Crankbait Setup? 2025

helms83 reply :

I am getting closer to figuring out a good crankbait setup. The reel I'm going to get is:

Bass Pro Shops® Pro Qualifier® Baitcast Reel - Left-Hand Retrive 5.2:1

The confusion is still with the rod. My price range is nothing over $130. I'm looking at these so far:

Bass Pro Shops® CarbonLite Trigger Rod: 7'M mod 1/4 - 5/8oz

Abu Garcia® Vendetta Trigger Rod : 7'M mod-fast 1/4 - 5/8 oz or 7'3 MH mod 1/4 - 1oz

St. Croix® Mojo Bass Trigger Rod: 7'MH mod 3/8 - 1oz

Can someone please help find a good rod?

deep reply :

Why not 7'6"?

With lipped cranks, especially deep-runners, you want to maximize your casting distance.

helms83 reply :

I wouldn't mind a 7'6, I just haven't been able to find one in Medium power and Moderate action in my price range. Any suggestions?

Bass_Fanatic reply :

I have a 7 M/M Carbonlite and love it, but I also like the Skeet Reese crankbait rod and I am getting a Powell glass crank rodl.

helms83 reply :

Any chance you can give me a review of the Carbonlite?

SDoolittle reply :

Any one of those rods will work for your intended use. Get your hands on each of them and decide which has the best feel.

skunked_again reply :

Quote
Why not 7'6"?
With lipped cranks, especially deep-runners, you want to maximize your casting distance.

id love to have a few 7'6" rods, problem is, the ppl who made the early 90's bass boats never though about putting a rod that long in a rod box.

supreme reply :

Dude the kister magnesium hands down for lipless & medium divers

helms83 reply :

Thanks for all the advice fellas! I went with the Carbonlite 7'M mod paired with the pro qualifier 5.2:1.

Excited to try out the combo!

helms83 reply :

So this Bass fishing thing is harder than I thought!

I've been reading articles, and have noticed most fall crankbait setups involve a reel that is 6.1 - 6.3:1. Why is this? Is it because if you're cranking through shallower water you don't need as much area to work towards the desired depth?

I was planning on going with the BPS Pro Qualifier 5.2:1; would this be too slow for fall crankbaiting in shallower water? Should I just stick with using my 6.2:1 for this fall and get a better rod, rather than the BPS Carbonlite for fall crankbaiting?

BASSclary reply :

Its all personal preference. The reason some like a 6.X:1 in fall cranking is because your not cranking very deep, so there is not a lot or strain on the wrist etc etc. Also you can make that shallow crank fly 8-) I say, stick with the 6.4 if you want and get a good cranking stick, But then again when the bass get deep next year, your gonna want that 5:X:1 reel. It all depends on what your bait monkey whispers in your ear

helms83 reply :

That's another thing, I won't be able to fish at all next year, so the new reel would just collect dust.

BASSclary reply :

Then my vote is for getting a new stick, Powell makes some sick nasty rods for a great price, check em out! --> http://www.***.com/Powell_Casting_Rods/catpage-RDCPOWELL.html

ChiCityBasser reply :

I would go with the 6.3 or 6.4 reel since you won't be fishing the cranks deep. I would also check out the KVD rods at BPS as well. Take a look at the TKVD685M,TKVD705M which are both M/M and the TKVD706M is a MH/MF and they are $149.99.

helms83 reply :

So you also think I should invest in the reel?

Am I right in the purpose of a slower reel and how its used?

BASSclary reply :

The slower reel is used to keep away the fatigue from using heavy resistance baits. Really, if you can get a new rod AND reel, that would be best. A BPS PQ + a BPS Crankin stick is only about 170.

helms83 reply :

should i just go ahead and get the BPS reel 5.2:1 as well? I was really leaning towards the carbonlite rod, i feel its something i could use for years to come and be satisfied with the quality.

BASSclary reply :

IMO I would get the 5.2:1 PQ, but I would spend 30 or so more dollars to get a Powell rod if your budget allows it. Im not really a big fan of the reel seat on the Carbonlite.

Check this one out --> Model#: 704 CB - In Stock!

Length: 7'0" - Power: Medium - Power Rating: 4

Line Wt: 8lbs. - 17lbs. - Lure Wt: 1/4oz. - 3/4oz. - Action: Mod-Fast - Handle: 2

$139.99

helms83 reply :

Ok, here are some other options...

*** has some good deals.

I found this reel:

Pflueger Trion Casting Reels - 5.2:1 (but right handed, which I can use, just perfer lefty for better rod control)

http://www.***.com/Pflueger_Trion_Casting_Reels/descpage-PTCR.html

No rods left for sale for cranking, but would consider purchasing a rod with this reel, unless pro qualifier is better quality.

BASSclary reply :

I've never used the Pfleuger so I cant comment on it, but I have a PQ and I absolutely love it for what I payed for it. Its a steal at $99 IMO. Do you have a preference on ordering from just one site? Or do you not mind buying from two.

