like Skunked.

[K_Mac]

Hey guys, I recently purchased the Bass pro extreme combo in MH,fast action. I love the rod for plastics (which I mostly fish) and the occasional jig, but I cant throw a lighter crankbait for the life of me other than something heavy like the strike king red eye shad which I throw alot. I am assuming I need to step it down to a medium action fast tip? I really want to throw more cranks, but it is so frustrating. Also I am on a budget and have a new abu 5000 round reel laying around. Should I have a problem throwing lighter cranks with this reel? Have any of you guys used the BPS crankin rod? I see they are on sale right now.

I have a 6'6" MH-F Extreme that my wife uses most of the time for jigs. It is a decent rod, but don't beat yourself up for having trouble throwing light weights on this rod. It is not made for for that purpose. It is rated 3/8-1oz and I think you could easily throw 1 1/2 oz with it.

A medium power rod will help a lot. Good luck.

[CanalStalkin]

Thank K_Mac, I love the rod for how much I got it for (80 bucks for the combo). But I think it is time for me to have a second rod with me for cranks instead of retying all the time and back lashing the heck out of it.

[uicdent11]

I would go 7'ft M power CrankinStick. I think you would benefit from the extra casting distance being shore bound. I had the 6'6M and I really liked it, but wished I had bought the 7 fter.

[CanalStalkin]

thanks Uicdent, didnt consider that.

[Dockhead]

That longer rod is the deal. Bass Pro has an Extreme rod that is 7'4", med power with a split grip handle. I use it for lipless cranks in Florida and can cast a mile. It might be a good option for you if you want some versatility. They go on sale for 69.99 once in awhile. Light line will also add to your casting distance. You may even want to consider using braid. The small diameter of 10 lb. braid will allow you to maximize your distance. I think braid is frowned on in general for crankbaits, but a lot of guys down here throw it with cranks so you can rip it free from the grass.

I also have an ambassadeur 5000 on another rod, and it casts  surprisingly well. Have never tried a crankbait with it, but it could work out ok. Don't rule out a spinning outfit for throwing lightweight crankbaits either. No worries about backlashes... 

[Chaz Hickcox]

i used a Berkley Cherrywood with a abu 5600 for years to toss cranks. as long as the reel is in good working order it should work fine mounted on the right rod.

the BPS cranking rods are ok. my daughter uses one a lot.

this would be the first cheap rod i would buy:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_104157_100002000_100000000_100002000_100-2-0

I bought one of those Berkleys and they're great IMO. I have the 7' MH rod, and can cast pretty much anything I want to with it. But then again I am not one much for being choosey with reels and rods (see the Quantum string). I figure if you learn your gear you can pretty much do anything you want. I use it to toss really light shallow cranks, and then switch to 3/4 oz jigs. Yeah I have to adjust the brakes on my reel when I do that, but then again, learn your gear and you'll be fine.

[steezy]

The new shimano cumara series are some great crankbait rods.  I have a 7'M and it is a killer combo with a core 50 reel.  I highly recommend the rods and at $200 they are hard to beat.

[Gone_Phishin]

If you are on a budget, the Crankin' Stick is the way to go; especially when they are on sale.

I've said it many times before, but it's well worth repeating: I've had a Crankin' Stick for years, I've beaten the crap out of it, and it's still tickin'.