Best Rod for Crankbaits: Top 5 Picks Reviewed

Imagine this: You’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and you feel a strong tug on your line. It’s a big one! But then, your rod bends too much, or it feels too stiff, and the fish gets away. Frustrating, right? Choosing the perfect rod for your crankbaits can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know which one will help you catch more fish and keep them hooked.

Many anglers spend a lot of time and money trying to find that one special rod. They worry about getting the wrong length, the wrong power, or the wrong action. This can lead to missed fish, tangled lines, and a less enjoyable fishing trip. But what if you could finally understand exactly what makes a crankbait rod great?

In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about rods for crankbaits. We’ll explain the key features, what they mean for your fishing, and how to pick the best one for your needs. Get ready to learn how to choose a rod that will make your crankbait fishing more successful and a whole lot more fun!

Our Top 5 Rod For Crankbaits Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Rod For Crankbaits Detailed Reviews

1. Dobyns Rods Maverick Crankbait / 7’0″” / 1 PC / 8-17 Line Weight / 1/4-1 OZ Lure Weight/Medium MOD Fast Action/EVA-Split

Rating: 8.8/10

The Dobyns Rods Maverick Crankbait rod is a versatile tool for anglers. Its 7-foot length and medium-fast action make it great for casting and reeling in a variety of lures. The rod is built with high-quality materials to handle tough fishing conditions. It feels good in your hand, even on long days of fishing.

What We Like:

  • It’s really good at casting crankbaits, jerkbaits, and other similar lures.
  • The rod is strong and sensitive, so you can feel what’s happening underwater.
  • It has strong guides that won’t rust, even in saltwater.
  • The EVA handle gives you a good grip and is comfortable to hold.
  • Kevlar material adds extra toughness to the rod.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The line weight range could be a bit wider for more flexibility.
  • Some anglers might prefer a different handle material.

This Dobyns Maverick rod offers a great balance of performance and comfort for many fishing trips. It’s a reliable choice for anglers looking for a dependable crankbait rod.

2. TP2 7’2″ Medium/Moderate Casting Rod-Crankbait 2

Rating: 9.1/10

The Lew’s TP2 7’2″ Medium/Moderate Casting Rod is built for anglers who love to fish for bass. It’s especially good for using crankbaits, which are lures that look like small fish. This rod helps you cast your lure just right and feel when a fish bites.

What We Like:

  • This rod is strong and made for catching big bass.
  • It has a medium power, which is great for many fishing styles.
  • The rod feels good in your hands and works well.
  • You can use it with different fishing lines (10-30 pounds) and lures (1/2 to 1 1/4 ounces).
  • It comes with a one-year warranty for peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While versatile, it’s specifically designed for crankbaits, so it might not be the best choice for every single type of bass fishing.

If you’re serious about bass fishing and love using crankbaits, this Lew’s rod is a solid choice. It offers a good balance of power and comfort for a better fishing experience.

3. KastKing Royale Legend Pro Casting Rod 2 pc7’0

Rating: 8.6/10

The KastKing Royale Legend Pro Casting Rod 2 pc7’0, Crankbait is built for serious bass anglers. It helps you feel every bite and land big fish.

What We Like:

  • Super sensitive rod lets you feel even the smallest nibbles.
  • The Fuji guides stop line tangles before they start.
  • SlipLock handles give you a super strong grip, even when wet.
  • The rod is strong and built to last.
  • It comes with a special reel seat and a hook keeper.
  • There are 15 different types of rods for specific fishing styles.
  • The 2-piece design makes it easy to carry and store.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the sensitivity is great, some anglers might want even more feedback for certain techniques.
  • The specific crankbait action, while good, might not be the absolute best for every single crankbait style.

This rod offers fantastic performance for its price. It’s a solid choice for anglers looking to upgrade their crankbait setup.

4. TP2 6’10” MedHeavy/Mod. Fast Cast Rod-Squarebill Crankbait

Rating: 8.9/10

The Lew’s TP2 6’10” MedHeavy/Mod. Fast Cast Rod is a powerhouse designed for serious bass anglers. It excels at one thing: presenting squarebill crankbaits. This rod is built tough to help you land those trophy bass you’ve been dreaming of.

What We Like:

  • It’s super powerful for catching big bass.
  • This rod feels great in your hands, from the tip to the handle.
  • It works well with different fishing lines and lures, making it good for many bass fishing styles.
  • You can trust this rod; it comes with a one-year warranty and great customer support from Lew’s.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This rod is really specialized for squarebill crankbaits, so it might not be the best for every single type of fishing.
  • The “Mod. Fast” action, while good for crankbaits, might feel a bit stiff for anglers who prefer a more sensitive rod for other techniques.

Overall, if you’re a bass angler who loves throwing squarebill crankbaits, this Lew’s TP2 rod is a fantastic tool that won’t let you down. It’s built for success and backed by a solid company.

