A Rapala Fat Rap – Photo by Carl Vizzone
Crankbait fishing can be a blast, but using the right rod makes a big difference. You want a rod that can handle the weight of your lures and give you the right action for a good hookset.
The best fishing rods for crankbaits are typically made of fiberglass or a composite blend, with medium to medium-heavy power and moderate action. This is just a general recommendation though, as there are many ways anglers anglers fish crankbaits.
These rods give you the flexibility to cast far and the strength to fight bigger fish. Some top picks include the Dobyns Champion XP and the St. Croix Legend Glass.
When you’re choosing a crankbait rod, think about the size of lures you’ll be using and the type of fish you’re after. A good all-around choice is a 7-foot rod with medium power. This setup will work well for most crankbait fishing situations and help you reel in those trophy catches.
Best All-Around: Dobyns Champion XP
The Dobyns Champion XP 764CB is a top pick for crankbait fishing. This rod shines when using mid-range divers, but it’s versatile enough to handle shallow and deep-running lures too.
At 7 feet 6 inches, the Champion XP gives you the power to cast far and work your baits through cover. You’ll feel confident throwing lures around stumps and other obstacles.
The rod’s sensitivity lets you detect subtle bites and changes in your lure’s action. This helps you make quick adjustments to your retrieve.
Here are some key features:
- Premium cork handle
- Fuji Alconite guides
- Fuji graphite reel seat
The Champion XP works best with crankbaits that dive 6 to 12 feet. It can handle larger lures too, making it a great all-around choice.
You can use this rod with different line weights, giving you more options when fishing in heavy cover. Whether you’re using 10-pound test or going heavier, the Champion XP performs well.
If you want one crankbait rod that can do it all, the Dobyns Champion XP 764CB is hard to beat. It’s well-made and covers a wide range of fishing situations.
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Best for Lipless Crankbaits: St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod
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The St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod is a top pick for fishing with lipless crankbaits. This rod gives you the perfect mix of power and flexibility.
You’ll love how light and easy it is to use. Even though it’s made of fiberglass, it won’t tire you out during long fishing trips.
The rod’s moderate action is great for lipless crankbaits. It helps you set the hook without tearing it out of the fish’s mouth. This means you’ll catch more fish and lose fewer lures.
When you’re fighting a big bass, the rod’s flexibility is your friend. It absorbs sudden movements, keeping the fish on your line. You’ll feel more confident reeling in your catch.
Here are some key features:
- Heavy power for ripping through weeds
- Moderate action for better hooksets
- Lightweight design for all-day comfort
This rod also works well with vibrating jigs. Its strong backbone lets you pull lures free from plants with ease.
Try the St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod for your next fishing trip. You’ll be impressed by how it improves your success with lipless crankbaits.
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Best for Light Cranks: St. Croix Legend Glass
The St. Croix Legend Glass rod is a top choice for fishing light crankbaits. Its fiberglass construction gives it a slow, moderate action that’s perfect for working smaller lures.
This rod comes in a 7’4″ medium-heavy version that offers versatility for different crankbait sizes. The moderate flex helps absorb sudden strikes and keep fish hooked.
You’ll appreciate the rod’s lightweight feel, which reduces fatigue during long days on the water. The premium cork handle provides a comfortable grip for all-day casting.
The Legend Glass casts small to medium crankbaits with ease and accuracy. Its sensitive blank lets you feel subtle changes in your lure’s action or light bites.
Built in Wisconsin, this rod features high-quality components and craftsmanship. While it costs more than some options, many anglers find the performance worth the price.
For fishing shallow to medium-depth crankbaits, the St. Croix Legend Glass gives you excellent lure control and fish-fighting power. It’s a great tool to add finesse to your crankbait presentations.
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Best for Mid-Diving Crankbaits: Shimano SLX Glass Crankbait Casting Rod
The Shimano SLX Glass Crankbait Casting Rod is a top choice for mid-diving crankbaits. This rod offers a great balance of sensitivity and power, perfect for feeling those subtle bites and landing big fish.
At 7’4″ with medium-heavy power, it’s ideal for throwing mid-diving crankbaits. You’ll appreciate the rod’s ability to cast accurately and handle a variety of lure sizes.
The glass construction gives you the flexibility needed for crankbait fishing. It allows the lure to work properly and helps keep fish hooked during the fight.
Key features:
- Length: 7’4″
- Power: Medium-heavy
- Material: Glass
Pros:
- Excellent sensitivity
- Forgiving action for crankbaits
- Durable construction
This rod is part of Shimano’s well-respected SLX line, known for quality and performance. You can trust it to handle your favorite mid-diving crankbaits with ease.
Whether you’re fishing from the bank or a boat, this rod gives you the control you need. It’s a versatile tool that can cover a wide range of crankbait techniques.
At a price point around $100, it offers great value for serious crankbait anglers. You get Shimano’s renowned quality without breaking the bank.
