Cranking sticks!!! 2024

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

Hey fellow bass addicts!

I have been recently tuned in on the amazing world of crankbaits and now looking for a new rod! Since I am new to this I have no idea who make the best rods or what to look for. I know probably a medium or medium heavy with moderate action does the job, but what rod?! Budget isin't really important I am just looking for the best for keeping those fish pinned! I'm talking pretty standard crankbaits, no dt-16s and not the worlds tiniest crank either!

Thanks! Hope to get some great ideas!

nat

scbassin reply :

I have Dobyns Rods DC764 CBRM & DC765 CB. Either of these rods would be a excellent choice. Plus watch for the Tackle Warehouse black Friday sale & get 20% off plus free shipping & a free shirt.

Yumeya reply :

St-Croix Legend Tounament Glass is the best crankbait rod I have used.

I have the MH and its amazing.

Chance_Taker4 reply :

Kistler KLX Feel n' Reel. It was made for cranks. Its a hybrid blank mixing graphite and fiberglass. You get the best of both worlds in one rod.

mrcimon reply :

I've also got 2 Legend Tourney Glass's 7'2 M and 7'4 MH, they're amazing rods.

kschultz76 reply :

Do some reading and research first, then see if you can get to tackle shop and hold a glass cranking stick, a hybrid cranking stick, and a graphite cranking stick. Even better try to actually find some that you can cast with and demo first.

Lots of pros/cons for each type of cranking rod, and you should know what you’re getting into before laying down a lot of cash.

I myself elf am in a growing minority and prefer full graphite cranking rods, so my recommendation will be wildly different then those who prefer glass.

scbassin reply :

I am with Kschultz76 on this Full graphite cranking rods is the way to go. I had the chance to fish with a couple of the other style rods & after that I decided to go with what I have now, Full graphite, in fact the man that has the hybrid, now has a full graphite cranking rod the same as one of mine. Full graphite makes a difference.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/5/2018 at 12:50 PM, scbassin said:

I have Dobyns Rods DC764 CBRM & DC765 CB. Either of these rods would be a excellent choice. Plus watch for the Tackle Warehouse black Friday sale & get 20% off plus free shipping & a free shirt.

Thanks for answer! The only thing dobyns are crazy hard to find in canada's eastern region ????

On 11/5/2018 at 1:44 PM, Yumeya said:

St-Croix Legend Tounament Glass is the best crankbait rod I have used.

I have the MH and its amazing.

Any lentgh or specific model? I was looking at st-croix

On 11/5/2018 at 9:36 PM, Chance_Taker4 said:

Kistler KLX Feel n' Reel. It was made for cranks. Its a hybrid blank mixing graphite and fiberglass. You get the best of both worlds in one rod.

I really should start trying graphite/glass ir the mix. Hard to try them before getting on the water!

On 11/5/2018 at 9:54 PM, kschultz76 said:

Do some reading and research first, then see if you can get to tackle shop and hold a glass cranking stick, a hybrid cranking stick, and a graphite cranking stick. Even better try to actually find some that you can cast with and demo first.

Lots of pros/cons for each type of cranking rod, and you should know what you’re getting into before laying down a lot of cash.

I myself elf am in a growing minority and prefer full graphite cranking rods, so my recommendation will be wildly different then those who prefer glass.

I typically also have a love for graphite rods, just kinda curious to see if theres a must have glass rod out there also! There are so many sticks to choose from and its quite hard to test them out without buying! Thanks for the answer!

kenmitch reply :

I have the St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass 6'10". I haven't had it long and have only caught a couple fish on it so far. It seems like it'll work pretty good when the Bass decide to cooperate again. In between seasons over here is SoCal and my local lake is once again on the rise which doesn't help at all.

I ordered the BPS Carbonlite 2.0 JCT70MTM 7' Medium/Medium to try out. Currently on sale for $80 with free shipping. If it's delivered tomorrow I'm probably going to give it a try on Wednesday to see how it works.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/5/2018 at 11:01 PM, scbassin said:

I am with Kschultz76 on this Full graphite cranking rods is the way to go. I had the chance to fish with a couple of the other style rods & after that I decided to go with what I have now, Full graphite, in fact the man that has the hybrid, now has a full graphite cranking rod the same as one of mine. Full graphite makes a difference.

