Have you ever needed a hammer, but used the back of a screwdriver or something similar instead? Yes, it did get the job done, but it would have been a lot easier to use a tool that was designed specifically for that purpose.
The same is true when it comes to crankbait fishing. Yes, you can use any fishing pole to get the job done, but you will enjoy fishing more and perhaps be more successful by using the right tools.
In this post, we will discuss what makes a good fishing rod, the best crankbait rod. We will also look at a few of our favorites.
What is the best crankbait rod?
That is a difficult question to answer because there are many different crankbait fishing poles on the market. What may work for one person, may not work so well for the next. To say that one fishing pole is the best is really subjective to each person.
With that in mind, we want to share with you some of our favorites or some that we would consider being the best.
Here is a quick preview of our top favorites:
The Best of the Best Cranking Rods
- G.Loomis E6X Series – Best of the Best
- G. Loomis IMX-PRO 845C
– Great for lipless crankbaits
The Best Fiberglass Rods For Cranking
- 13 Fishing Omen Black 2
- Dobyns Rods 704CB GLASS Champion Series – Glass Rod – lightweight, sensitive
- St. Croix Legend Series
Deep Diving Crankbaits
Number One Spinning Rod For Cranking
- St. Croix Premier Series Spinning – Best Spinning Rod
Affordable Options
- Dobyns Rods Fury Series
- Zebco KVD Cranking Series– Good All-Around Option
- Wright and McGill Skeet Reese S-Glass – All Around Crankbait Rod
In a few words, we noted why we like these particular models. For a more in-depth look at the rod, please continue reading, but first, let’s talk about what to look for in a good cranking rod. In this next section, we are going to highlight three important things to consider; the power rating, action and the length of the rod.
Before we begin, it is important that we define rod ratings that are given to fishing rods. This will not only help you to understand what these terms mean but also help you in selecting the best fishing pole for your needs.
What to look for in a good cranking rod?
Power: The power ratings of rods are the following: Extra Heavy, Heavy, Medium Heavy, Medium, Medium Light, Light, Ultra Light. The power rating refers to the rod’s strength. Generally speaking the bigger the fish you are fishing for, the more powerful rod you will want to have.
Related to the power rating is line test limits and the weight of the lure you will be using. These factors also come into play when selecting the best power rating for a crankbait rod.
The most commonly used power ratings for a crankbait rod is between Medium Light to Medium Heavy.
Action: The action ratings of rods are the following: Slow, Moderate, Moderate Fast, Fast, Extra Fast. The action rating describes how much the rod will bend beginning at the tip of the rod. For example, an extra fast action will flex at the very tip of the rod, whereas a slow action rod will flex throughout the length of the pole. Why is this important?
Having a fishing rod with a fast action means you don’t have to move the rod as much to get to the more powerful part of the rod, thus allowing for a quicker hookset. These types are rods work very well with single hook lures. However, if you were to use a fast action rod with a bigger lure, like a crankbait, you may risk pulling the lure out of the fish’s mouth before you have a chance to set the hook.
On the other hand, if a pole is too stiff and doesn’t have much give, there is a chance the fish will throw the lure when surfacing.
So when searching for a good cranking rod you want to find one in the Moderate to Moderate Fast Action range.
Rod Length: The length of most crankbait rods ranges from 6 and a half feet to 8 feet. Selecting the perfect length really depends on your needs.
Longer rods will allow for longer casting distance. This is perfect if you are working with deep-diving crankbaits, as this will allow it to reach its maximum depth for a longer amount of time.
Shorter rods will allow for more accurate casting. These can work great if you are trying to get that lipless crankbait in the perfect spot.
So now that we have defined some important fishing pole terminology, let’s consider some of our favorite crankbait rods.
G.Loomis E6X 7′ MH
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: Moderate Fast
Lure: 3/8 – 1 oz.
Line 10-20lbs
Length 7′
One of the best selling cranking rods is the G.Loomis E6X Series. This is a medium heavy, moderate-fast action rod. This is a very powerful rod and yet sensitive enough that you can feel a bite. Works great with medium to large crankbaits. It also comes at a good price point, right under $200.
