Help Build Me A Crankin Setup!

[ib_of_the_damned]

Hey everyone! Its been a while since I have posted and wanted to get back in the loop...

I have come into some Christmas money and would like to spend SOME of it on a new crankin rig. I'm limiting myself to about $200-250, for a rod, reel, and line.

For the rods, I have narrowed down the options to three that will fit my price range:

Shimano Convergence- 7' M/MF- $69.99

Abu Garcia Vengeance- 7' M/MF- $49.99

Falcon Bucoo- 7' M/MF- $99.99-109.99

For the reel:

Shimano Citica 201E or G- E $99.99 G $129.99

Abu Garcia Revo S LH- $99.99

Abu Garcia Orra SX LH- $89.99-99.99

* I have a Revo SX (late model) laying around that might work as well, but I would like a brand new setup... d**n Bait Monkey...

Lines: I'm open to suggestion, I have YZ Hybrid in 8lb and 10lb already. Are there any other lines that are strong and durable? I have been using braid lately because I fish from the shore and like the fact that I can bend out hooks to get my lure back...

Thank you all for the help in advance and look forward to all of your suggestions!

Disclaimer: I do not like orange, white, blue, yellow or green rods. I also do not like blue, gold or green reels either. So if you guys suggest something other than what is on the list, please keep the colors in mind. Thanks!

[Bass Junkie]

I'd go with a litle more money into the rod and use the SX.... Just my opinion, but if you're not using the SX my all means get a better quality rod and go with the SX. And even though you don't like white rods, Id check out the Duckett Cranking rods... you'll start loving white

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Go with the Falcon rod. It's made in the good old USA. Can't help you with the reel suggestion, I've never fished the ABU low profiles, or the Citca. Line wise try the suffix 832 line. I think you'll like it.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Well here's my suggestion and set up for cranking

Bps pro qualifier 6.4:1 $79.99

Berkeley bionix cranking rod $ 50.00 (at Wally word. Don't laugh this rod has a great action and power for cranking applications and is one of my favorite to throw it will launch lighter cranks with ease as well. I have NEVER lost a fish when cranking with this rod)

Line: I use yo zuri #12. But 10 would probably serve you well also.

BTW. The fish in my avatar was caught with this setup

[BradH]

Shallow/mid depth cranking- 6'6" M to 7'5" M BPS Crankin' Stick or 7' Reese WM Crank Rod with 6.4:1 Revo S

Deep- 7'6" MH BPS Crankin' Stick or 7'10" Reese WM Crank rod with Curado 200E5 or Revo Winch.

Those are what I've actually used in the price range given, in fact they just got loaded in the boat for a little trip north tomorrow. There are still some 200E5s out there NIB for 100-150, I see Revo S reels for 100 bucks new. Spool them with 30 lb. powerpro with a fluoro leader and those cranks will get deep fast and you can feel those rocks. If you like mono go a notch heavier on the rods. I like the Reese cranking rods with braid but they are too whippy with mono.

[ib_of_the_damned]

Thanks for the suggestions so far! I just looked at the Daiwa Ballistic Crankin rod online and it looks pretty promising. I like the idea of using an existing reel that I have and spending more on a better quality rod. Has anyone had any experience with the new Daiwa Ballistic Crankin rod? Also with the money I will be saving on not buying another reel, I was thinking about picking up another spinning rod as well. I was looking at the Daiwa Ballistic spinning as well the 7'2" ML/F for light shakey head and drop shotting. I already have a M/F Vendetta that I use for that purpose, but looking for something more sensitive and can use lighter weights. What do you guys think about these rods in particular? By the way, I am still interested in all of your suggestions on the crankin setup.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

BPS crankin' stick, BPS Pro Qualifier in 5.4.1

Don't let that money burn a hole in your pocket, and you'll be out there door with this setup, come spring, for a GREAT price.

Both rod and reel are good choices.

FOR ME, one crank rod doesn't serve all purposes. A M, and a MH, in 7', or 7'-M, 7'6 MH, works best for me. The M cranking rods are just to limber for me when fishing big cranks.

I actually have a BPS cranking stick in Medium, for small to medium cranks, and a 7'Falcon Lowrider in MH for medium to deep cranks. I really like the stiffer, faster action rods for cranking-vs what others use, and what is popular.

[BradH]

BPS crankin' stick, BPS Pro Qualifier in 5.4.1

FOR ME, one crank rod doesn't serve all purposes.

Yep! I agree 100%. For deep crankin' I also like the 5.5 and lower gears. I can't get crankin' done with one setup and be happy, too many comprimises in rod action and reel ratio.

[ib_of_the_damned]

The Daiwa Ballistic Crankin rod is a 7'2" MH/Reaction 1/4-1oz. I think that would cover all my bases with cranks and treble hooked lures except for lipless cranks(I have a M/F for that). Out of all the rods that I have looked at this model seems to fit the bill that most have suggested, I just haven't heard any reviews about this rod yet. But keep the suggestions coming, I'm still shopping around and open to your thoughts! Thanks!

[Packard]

Use your Revo SX and get a 7' MH/MF Shimano Crucial Cranking Rod or a St Croix Premier Glass. I'd recommend going to a local BPS or Cabelas if you have on to hold them both.

[Crankenstein Crony]

I agree with Bass Junkie and Packard about using your Revo SX and put some extra money towards your cranking rod. I am a Quantum guy, so I would suggest buying a KVD Tour 7ft or 7'4 medium action rod. I fish crank baits about 90% of the time and these rods are great. I love them! They perform very well and they are pretty sharp looking! Again I will also agree with Bass Junkie on the Duckett rod, those are awesome rods too. If I didn't have KVD rods I would have a bunch of Duckett crankin' rods.

I use 10 pound Vicious Fluorocarbon for cranking. depending where Im at I upgrade to 12, but the majority of the time I'm throwing 10 pound. Vicious is nice because its affordable on any budget. Most places you can get 250 yards for $10. Its strong line but sensitive enough to feel light hits. I use Vicious for everything but my spro frogs.

[Diggy]

7 foot 6 @ academy

Falcon BuCoo Gulf Cranker 7'6" Freshwater Casting Rod

Was: $79.99

Now: $59.88

[NitroZ9]

I you want a really nice cranking rod and don't want to spend a lot of money, check out the Denali Jadewood cranking rod in medium action. It's a $90 rod with a limited lifetime warranty and I don't think you'll find a better one for anywhere near the money. I'm very impressed with the one I have.

[hookset on 3]

I'm another big fan of the Falcon Lowrider crankbait rods. I've had the 6'8 M Fast for two years and it is spectacular.

[bassh8er]

I just picked up a new Shimano Compre crankbait rod for $109 and a new BPS Extreme 5.3:1 for $80. They're both green, so at least they match...

[pussiwillow]

ive been thinking about the new rick clunn wright and mcgill signature rods for 90, i havent heard much about them tho, but thats another option to take a look at, its black with teal crackle kind of different i guess

[Jim_M]

BPS crankin' stick, BPS Pro Qualifier in 5.4.1

ditto.

I use 832 with a fluoro leader.

[Daniel Richardson]

I have the denali rosewood 7' MH crankbait rod and its great...I have been throwing a series five strike king crankbait and this rod handles it great. It has enough forgivness that it will not rip the hooks out of its mouth, but the back bone to haul big fish in. This rod is very sensitive as well. You can get it in the jadewood series and is just as good. I really recommend the Denali crankbait rod.