But that pfueger looks decent at its price.

skunked_again reply :

Quote
So you also think I should invest in the reel?
Am I right in the purpose of a slower reel and how its used?

Revo S on the flea market for $75. pm the guy and talk turkey, you never know what will happen.

helms83 reply :

Ok, I know I've said it before, but with the suggestions from others I decided to invest more into the rod. So I'm limiting my reel to $80-100. I'm in between these reels:

Daiwa Exceler Crankbait Casting Reels LH 4.9:1 9.1oz - $79.95

Pflueger Trion Casting Reels RH 5.2:1 8.9oz - $88.88

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 5.2:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 4.7:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Browning Fishing Citori Baitcast Reels LH 5.4:1 8.7oz - $99.99

BASSclary reply :

Quote
Ok, I know I've said it before, but with the suggestions from others I decided to invest more into the rod. So I'm limiting my reel to $80-100. I'm in between these reels:
Daiwa Exceler Crankbait Casting Reels LH 4.9:1 9.1oz - $79.95

Pflueger Trion Casting Reels RH 5.2:1 8.9oz - $88.88

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 5.2:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 4.7:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Browning Fishing Citori Baitcast Reels LH 5.4:1 8.7oz - $99.99

Cant go wrong with those, basically the question is, which brakes do you prefer? Mag or centrifugal

helms83 reply :

I don't know the difference...?

BASSclary reply :

Quote
I don't know the difference...?

Centifugal breaks work more on the beginning of the cast, and magnetic brakes work more on the end of a cast.

Daiwa has the mags(very good too IMO),

BPS PQ has both

helms83 reply :

If the BPS reel as them at both ends of the cast, will that limit the distance any?

And if I do backlash, its at the beginning or (middle of the cast: doesn't get out far and will blacklash).

So do I need it at the beginning of my cast?

BASSclary reply :

With the PQ, you dont have to use both, so it will not limit your casting distance if you just use what you need.

And it sounds like you would need some centrifugal breaks due to the timing of your backlashes. So, I would go with the PQ until your thumb becomes more educated and you can cast without the centrifugal and just magnetic. Also, the less whippy your casts are, you can turn your centrifugal brakes lower, and get longer cast, at least in my experience

Boogey Man reply :

Here's the Trion a little bit cheaper:

http://www.ffo-tackle.com/detail.cfm?PassProdId=4916

helms83 reply :

I think this is what I have it down to for a cranking setup:

Reels:

Daiwa Exceler Crankbait Casting Reels LH 4.9:1 9.1oz - $79.95

Pflueger Trion Casting Reels RH 5.2:1 8.9oz - $88.88

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 5.2:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 4.7:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Browning Fishing Citori Baitcast Reels LH 5.4:1 8.7oz - $99.99

Rods:

Lamiglas Excel Cast Rod 7' Med Lt 3/16-5/8oz $109.99

Okuma Reflexion Cast Rod 7' Medium 1/4-5/8oz $59.99

Quantum Elite Swindle Cast Rod 7' Med Lt 1/4-5/8oz $149.99

Denali Jadewood Series Cast Rod 7' Medium Cranking 1/4-5/8oz $89.99

Pinnacle Perfecta Cast Rod 7' Medium Crankbait 1/4-5/8oz $154.99

Team Diawa L&T Casting Rods 7' Medium Cranking 3/16-1 1/2oz $114.95 (like broad range of lure weight)

Team Diawa L&T Casting Rods 7' Medium 1/8-1oz $137.95 (like broad range of lure weight)

Team Daiwa -S Rod 7' Medium Cranking 1/4-3/4oz $114.95 (can double as spinnerbait rod)

Bass Pro Shops CarbonLite Trigger Rods 1/4 - 5/8 OZ $99.99

Powell Glass Crank Rod 7' Med Hvy 703 1/4-1oz $139.99

Powell Crank Cast Rod 7' Med 704CB 1/4-3/4oz $139.99

St. Croix Mojo Cast Rod 7' MH Cranking 3/8-1oz $100.00

BASSclary reply :

Any of those reels will do, if you can, go to BPS and store fish them first.

I've never used any of those rods, but I still think Powell is the best you can get in the price range the other rods are in.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

I use a BPS Pro Qualifier 5.2:1 on a 7'6" M BPS Crankin Stick for 95% of my cranking duties. 12lb XPS fluoro. Tosses small cranks as well as larger ones. Couldn't be happier with them, especially at the price.

ChiCityBasser reply :

I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

helms83 reply :

Quote
I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

Completely understand what you're saying here. I'm lucky enough to be fishing this tournament from a boat.

I'm going to get the BPS Pro Qualifier, my question is how important is the rod for this setup. I really like the BPS Carbonlite, but I was thinking of spending less and getting the Quantum® Energy PT Trigger Rods 7' M mod 1/4 - 1 OZ that's on sale throug BPS for $50.

Or should I go ahead and invest money into a better rod now?