Do you feel like your keeping fish pinned better or are bites more clear because the rod is more sensitive? Just compared to glass or a hybrid?

On 11/5/2018 at 11:04 PM, kenmitch said:

I have the St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass 6'10". I haven't had it long and have only caught a couple fish on it so far. It seems like it'll work pretty good when the Bass decide to cooperate again. In between seasons over here is SoCal and my local lake is once again on the rise which doesn't help at all.

I ordered the BPS Carbonlite 2.0 JCT70MTM 7' Medium/Medium to try out. Currently on sale for $80 with free shipping. If it's delivered tomorrow I'm probably going to give it a try on Wednesday to see how it works.

Keep me posted! Curious to see how you like it! Thanks!

scbassin reply :

I would call Dobyns Rods & ask them to explain the difference between glass graphite cranking sticks. they build both.

903 919 8028 The 2 cranking rod I bought are awesome. See my 1st post for which 2

Spankey reply :

I fish two St. Croix Premiere Series Crankbait Rods. Love them.

You have to find that feel you’re looking for. I like it. You may not. Can only suggest you give it a look. And for the most part don’t break the bank. Have them set up with shimono’s.

Joshua van Wyk reply :

I'm also in search for a new cranking rod. I was looking at the Okuma tcs rods, any body have any experience with them?

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 12:02 AM, Joshua van Wyk said:

I'm also in search for a new cranking rod. I was looking at the Okuma tcs rods, any body have any experience with them?

I have had two TCS's in the past, bang for your buck great rods, light amd powerful. I had a 7'0mhf great all around stick, and a flipping 7'6hf. Both great rods for the price but i know sometimes quality control might be a bit off. So i would NOT order one sight unseen! Handle the rod before buying, mine works well but has weird rattles inside...

Joshua van Wyk reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 12:36 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

I have had two TCS's in the past, bang for your buck great rods, light amd powerful. I had a 7'0mhf great all around stick, and a flipping 7'6hf. Both great rods for the price but i know sometimes quality control might be a bit off. So i would NOT order one sight unseen! Handle the rod before buying, mine works well but has weird rattles inside...

It'll be impossible for me to handle one first because no shops near me have them.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 12:41 AM, Joshua van Wyk said:

It'll be impossible for me to handle one first because no shops near me have them.

Well then its a bit of a shot in the dark, I loved mine but I know they arent all perfect! Good luck

Joshua van Wyk reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 12:54 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

Well then its a bit of a shot in the dark, I loved mine but I know they arent all perfect! Good luck

Hopefully I get lucky ????

TBAG reply :

On 11/5/2018 at 1:44 PM, Yumeya said:

St-Croix Legend Tounament Glass is the best crankbait rod I have used.

I have the MH and its amazing.

Yep, same here and it's my first glass rod. It put the biggest smile on my face when I caught my first fish on it. It's something you'll have to experience in person, haha.

Matt_3479 reply :

I was trying a few rods and have found my favorite to be the g.loomis imx pro 845c cbr. 7’ medium heavy mod-fast. Once I fished this rod I was hooked immediately and my hook up ratio went way way up! I am in love with this rod. I’ve thrown 1/4 oz to 3/4 oz cranks and hooked my biggest small mouth to date this season and I think 4 out of my top 10 fish this season came from this rod!

if I ever decide to try something new it will probably be the kistler crankbait rod.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 2:31 AM, TBAG said:

Yep, same here and it's my first glass rod. It put the biggest smile on my face when I caught my first fish on it. It's something you'll have to experience in person, haha.

Both of you seem to really like that rod... I can get a pretty amazing deal on one of those, hows the sensitivity?

On 11/6/2018 at 8:56 AM, Matt_3479 said:

I was trying a few rods and have found my favorite to be the g.loomis imx pro 845c cbr. 7’ medium heavy mod-fast. Once I fished this rod I was hooked immediately and my hook up ratio went way way up! I am in love with this rod. I’ve thrown 1/4 oz to 3/4 oz cranks and hooked my biggest small mouth to date this season and I think 4 out of my top 10 fish this season came from this rod!

if I ever decide to try something new it will probably be the kistler crankbait rod.

What would be the difference between this particular model of imx vs an e6x, glx or etc of the same action and lentgh?