Without a doubt, this is the best cranking rod under $200.
G. Loomis IMX-PRO 845C
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: Moderate Fast
Lure: 3/8 – 1 oz.
Line: 10-20lbs
Length: 7 foot
New to the cranking scene is the G. Loomis IMX-PRO Series. What G.Loomis was able to do with this option is they have created a lighter fishing rod, but still have that power and agility to take control of the fish. In fact, the IMX Pro blanks are 15 percent lighter.
This model is available in a number of different lengths and action/power combinations. For example, this series is available in 6 foot 6 inches option, great for fishing with lighter lures and making more accurate casts. On the other end of the spectrum, you have an 8-foot extra heavy rod. This option works well when fishing those larger crankbaits.
I personally really like the 845C model. It is a Medium heavy, moderate fast action and it comes in at a good length of 7 feet. I have found this rod to be a good all around crankbait rod, but it works particularly well when ripping lipless crankbaits through the weed line.
Is a Fiberglass Cranking Rod Better?
Why choose a glass rod? There are many advantages to choosing glass over graphite, particularly when fishing with lures that have treble hooks. One of the biggest advantages is that they tend to absorb the initial strike better than a graphite rod. This will help to keep the fish pinned and hopefully increase your hook up ratio. Another benefit is that glass rods are durable. Simply put, they will last a long time.
However, with that being said the downside is that you are going to have to sacrifice two things: sensitivity and the overall weight. A glass rod is not going to be as sensitive as a graphite rod would be, and it is going to be heavier.
Sensitivity might not be as important to you unless you are fishing deep diving crankbaits or shallow crankbaits where you want to be able to feel exactly what your bait is bumping into under the water.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best fiberglass rods for crankbait fishing.
13 Fishing Omen Black 2
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: Moderate
Lure: 1/4 – 3/4 oz.
Line 8-17lbs
Length: 7 foot
Handle: 14 inches
The first blank we want to take a look at is the 13 Fishing Omen Black 2. This is a glass rod that has a moderate action and is available in two different sizes, 7 foot and 7 feet, 9 inches.
It is made with the perfect combination of a Japanese glass blank and 24-ton Japanese Toray graphite. What this means for you is that you will have the benefits of fishing with a glass rod but at the same time a rod that is not going to feel extremely heavy in your hands.
Lastly, it is relatively inexpensive when you compare it to other fiberglass rods on the market.
So, if you have never tried fishing with a glass rod before and are thinking about giving it a try. I would recommend you give this one a second. The lower price point and quality materials make this option a steal.
Dobyns Rods 704CB GLASS Champion Series
Power: Medium
Action: Moderate Fast
Lure: 1/4-3/4oz
Line 8-17lbs
Length 7′
Speaking of fiberglass rods, let’s take a look at another great option on the market today, the Dobyns Rods 704CB GLASS Champion Series. It is made with the combination of fiberglass and a high modulus graphite blank. This helps to keep it lightweight, durable and lastly, it gives you the sensitivity that only graphite can offer.
The results are a medium, moderate-fast action rod that is both super light and super sensitive making it a well-balanced fishing rod for those long days on the water. It has a lure rating of 1/4 ounce to 3/4 ounce lures, making it the perfect rod for fishing with smaller crankbaits.
St. Croix Legend Series
Power: Moderate (specs based on 7 feet 2 inches model)
Action: Moderate
Lure: 1/4- 3/4oz
Line: 8-14lbs
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Length 7’2″
St. Croix has also entered the fiberglass crankbait rod race with its St. Croix Legend Series. This series is available in 3 different sizes. You have the smaller, more accurate 6-foot 10-inch option. Next, up is the all around 7-foot 2-inch option. Lastly, the 7 feet 11 inches, rocket launcher as I like to call it.
This bad boy has a heavy power rating specifically designed for larger lures. Without a doubt anyone of these will perform well on the water, however, for an all-around option, I really like what the 7’2″ rod has to offer. By taking a closer look at this one, in particular, we will see what really makes this fiberglass series stand out from the rest.
