Okay, so you want to go crankbait fishing? Then check out this buying guide for the best crankbait rods on the market today. We have reviewed these rods for you and provided some hints and tips on what to look out for when choosing the best rod. Be sure to check out the FAQ section at the bottom too.
In a rush? Then check out my own personal favorite crankbait rod here on Amazon.
As you pack for your next fishing trip, one crucial piece of gear that you must take along with you is your fishing rod. Where would you be without it? To be successful in this glorious sport, you will need a fishing rod that is not only highly functional, but that is also built for the purpose you are using it for.
Do I Need a Crankbait Rod for Cranking?
The answer to this question is yes and no. For some types of fishing, any rod will be sufficient. However, with crankbait fishing, it will really help you if you invest into a special crankbait rod.
In fishing, we can either adjust our technique for the equipment that we have or we can buy a separate rod for each different fishing style that we do. The latter will make your life a lot easier and will vastly increase your chances of success, especially as a beginner. There are several reasons for this. For one, the crankbait itself requires specific characteristics from the rod to work effectively, such as the type of action that it has.
Crankbait Rod Action
Crankbait rods have a much slower action than most other rods out there. This refers to how long it takes for the rod’s backbone to be engaged when it is under stress. The slower the action, the more flexible the tip will be and you will see a much larger arch than you would in a faster action rod.
For a rod to be considered suitable for crankbait fishing, then it must have a slow action. This has a few benefits; one of them is being able to cast significantly further whilst maintaining high accuracy. This is vital as cranking it is all about efficiency and hitting the same casting target all the time. If you have done the hard work and highlighted where the fish are then it’s important that you continue to hit that same spot with effective casting.
Despite the flexibility, the slower action crankbait rods have a really strong backbone capable of producing a lot of power which will be needed for the big fights. It also allows the line to load and unload a lot slower, which can help change the action of the crankbait in the water, leading to more bites.
The slow action really helps when you have a fish on the line too because the rod tip will follow the fish as you fight it, even as it is jumping out of the water and shaking around. You will see a significantly higher catch rate whilst cranking if you use a specialist rod.
Below we have reviewed 8 of the best crankbait rods out there and given our thoughts on each one. Afterwards, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about crankbait rods and some things to consider when looking for your perfect rod.
Best Crankbait Rods -The Reviews
1. St. Croix Premier Crankbait Rod
If you aren’t a newbie, chances are you have heard of St. Croix. The brand is known for their high quality rods, and the St. Croix Premier Crankbait Rod is no exception. This rod is ideal for crank baiting and provides an awesome fishing experience.
The rod is made of premium SCII graphite blanks, which makes it nice to hold and use. Using this material, the rod is durable yet relatively lightweight. Furthermore, this material makes the rod very sensitive. You will be able to feel whenever a fish takes the bait.
The guides of this fishing rod deserve praise as well. The guides are made of aluminium oxide; hence, when the line is released, there is little friction, less noise, and more speed, significantly he;ping your casting accuracy and distance.
While fishing, one vital factor to consider is the comfort of using the rod all day. The St. Croix Premier Crankbait Rod is lightweight and comes with a high-quality cork handle. The handle makes the rod comfortable to hold even if you spend a long time holding it. Another feature we like is the Flex Coat finish that guarantees that your rod remains usable in any weather condition.
What We Like
- High quality design
- The guides are of high quality and improve casting performance
- Impressive sensitivity
- Comfortable cork grips
2. Dobyns Rods 704CB
I love the Dobyn Rod 704CB! It’s our favorite out of the bunch and is the one that I personally use when I am out on my crankbait fishing trips. In fact, it’s a very versatile rod that is also suitable for many other types of fishing, so feel free to use this one with a top water lure or even a spinner.
The Dobyn 704CB is an impressive rod that comes with a durable frame that makes your crankbait fishing experience much easier. There are a few different models of the Dobyn rod, however, the one I use is the Dobyns 7O4CB. It comes with a length of 7 feet, which is just about perfect for a crankbait rod in my opinion. This length will allow you to get very accurate cast whilst still giving you ample distance.
Just as the St. Croix above, this fishing rod comes with a cork handle that makes it comfortable to hold. It comes with a medium to fast action which is great for crankbait fishing. It will also allow you fish using other methods without too many problems.
The build on this rod is fantastic. I personally love the modulus graphite blank that the rod features. Along with the Kevlar wrapping, these features make the rod very lightweight yet durable, which is exactly what we are looking for in the best crankbait rods.; It doesn’t come with aluminium oxide guides; instead it features zero-tangle kigan guides with sic inserts.
I really enjoy using this rod and would happily recommend it to anybody serious about crankbait fishing. It is a highly versatile rod that will work great for crankbait fishing and a variety of other types too.
What We Like
- Fantastic quality
- Lightweight and durable build
- Nice sensitivity
3. Fenwick Elite Tech Bass Casting Rods
Whether you are an experienced angler, or you are just starting to learn how to fish, you will enjoy using the Fenwick Elite rod. You can choose from a variety of different lengths, but as mentioned earlier, I would advise to go for a 7 foot rod. This will give you the best all-round usage, and you will be able to perform all the crankbaiting techniques with relative ease.