Joshua van Wyk reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 10:26 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

Both of you seem to really like that rod... I can get a pretty amazing deal on one of those, hows the sensitivity?

What would be the difference between this particular model of imx vs an e6x, glx or etc of the same action and lentgh?

How amazing is amazing?

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

Around the 200 cad, taxes in. I know where one is sitting and the store is trying to get rid of ... ????

WRB reply :

Reading this thread isn't easy to determine what the OP is looking for, it's Seems there is a lot of love affairs with owners of crankbait rods they purchased.

I use more then 1 crankbait rod depending on the type of crankbait I am using, so no one rod fits all applications.

1. Deep divers between 3/4 oz to 1 1/2 oz, depths between 10' to 18' I use Lamiglas XCF/SR705 crankbait rod, 12 lb Big Game line.

2. Medium divers and lipless between 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz, depths between 8' to 16' I use Loomis PR 845C Popping rod*, 12 lb Big Game line.

3. Shallow divers 3/8oz to 5/8 oz Wart or Sq p bill type divers between 2' to 8' Major Craft 6'8" Splash-It rod**, 11 lb Armillo Nylon line.

So what category crankbait is the OP targeting; 1,2 or 3?

Tom

* also my 1/2 to 1 oz structure spoon rod

** also my 1/4-1/2 oz surface and jerk bait rod.

Matt_3479 reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 10:26 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

Both of you seem to really like that rod... I can get a pretty amazing deal on one of those, hows the sensitivity?

What would be the difference between this particular model of imx vs an e6x, glx or etc of the same action and lentgh?

Well as far as I know, loomis doesn’t make a current model of crankbait rods in glx or nrx making the imx pro there highest quality version of a crankbait rod. So between that and the e6x you have higher quality graphite blank making it more sensitive and stronger. This rod loads up beautifully for 1/4oz to the heaviest I’ve thrown at 3/4oz. Never do I feel underpowered. It has plenty of backbone to horse out those big guys from logs and weeds. It is light weight, great balance, plenty of power yet light enough to throw those tiny squarebills! It is the main reason I own 5 loomis rods and why I’m looking for my 6th!

I got my dad an e6x 845c cbr rod late this season as it was on a wicked sale. I haven’t spend a lot of time with it but so far I’ve been very impressed with it as well.

clh121787 reply :

Dobyns champion xp cranking rods are hard to beat. Ive used a little bit of everything.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 11:18 AM, WRB said:

Reading this thread isn't easy to determine what the OP is looking for, it's Seems there is a lot of love affairs with owners of crankbait rods they purchased.

I use more then 1 crankbait rod depending on the type of crankbait I am using, so no one rod fits all applications.

1. Deep divers between 3/4 oz to 1 1/2 oz, depths between 10' to 18' I use Lamiglas XCF/SR705 crankbait rod, 12 lb Big Game line.

2. Medium divers and lipless between 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz, depths between 8' to 16' I use Loomis PR 845C Popping rod*, 12 lb Big Game line.

3. Shallow divers 3/8oz to 5/8 oz Wart or Sq p bill type divers between 2' to 8' Major Craft 6'8" Splash-It rod**, 11 lb Armillo Nylon line.

So what category crankbait is the OP targeting; 1,2 or 3?

Tom

* also my 1/2 to 1 oz structure spoon rod

** also my 1/4-1/2 oz surface and jerk bait rod.

Thanks for the very complete answer Tom! I would really be in the market for #2! The description is everything i am looking for. I am slightly surprised it is a 5 power rod tho!

Nat

On 11/6/2018 at 11:30 AM, Matt_3479 said:

Well as far as I know, loomis doesn’t make a current model of crankbait rods in glx or nrx making the imx pro there highest quality version of a crankbait rod. So between that and the e6x you have higher quality graphite blank making it more sensitive and stronger. This rod loads up beautifully for 1/4oz to the heaviest I’ve thrown at 3/4oz. Never do I feel underpowered. It has plenty of backbone to horse out those big guys from logs and weeds. It is light weight, great balance, plenty of power yet light enough to throw those tiny squarebills! It is the main reason I own 5 loomis rods and why I’m looking for my 6th!

I got my dad an e6x 845c cbr rod late this season as it was on a wicked sale. I haven’t spend a lot of time with it but so far I’ve been very impressed with it as well.