The 7’2″ model is a moderate pole with a moderate action. It is rated for lures as small as 1/4 ounce all the way up to 3/4 ounce.
Let’s take a closer look at the materials and technology used to create this elite fishing rod. It is made with 100% linear glass and what St. Croix calls its Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology also known as IPC. With this technology, they were able to create a rod that is sensitive, durable and lightweight. In fact, the 7-foot option weighs a little over 5 ounces which is extremely lightweight for a glass rod.
With that being said, if you are an angler that would like to increase your hook up ratio when fishing with treble hooks I would suggest you give the forgiving power of the St. Croix Legend Series.
St. Croix Avid Casting Series
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: Moderate
Lure: 3/8-1 oz
Line: 10-20lbs
Rod Weight: 4.1 ounces
Length 7′
When fishing with deep diving crankbaits many anglers will choose a very long almost 8-foot rod. They feel the longer pole will help to launch the lure. This is true, there are many benefits to fishing with a long rod, however, you don’t always need to choose a longer one for bigger baits.
You also have the option of choosing a higher power rating such as a medium heavy to a heavy rating. This extra power is going to be evident not only in your ability to cast the lure, but also to take control of the fish.
One such option with a heavier power rating is the 7 foot, medium heavy model in the St. Croix Avid Casting Series.
Made from 100% high-modulus SCIII graphite, this rod has everything you are looking for in a crankbait rod: plenty of fish fighting power, the ability to set the hook with ease and the capability cast a mile. Best of all because it is made with a high-quality graphite, it is extremely lightweight only weighing in at a little over 4 ounces.
St. Croix Premier Series Spinning
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: Fast
Lure: 3/8 – 3/4oz
Line: 8 – 14lbs
Weight: 4.6 ounces
Length: 7′
When cranking, many bass fishermen like to grab their favorite baitcaster. This is mainly due to the fact that baitcasters tend to work better with heavier lures. However, fishing with a spinning reel can have its advantages. For that reason, we decided this list wouldn’t be complete without talking about at least one spinning rod.
My choice would have to be the St. Croix Premier Series
Because it is made from a graphite blank it is both extremely lightweight and highly sensitive. It makes for a great fishing pole, especially when fishing with lighter crankbaits. It comes in at a good all-around length of 7 feet. This length is great for both good accuracy and distance.
Affordable Options
So far in this post, we have looked at some of the best fishing poles for crankbait fishing, however, many of them come at a pretty high price point. For that reason, in the next section, we would like to look at a few options that are more affordable, including a few options under the $100 price point.
Dobyns Rods Fury Series
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: Moderate Fast
Lure: 1/4- 1 oz
Line 8-17lbs
Length 7′
To start off this section, I want to introduce you to the Dobyns Rods Fury Series. Yes, Dobyns is a premium fishing rod and yes, they have made a more affordable option.
Made from a high modulus graphite blank you have a medium-heavy, moderate-fast action highly sensitive rod at a much lower price than the options mentioned earlier. Not to mention it comes with a fuji reel seat, kevlar wrapping, and cork grip.
Zebco KVD Cranking Series
Power: Medium
Action: Moderate
Lure: 1/4- 3/4 oz
Line 10-17lbs
Length 7′
The Zebco KVD Cranking Series was designed by Kevin Vandam himself. This is a medium, moderate action rod, making it a good all-around cranking rod. It is available in 3 different sizes, 6’8″, 7′ and the long 7’11” crankbait launcher.
I particularly like the 7-foot option as I have found that length to be useful in most fishing conditions. However, the nice thing with this series if you have the option to choose the smaller or larger option depending on your personal preferences.
The bottom line is this series of rods is a great way to get into the crankbait technique specific rods at an affordable price.
Check out the following video to see it in action:
There you have it, some of our favorite crankbait fishing poles on the market.
What fishing pole do you like to use when fishing with crankbaits? Which one do you think is the best crankbait rod for the money? Feel free to share in the comments below.
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