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Best for Deep-diving Crankbaits: Lew’s David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Speed Stick
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If you’re serious about deep-diving crankbaits, the Lew’s David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Speed Stick is a top choice. This rod was created with input from pro angler David Fritts, who knows a thing or two about cranking.
The rod’s design is perfect for launching heavy lures. Its long length gives you the power to cast big crankbaits far and work them deep. You’ll find it easier to feel what’s happening with your bait underwater.
Here are some key features:
- Length: 7’6″ to 8′
- Power: Medium to Medium-Heavy
- Action: Moderate
The moderate action helps absorb shock when a fish strikes. This keeps bass hooked and reduces lost fish. The rod’s sensitivity lets you detect subtle bites and feel your lure bouncing off cover.
You’ll appreciate how this rod handles all day. It’s built to reduce fatigue during long fishing sessions. The comfortable grip and balanced design make a big difference when you’re casting over and over.
For anglers who love fishing deep crankbaits, this rod is hard to beat. It’s made to handle the specific demands of this technique. You’ll cast farther, feel more bites, and land more bass.
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Key Features of Crankbait Rods
Crankbait rods have special traits that help you catch more fish. These features make casting easier and improve your chances of landing bass.
The Importance of Rod Action
Rod action affects how you fish with crankbaits. A moderate action rod bends more in the middle. This gives you better casting distance and helps keep fish hooked.
Fast action rods bend mostly at the tip. They’re great for quick hooksets but can pull the bait away from fish too easily. Medium action is often best for crankbaits. It gives you a good mix of casting ability and fish-fighting power.
Your rod’s action also impacts lure presentation. A softer action helps your crankbait move more naturally in the water. This can trigger more strikes from wary bass.
Rod Power and Crankbait Fishing
Rod power is how much force it takes to bend the rod. For crankbaits, medium to medium-heavy power is often ideal. These rods have enough backbone to handle big fish but aren’t too stiff.
A medium-power rod works well for most crankbaits. It lets you cast far and feel subtle bites. For bigger, deeper-diving crankbaits, you might want a medium-heavy power rod. This gives you more control when fighting large bass.
Lighter power rods can be fun for small crankbaits. They make the fight more exciting with smaller fish. But they may struggle with big lures or trophy bass.
Short vs. Long: Crankbait Rod Length Considerations
Rod length affects your fishing in several ways. Longer rods, around 7 to 7.5 feet, are great for casting distance. They help you cover more water and reach far-off spots.
Shorter rods, about 6 to 6.5 feet, give you better accuracy. They’re easier to use in tight spaces like docks or fallen trees. You can make precise casts to where the fish are hiding.
Your fishing style and the waters you fish should guide your choice. If you fish open water, go longer. For fishing around cover, shorter rods work better.
Material Matters: Fiberglass vs. Graphite
The material of your rod impacts its performance. Fiberglass rods are tough and flexible. They absorb shock well, which helps keep fish hooked during the fight.
Graphite rods are lighter and more sensitive. You can feel bites better and they’re less tiring to use all day. Many modern rods use a mix of both materials.
For crankbait fishing, a composite rod can give you the best of both worlds. You get the sensitivity of graphite with the forgiveness of fiberglass. This combo helps you catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right crankbait rod can be tricky. Here are some common questions to help you pick the best rod for your needs.
What type of rod action is preferred for crankbait fishing?
A moderate or moderate-fast action rod is best for crankbaits. These rods have more flex, which helps prevent fish from throwing the lure. The softer tip also allows for better casting and helps absorb the shock when a fish strikes.
How do I choose the right crankbait rod and reel setup?
Pick a rod length between 6’6″ and 7’6″ based on the size of your crankbaits. Match it with a reel that has a gear ratio of 5.4:1 to 6.4:1. This combo gives you good casting distance and the right speed for retrieving crankbaits.
Can you recommend a crankbait rod that’s budget-friendly?
The Dobyns Fury Series is a good choice for anglers on a budget. It offers quality performance at a lower price point. Another option is the KastKing Perigee II, which provides good value for its cost.
Which is more suitable for crankbaits: a spinning rod or a casting rod?
Casting rods are usually better for crankbaits. They give you more control and accuracy when casting. Spinning rods can work for lighter crankbaits, but most anglers prefer casting rods for their strength and versatility with different lure sizes.
What are the advantages of glass rods for crankbait fishing?
Glass rods are great for crankbaits because they’re more flexible than graphite. This flexibility helps keep fish hooked and reduces the chance of them throwing the lure. Glass rods also allow for better casting of heavier crankbaits.
In terms of fishing line, should I opt for monofilament or fluorocarbon for crankbaits?
Both can work, but fluorocarbon is often preferred. It sinks faster, helping your crankbait reach the right depth. Fluorocarbon is also more sensitive, letting you feel strikes better. Monofilament can be good for topwater crankbaits due to its buoyancy.