Definitly will be looking into thus one as tom also uses it. Sounds like a really solid stick!

WRB reply :

1. It's an older glass composite 5 power moderate action rod similar to today's Dobyns 5 power crankbait rods.

2. Is a popping rod with moderate tip equal to a 3 power to cast live bait for Bonefish with 5 power fish fighting power, very unique rod.

Every rod maker has a different ideal about power, you don't want to be fighting the deep diver lure on the retreive and loading up the rod.

Tom

Yumeya reply :

On 11/6/2018 at 10:26 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

Both of you seem to really like that rod... I can get a pretty amazing deal on one of those, hows the sensitivity?

Sensitivity is actually pretty good, its not NRX good but I can feel my crankbait work.

I also run braid on mine with a Fluorocarbon leader, its like the best of both worlds, the braid provides no stretch for sensitivity and hookset while the rod takes care of holding on to the fish.

I don't think I have lost a fish on a crankbait since I have gotten this rod.

There's nothing like that buttery smooth power curve of glass when you have a nice fish at the end of line trying to throw your treble hook bait.

Did I mention how sexy it is LOL, the blank color is a rich honey color in the shade and a burnt orange in the sunlight, its very traditional looking.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/7/2018 at 12:08 PM, Yumeya said:

Sensitivity is actually pretty good, its not NRX good but I can feel my crankbait work.

I also run braid on mine with a Fluorocarbon leader, its like the best of both worlds, the braid provides no stretch for sensitivity and hookset while the rod takes care of holding on to the fish.

I don't think I have lost a fish on a crankbait since I have gotten this rod.

There's nothing like that buttery smooth power curve of glass when you have a nice fish at the end of line trying to throw your treble hook bait.

Did I mention how sexy it is LOL, the blank color is a rich honey color in the shade and a burnt orange in the sunlight, its very traditional looking.

Wow wow wow! Sure is sexy with that gold calcutta! I will also be running braid on the combo as I am a big fan of it. Really looking in either the legend glass 7'4" or the loomis 845c both seem to be exceptionnal sticks! Now i just have to find a reel to go with ... ????

Westcoast reply :

On 11/5/2018 at 9:36 PM, Chance_Taker4 said:

Kistler KLX Feel n' Reel. It was made for cranks. Its a hybrid blank mixing graphite and fiberglass. You get the best of both worlds in one rod.

I have the reel n feel as well. So far it does everything I need it to. Definitely worth checking out.

Brock_v reply :

look at the alpha angler mag rebound

Booneangler18 reply :

Are the bass pro cranking sticks any good?

WRB reply :

On 11/7/2018 at 11:23 PM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

Wow wow wow! Sure is sexy with that gold calcutta! I will also be running braid on the combo as I am a big fan of it. Really looking in either the legend glass 7'4" or the loomis 845c both seem to be exceptionnal sticks! Now i just have to find a reel to go with ... ????

Conguest @ $580 does have a wow factor.

Tom

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/8/2018 at 9:50 AM, WRB said:

Conguest @ $580 does have a wow factor.

Tom

for sure an amazing reel but I can't seem to find round reels all that confortable :( was looking at the new bantams or another metanium. Any other suggestions will be evaluated :P

WRB reply :

Take a look at Daiwa Tatula 200, low profile with the needed line capacityfor crank baits.

I use round reels because that is what I am used to, hold the rod fingers in front of the reel and rod butt agianst my forearm for leverage.

Tom

Yumeya reply :

On 11/8/2018 at 11:20 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

for sure an amazing reel but I can't seem to find round reels all that confortable was looking at the new bantams or another metanium. Any other suggestions will be evaluated

I'm the same but for some reason the Calcutta just fits this rod and feels d**n good in the hand.

If I didn't have the Calcutta I would put a Bantam MGL with a 5.5 gear ratio from Japan.

WRB reply :

What is the IPT with the Bantam MGL after casting 50 yds....maybe 12"

Small 100 size reels don't have the line capacity to maintain a decent pace with deep divers or control bass hooked at a distance. The reel should match the rods performance.

Tom

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/8/2018 at 1:10 PM, WRB said:

What is the IPT with the Bantam MGL after casting 50 yds....maybe 12"

Small 100 size reels don't have the line capacity to maintain a decent pace with deep divers or control bass hooked at a distance. The reel should match the rods performance.