As a rule of thumb, if you are casting at specific targets then opt for the 7 foot rod, but if you are fishing in open waters, then you will need to opt for a longer rod 7’ 6 plus. This will give you a lot more distance but will sacrifice on the accuracy, the choice is yours.
This rod features a moderate to fast action, which is what we are looking for in an all round crankbait rod. Like the other crankbait rods, it comes with high-quality graphite blanks, which makes it lightweight and durable. It features titanium guides which are more durable than aluminium oxide guides and most other materials.
For comfort, aside from the weight, it comes with a split grip foam EVA handle so you will be comfortable enough to stay out there all day.
What we like
- Versatile rod and can be used from shallow to deep diving crankbaits
- Can accept a wide range of line sizes and lure weights
- Sturdy construction
- Choice of rod lengths
4. Okuma Scott Martin Rods
Scott Martin is a rather popular name in bass fishing. He is regarded as one of the greatest professional bass anglers of all time. He designed this rod to help anglers achieve better fishing results, so it’s had to ignore this one. With it being designed by a professional with such experience, this rod is impressive!
Whilst it is excellent for crank baiting, this rod is a highly versatile rod that can be used for almost all types of fishing. The rods come with a dense carbon build; hence, they are durable and very sensitive. The slightest tremble can be felt through the rod.
To ensure that handling is easy and comfortable, the rod comes with EVA-split grip and an EVA foregrip as well.
The Okuma marks a return to aluminium oxide guides for the rods on this list. We particularly like these aluminium guides because they are great with braided fishing lines and allow for enhanced knot clearance.
With a length of 7 feet, it has everything even the most demanding of anglers want in their crankbait rods.
What We Like
- The series comes in a wide variety of options
- Ideal for tournament fishing
- Highly durable construction
- Designed by a pro
5. Lew’s Tournament Performance TP-1 Speed Stick Casting Rods
I loved using this fishing rod for my crankbaiting. It’s a great all round option that doesn’t break the bank and comes with a multitude of length options for you to choose from. The one I tested in this review is the 7’ 3 inch variant and comes with medium-heavy power and a medium action that is good for certain types of cranking.
I love this one because of the ease of use. If you are a beginner, you will find this fishing rod to be pretty easy to get the hang of. In fact, when I went out with this rod I handed it to one of my beginner friends to use for a couple of hours and he loved it. After a few casts he was in the wing of things and even caught a beauty of a bass too!
This rod delivers good handling power and features durable guides that do not wobble even after repeated use. It is made of IM8 graphite which, and although it isn’t as durable as the more expensive fishing rods, is durable enough to be used for an extended period. The graphite construction ensures that the rod is highly sensitive and lightweight.
One thing I did notice in particular was how great of a hook set I seemed to be getting with this rod. The rod felt extremely sensitive, and I was able to time my strikes much better than some of the rods competitors.
What We Like
- The rod comes in a 1-piece construction that improves durability
- Great for beginners
- Lightweight
- Beautiful design and build
- Great hook sets
6. Eagle Claw WMTSCB70C1
The Eagle Claw WMTSCB70C1 is a fishing rod from a rather obscure manufacturer. Hence, we were eager to test it and see if we had discovered a gem. From our tests, we believe it is one of the best crankbait rods we have used for the price point. This is a great value pick.
It is an impressive rod for fishing, but it is especially great for crankbaits. While other rods are more popular, you will be hard-pressed to find a rod that delivers the level of sensitivity the Eagle Claw WMTSCB70C1 gives you
It is made of fibreglass blank making it relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver. The Pacbay stainless steel guides are excellent additions that make using the Eagle Claw WMTSCB70C1 a great caster for both distance and accuracy. This is a 7 footer which is right in that sweet spot.
Handling is a breeze as the rod comes with a very comfortable EVA handle and features fighting butts and has a split rear handle.
What We Like
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- Great for beginners
- Comfortable handle
- Great Value
7. Abu Garcia IKE Signature Power Casting Fishing Rod
Abu Garcia is a versatile fishing rod that is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a rod that they can use for a variety of styles. It can be successfully applied while fishing with jigs, crankbaits, and spinners. Aside from the versatility, the Abu Garcia casting fishing rod is superb for crankbait fishing.
It features a 36-ton high-quality modulus graphite. It is very easy to use and is lightweight, as you would expect from a rod of this quality. Although graphite can be brittle at times, the one found on this rod is built to last. For added durability, the stainless steel guides found on the rod are fitted with titanium inserts.
Even under plenty of stress, the materials ensure that the rod remains sturdy and reliable. I loved the zirconium coating on the rod and its compatibility with different lines. The titanium inserts in the guides ensure that braided lines, which are problematic to most of the other rods on the market, are easy to use on the Abu Garcia.
There are several options available with this one too. The one I tested and the one I would recommend is the 7 foot medium heavy for the crankbait fishing experience.
