If you enjoy fishing, then you know that it requires specific tools for each different kind of fish. For each style or technique, there’s a unique lineup of equipment designed for the job. One of those techniques being to fish crankbaits. Many fisherman opt to use a traditional rod, and end up losing many fish. To avoid this, you have the option of using a crankbait rod, specific for this method.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best crankbait rod:
Who Needs To Use A Crankbait Rod?
Anyone who wants to use crankbaits for fishing, could enjoy a decent crankbait rod. These rods have a design for this type of fishing. It’s like choosing the right golf club. Using the right equipment for the job will give better results. Specialized rods perform better under the technique they’re designed for. The crankbait specific rods will give you each of these benefits:
Better casting: Due to the way the rod loads and unloads, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to cast a bait.
Improved lure time: Once you know where the fish are, you can keep the lure in that zone for a longer duration.
Less snags: The rod’s softer action tip will load and unload along rocks much slower. This allows the fish to get the bait a lot better as they’re shaking or moving around.
Are Crankbait Rods Different To Other Rods?
Crankbait rods have a different build than other traditional rods. These specific rods give specific power and action for use with crankbaits. With too much action on the rod, you might rip the bait out of the fish’s mouth. If the rod doesn’t have enough power, you may not be able to pull the fish out. Both action and power are what determine the specific use case of this rod.
Source: fishmhx.com
Typical crankbait rods feature a moderate action, for accuracy and stability. The lighter action on the hook set keeps the lure in the fish's mouth. You trade a little less sensitivity for more casting range. Additionally, crankbait rod action works best for these key points:
Source: fix.com
How Do I Choose A Crankbait Rod?
One of the most important parts of a crankbait rod is the rod length. Each length varies depending on personal needs. The longer the rod, the more line it will pull when setting the hook. The shorter the rod, the less power you have for longer casts. Yet, shorter rods have higher accuracy, and give an easier time for those traveling.
Buy a crankbait rod with the right power and action. As shown in the info-graphics above, it’s important to choose the right kind for the baits you plan on fishing with. Each kind of rod has benefits and drawbacks.
Choose a crankbait rod that is well made so it lasts. Your rod will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Additionally, you want your rod to keep snagging fish for a while.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a crankbait rod:
- Ensure the length matches your preference.
- Buy a rod with your ideal power and action.
- Choose a crankbait rod that is well made.
What Is The Best Crankbait Rod?
We’ve looked at a range of crankbait rods that work for both fresh and saltwater, and have selected five rods. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the materials used. We’ve reviewed these five crankbait rods and listed some pros and cons for each rod.
our #1 rated
Lew's
TP1 Speed Stick
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Lew’s TP1 speed stick is available in one size and white in color. The rod features IM8 graphite construction with one-piece blanks. The rod also has tackle guide system to cut wind knots. This system also improves casting range and accuracy.
Customers who purchased this rod found the rod lightweight. People said that the rod “winn” grips have a superior grip and strength in comparison to others. Customers also said that the grips have a very comfortable feel on the hand.
A few customers who used this rod for fishing said the placement of the hook keeper is a bit weird. Some people also said certain knots can’t tie quick due to the unit. A few customers also said the rod had some tip issues upon arrival.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
St. Croix
Premier Rod
Quality
Price
Our rating
This premier crankbait rod from St. Croix is available in one size with cork and black color. The rod features premium-quality SCII graphite. The hook setting power has high sensitivity, along with strength. Each action with the rod has fine tuning for increased performance.
Customers who purchased this rod said that it’s very lightweight. Many customers also said the rod loads up and casts far distances without worry of the tip breaking. Others customers commented that the rod works well for pulling bass out of weed cover.
Some people who purchased this rod said the epoxy for the rod handle started to give out. Others reported that they would have liked the rod handle to be a few inches longer as well. A few customers also said the rod has a little lighter action than expected.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Lew's
David Fritts Stick
Quality
Price
Our rating
This David Fritts speed stick made by Lew’s is available in a range of sizes with a black color. The rod features stainless steel frames with aluminum oxide construction. This gives the rod smooth and easy line flow while casting. Additionally, the reel position sits with cushioned hoods for comfort casting.
Customers who purchased this rod said that it’s great for its design for use with crankbaits. People said that the rod has a lightweight build, even when mixed with fiberglass. Many customers found the perfect amount of flex in the rod impressive.
Some customers who purchased this rod said that the tip had a sharp edge in the medium heavy size. A few customers said that the rod was a little on the heavy side. Some people also said they would’ve liked the tip to be better sealed to prevent sliding.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Wright & McGill
Skeet Reese S-Glass
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Wright and McGill Reese S-Glass is available in one size with black and yellow colors. The rod features construction for superior strength, sensitivity, and lifting power. The handle also has a split design for weight reduction and improved balance.
Customers who purchased this rod said that it’s sensitive and very durable. People said the rod has a flexible tip, being many people’s favorite part about the rod. Customers also commented that it has an effortless cast, and works better than other rods.
Other people who used this rod said that it was very difficult to cast light crank baits with it. Some customers also said that the rod has a thick base making it hard to balance in hand. A few customers reported that the rod’s tip was too thin for them.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Dobyn's
Fury Series FR 705CB
Quality
Price
Our rating
This Fury Series FR 705CB made by Dobyn’s is available in one size with cork and black color. The rod features medium heavy mod with fast action. The rod works best for crankbaits, yet also works with jerkbaits, sammys and more.
People who purchased this rod found it to be comfortable to hold and lightweight. Customers said that the rod’s tip was sensitive enough to feel every bump, tick, and wiggle from the water. Customers also said that the action of the rod was great for retrieving bait and setting the hook.
Some customers who used this rod said the reel seat threads are very short. A few customers said the rod butt is a bit shorter as well. Some people also said that they wished it had some more parabolic action.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each crankbait rod we’ve reviewed works for those looking to fish with crankbaits. All the rods have lightweight materials, high sensitivity, and a solid build quality.
After comparing all the products the best crankbait rod is the Lew’s TP1 speed stick.
This rod is both strong and light, making it perfect for those using crankbaits. The rod features a sensitive tip, and a very comfortable hand grip. We also like the fact that the rod features a system to cut wind knots, and give higher levels of accuracy.