Tom

That's a "reel" good point Tom! But I am not a huge fan on the tatulas as I've had one (maybe got unlucky) and it kept giving me trouble. Other options could include a tranx 200, but I sure don't feel like spending calcutta or antares money on a crank setup.

Matt_3479 reply :

I don’t throw real deep diving cranks. Squarebills are my favorite for sure followed by lipless and mid depth. For that I like a 6 gear ratio. So far it’s been working excellent for me. As far as reels go I’m currently using a reel that we can’t talk about and it’s been working good but I’m also used my chronarch mgl’s on it. I’m thinking of perminately switching to the chronarch mgl. Small in the hand, enough line capacity for me, super smooth, and looks good too lol.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/9/2018 at 4:58 AM, Matt_3479 said:

I don’t throw real deep diving cranks. Squarebills are my favorite for sure followed by lipless and mid depth. For that I like a 6 gear ratio. So far it’s been working excellent for me. As far as reels go I’m currently using a reel that we can’t talk about and it’s been working good but I’m also used my chronarch mgl’s on it. I’m thinking of perminately switching to the chronarch mgl. Small in the hand, enough line capacity for me, super smooth, and looks good too lol.

For sure the chronarch is a solid option! I just think Tom's point on 100 size reels for crank baits being too small makes sens to me. Because obviously any reel in the chronarch range is usually a pretty solid unit!

Nat

Yumeya reply :

The Bantam is a 150 size reel, it holds 110 yards of 12lb test.

You can also look at the Curado K.

Both have brass gear sets.

If you are using braid that is plenty.

That Calcutta in the picture is a 101 and holds 110 yards of 12lb test.

I use 20lb braid, my most used crankbait is a Megabass deep x 300 but I have thrown heavier and deeper sized cranks without any issues.

Bankbeater reply :

I'm still using the old BPS Extreme, Bionic Blade, and Tourney Specials for any bait that doesn't sit on the bottom. All are MH, but they have a lot of bend in the rod to help when you set the hook.

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

On 11/9/2018 at 2:06 PM, Yumeya said:

The Bantam is a 150 size reel, it holds 110 yards of 12lb test.

You can also look at the Curado K.

Both have brass gear sets.

If you are using braid that is plenty.

That Calcutta in the picture is a 101 and holds 110 yards of 12lb test.

I use 20lb braid, my most used crankbait is a Megabass deep x 300 but I have thrown heavier and deeper sized cranks without any issues.

that bantam sure looks good ????

Boomstick reply :

On 11/5/2018 at 1:44 PM, Yumeya said:

St-Croix Legend Tounament Glass is the best crankbait rod I have used.

I have the MH and its amazing.

I got my hands on some of the St. Croix Mojo Bass glass rods at a nearby Dick's Sporting Goods and I gotta say that felt like it would make a fantastic cranking rod so I can only imagine how awesome the Legend Tournament Glass might be!

Myself, I use a Daiwa Tatula Glass 7'2' MH/MF rod which is on the stiffer side but also makes a great chatterbait and spinnerbait rod as it has a lot of backbone and a slightly faster than ideal tip on it but there is enough play where I've landed almost every fish I've hooked on it (I believe the only one that got away was a mondo bass, and that's because I wacked my kid in the head setting the hook in a rowboat)

Nathan.bass.canada reply :

ended up ordering an IMX pro 845 cbr, excited to received it already. after handling the Legend glass, it felt too massive of a rod. now hesitating between getting another antares in the 5.6 or a bantam mgl. Anybody have experience with daiwa reels for cranking?

Matt_3479 reply :

On 11/13/2018 at 2:18 AM, Nathan.bass.canada said:

ended up ordering an IMX pro 845 cbr, excited to received it already. after handling the Legend glass, it felt too massive of a rod. now hesitating between getting another antares in the 5.6 or a bantam mgl. Anybody have experience with daiwa reels for cranking?

Congrats! I hope you enjoy it and look forward to hearing your thoughts. I love mine!! Let us know what reel your looking at as I’m really debating getting a bantam for my frogging rod!

Tacklejunky reply :

On 11/14/2018 at 1:07 AM, Matt_3479 said:

I use duckett ghost cranking rod very nice rod in my opinion

2698

Cranking sticks!!! 2024

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