What We Like
- Comes at an affordable price
- Very comfortable to use
- Durable construction
- Nice balance
8. Wright and McGill Skeet Reese S-Glass Crankbait Rod
In former times, anglers did not like using glass rods for cranking. However, with improvements in manufacturing, many anglers are starting to enjoy using glass-cranking rods. The rod from Wright & McGill is an example of a glass-cranking rod that many folks now love to use. The major draw of this rod is the firm action that fibreglass delivers when used in making a blank.
Other innovations make this rod an effective alternative to other rods. For example, it comes with an S-Curve blank construction. This unique design strengthens it, makes it more powerful, and more sensitive. These advantages are accrued without any significant addition in weight. The zirconium guides also ensure that the rod weighs less and allows some pretty great casts.
To help you hold the rod accurately and comfortably, the rod features a split-handle design. It feels great to hold, and the long, solid butt allows you to hold on even when battling with a big catch.
What We Like
- The handle is large and comfortable
- Lightweight design
- Nice sensitivity
- Durable construction
- Great casts
Buying Guide to the Best Crankbait Rod
1. The Reel Setup
It goes without saying, but the reel is an essential part of your fishing set up. Without the reel, you are merely holding a stick and a line. If the reel doesn’t work in the right way, you might as well pack up and go home.
Therefore, before choosing a fishing rod, inspect the reel seat. As the reel seat is the stress point when the fish is hooked on the line, it is important to ensure that it is sturdy and secure. The heavier the rod, the bigger the reel you will require. The reel must also house the entire length of the line.
All the rods we have included in this review are designed superbly and will be great with most of the reels that you will use them with, but please check the fit and ensure that you have your reel properly set in the reel seat.
2. Rod Action
In simple terms, rod action refers to where the rod bends under strain. Therefore, for the best fishing experience, you have to choose a fishing rod with the right rod action for you. Most beginners underestimate the importance of this and will use one rod for all styles of fishing. This is a big mistake..
Rod action is divided into three styles.
Fast action rods bend in the top third of the blank. Medium action rods bend in the top half, and slow action rods bend in the lower third of the blank.
Fast action rods can withstand rough conditions and can be used in aggressive waters. Medium action rods are ideal for medium-sized fish, while the slow action rods are easy going and will be ideal in gentle waters and small fish.
The best crankbait rods will have at least a medium-fast action. All the rods in this list tick that box so you will be just fine with any of these options.
3. Rod Power
Rod power refers to the amount of load your rod can take before it bends. If you are looking for a rod for cranking, you should be looking at a rod that falls into the medium to medium-heavy power.
3. Rod length
Two of the most common lengths for crankbait rods are 7’ and 7’6″. The choice of length depends on the size of the line and lures you want to use, the accuracy of the cast, and the distance you want from it.
With a longer rod, you achieve long casts and faster line movement. I advise that you choose whichever length you feel more comfortable with, but in my experience, the 7’ rod will give you the best all round performance.
Most expert anglers recommend that your rod should not be shorter than 6’6″. Why? Because if your rod length is too short, you will not have enough control or power to your casts, and you will struggle if you hook a bigger fish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranking Rods
What is a Crankbait Rod?
This special rod is designed to provide more flex than your typical rod via a fast action. The sensitivity on crankbait rods is typically a lot higher than most others, too. This allows you to perform special crankbaiting techniques that will move the crankbait in a specific way to attract more fish. You will also feel these bites a lot better than a conventional rod.
What is the ideal length for a crankbait rod?
Although there isn’t a perfect length, I recommend going for the 7’ variants. This will give you the best all round performance and will still give you long casts with great accuracy.
My rule of thumb is to opt for the 7’ rod if you will be targeting specific areas with your casts and need that extra accuracy. If you are fishing open water, then it will be far more beneficial to you to use a 7’6 foot rod, for example, as this will increase your overall casting distance and the loss of accuracy won’t hurt you.
What is the deal with Rod Power and Rod Action?
The two factors are very important. While the rod power refers to the amount of load, the rod can carry before it bends, the rod action refers to how fast the rod will bend and where in the rod the stress will be felt. This massively affects sensitivity and the maneuverability your rod will have when crankbait fishing.
My preference is to go for the faster action crankbait rods with medium to heavy rod power. This is mainly down to personal preference and experience, but if you are just starting out, then I would suggest to go for the same.
Wrap Up
So there you have it, 8 of the best crankbait rods that you can buy. These rods are all fantastic for crankbaiting and some of them will even serve you well in a variety of fishing styles. Crankbait fishing is a delicate art. It’s vital to get the correct fishing set up if you want to have the best experience and best change at catching some big fish out there.
You will be absolutely fine with any of the rods listed here. Be mindful of the rod length and choose the correct action for your style. As mentioned in the article, my personal preference is to opt for the 7’ models with a moderate to heavy rod power.
My own personal rod for crankbait fishing is the Dobyns Rods 704CB, check out the latest price for it on Amazon here.
Thanks for reading and happy fishing!