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote

Quote
I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

Completely understand what you're saying here. I'm lucky enough to be fishing this tournament from a boat.

I'm going to get the BPS Pro Qualifier, my question is how important is the rod for this setup. I really like the BPS Carbonlite, but I was thinking of spending less and getting the Quantum® Energy PT Trigger Rods 7' M mod 1/4 - 1 OZ that's on sale throug BPS for $50.

Or should I go ahead and invest money into a better rod now?

For cranks , buy the 50.00 rod. JMHO.

BrASSmonkey reply :

I personally do not think you can go wrong with the PQ's.

With respect to the rods, what you tend to get as the price increases are decreases in weight and increases in sensitivity. For cranking, which is a reaction technique, the sensitivity is not of utmost importance. However, sensitivity will play a role in your ability to discern the types of cover you are running your crankbait into - weeds, wood, soft muck bottom, etc. Other differences to watch for is the rod material. Glass rods tend to be heavier, but give the moderate action that is often sought after by crankbait fishermen. Graphite blends are often used to decrease weight, while achieving moderate-fast actions.

I fish a St. Croix Premier med mod-fast crankbait rod, which has sufficient action for me, while remaining relatively light for a 7' rod. Your best bet would be to go into a BPS, and pick up the rods, throw the reel onto them, and determine if you like the balance, overall weight and feel of the combo. Then determine if the price difference is worth it to you.

ChiCityBasser reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

Completely understand what you're saying here. I'm lucky enough to be fishing this tournament from a boat.

I'm going to get the BPS Pro Qualifier, my question is how important is the rod for this setup. I really like the BPS Carbonlite, but I was thinking of spending less and getting the Quantum® Energy PT Trigger Rods 7' M mod 1/4 - 1 OZ that's on sale throug BPS for $50.

Or should I go ahead and invest money into a better rod now?

For cranks , buy the 50.00 rod. JMHO.

I would go with the $50 rod as well since that rod probably originally cost more but more important than the price is that it fits your needs.

helms83 reply :

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to do what all you suggested and go with the cheaper rod.

Another reason for this decision is after Dec, I won't be able to fish again until March 2012, so it's going to collect a lot of dust.

I think the Quantum will do just as I hope it does, but I'm still going to go to my local BPS and test it out anyway.

I still need to buy a rod, as my last rod broke and I have a reel with no home. I think I should get a good shakey head/jig/worm rod.

I was thinking a 6'6 - 7' med. fast with sensitive tip is the way to go, any help here?

BASSclary reply :

Quote
Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to do what all you suggested and go with the cheaper rod.
Another reason for this decision is after Dec, I won't be able to fish again until March 2012, so it's going to collect a lot of dust.

I think the Quantum will do just as I hope it does, but I'm still going to go to my local BPS and test it out anyway.

I still need to buy a rod, as my last rod broke and I have a reel with no home. I think I should get a good shakey head/jig/worm rod.

I was thinking a 6'6 - 7' med. fast with sensitive tip is the way to go, any help here?

I prefer a 7'-7'3" M/XF rod for my t-rigs. However if you throw mainly heavier t-rigs get a MH

deep reply :

Quote

Quote
Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to do what all you suggested and go with the cheaper rod.
Another reason for this decision is after Dec, I won't be able to fish again until March 2012, so it's going to collect a lot of dust.

I think the Quantum will do just as I hope it does, but I'm still going to go to my local BPS and test it out anyway.

I still need to buy a rod, as my last rod broke and I have a reel with no home. I think I should get a good shakey head/jig/worm rod.

I was thinking a 6'6 - 7' med. fast with sensitive tip is the way to go, any help here?

I prefer a 7'-7'3" M/XF rod for my t-rigs. However if you throw mainly heavier t-rigs get a MH

I was looking for a soft plastics/jig rod not too long ago. I narrowed it down to a Powell Max 7'3" M/XF and a Shimano Crucial 7'2" M/XF (both spinning). Finally bought the Powell. Couldn't have been more happy with my choice. In spite of what I read about the Powells being underpowered for their ratings, it throws even 6" senkos with ease. I must have caught a few hundred bass on it.

And yes, go with a longer rod.

piscicidal reply :

I also use the 7'6" BPS crankin stick rod for my light crankbait rod. The 7'6" M action throws a trap a friggin mile. I'd go MH, though, if you plan on doing a lot of deep cranking.

You can spend more on a crankbait rod, but if you're on a limited budget (who isn't), buy the crankin stick and put the money you saved toward the worm rod you're looking for...

B-Dozer reply :

Quote
I also use the 7'6" BPS crankin stick rod for my light crankbait rod. The 7'6" M action throws a trap a friggin mile. I'd go MH, though, if you plan on doing a lot of deep cranking.
You can spend more on a crankbait rod, but if you're on a limited budget (who isn't), buy the crankin stick and put the money you saved toward the worm rod you're looking for...

I agree, they go on sale at least once a year making it an even easier choice.

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