5. Dobyns Rods Maverick Casting / 7’0″ / 1 PC / 10-17 LB Line Weight / 1/4-3/4 Lure Weight/Medium/Heavy Fast Action/EVA-Split HDL

Rating: 9.1/10

The Dobyns Rods Maverick Casting rod is a fantastic tool for anglers looking for a versatile and reliable casting rod. Its 7’0″ length and medium-heavy, fast action make it ideal for a wide range of techniques. You’ll love how it handles popular baits like senkos, jigs, flukes, Texas rigs, and spinnerbaits. This rod strikes a great balance between power, sensitivity, and flexibility, so you can fish effectively in many different situations.

What We Like:

  • The high modulus graphite blanks make the rod feel light but strong.
  • You can really feel the bites thanks to the sensitive construction.
  • Kevlar material adds extra toughness, protecting the rod in important spots.
  • Corrosion-resistant sea guides are built tough for saltwater.
  • The EVA handle gives you a firm, comfy grip for long fishing days.
  • It’s designed for great performance with various lures and line weights.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While good for many situations, it might not be the absolute best for extremely specialized techniques.
  • Availability might be limited sometimes, so grab it when you see it.

This Dobyns Maverick casting rod is a solid choice for anglers who want a dependable rod for everyday fishing. It offers great performance and durability for its price point.

Choosing the Right Rod for Your Crankbaits

Crankbaits are awesome lures. They dive deep and wiggle to attract fish. To make them work their best, you need the right fishing rod. This guide will help you pick the perfect rod for your crankbait fishing adventures.

Key Features to Look For

1. Rod Action

Rod action tells you how much the rod bends when you put pressure on it. For crankbaits, you want a rod with a **moderate** or **moderate-fast** action.

  • A moderate action rod bends more in the middle. It helps cast crankbaits farther. It also gives fish a little give when they bite, so they don’t rip the hook out.
  • A moderate-fast action rod bends a bit less. It’s good for when you need more casting power or a quicker hookset.
2. Rod Power

Rod power is how much force it takes to bend the rod. For crankbaits, **medium** or **medium-heavy** power is usually best.

  • Medium power rods are good for smaller crankbaits and lighter lines.
  • Medium-heavy power rods handle bigger crankbaits and heavier lines. They help you pull fish out of cover.
3. Rod Length

Rod length affects casting distance and control. For crankbaits, rods between **6’6″ and 7’6″** are popular.

  • Shorter rods (around 6’6″) offer more accuracy for short casts.
  • Longer rods (7′ to 7’6″) help you cast farther. They also give you better leverage when fighting a fish.

Important Materials

The material of your rod is important for its strength and feel.

1. Graphite

Graphite rods are very popular. They are light and sensitive. This means you can feel what your crankbait is doing underwater. Graphite rods can be a bit more expensive. They also break more easily if you are not careful.

2. Fiberglass

Fiberglass rods are tougher and more forgiving. They have a bit more “give” which is great for crankbaits. Fiberglass rods are often less expensive than graphite. They can be heavier and not as sensitive.

3. Composite

Some rods use a mix of graphite and fiberglass. These rods try to get the best of both worlds. They offer a good balance of strength, sensitivity, and flexibility.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What Makes a Rod Great:
  • High-quality guides: Smooth guides help your line cast and retrieve easily. They also reduce friction and wear on your line.
  • Comfortable handle: A good handle makes fishing more enjoyable. Cork or EVA foam handles feel nice in your hand.
  • Solid reel seat: The reel seat holds your reel securely. It should be strong and not loosen up.
  • Good balance: A well-balanced rod feels good in your hand. It doesn’t feel like it’s tipping forward or backward.
What Can Lower Quality:
  • Cheap guides: Rough or poorly made guides can damage your line. They might also make your casts not as smooth.
  • Loose reel seat: A wobbly reel seat is annoying. It can also lead to your reel falling off.
  • Heavy or unbalanced rod: A rod that’s too heavy or unbalanced will make your arm tired quickly.

User Experience and Use Cases

A good crankbait rod makes fishing easier and more fun. You can feel when your lure is bumping along the bottom or when a fish strikes. This helps you react faster.

  • Casting: The right rod helps you cast crankbaits accurately and far.
  • Retrieving: You can feel the lure’s action and make adjustments.
  • Hooksets: The rod’s power helps you set the hook firmly.
  • Fighting fish: The rod’s flex absorbs the fish’s runs. This helps prevent them from shaking the hook.

Think about where you fish and what size fish you are targeting. This will help you choose the perfect rod.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best action for crankbait rods?

A: Moderate or moderate-fast action rods are best for crankbaits. They help with casting and keep fish hooked.

Q: Should I use a graphite or fiberglass rod for crankbaits?

A: Graphite rods are sensitive, while fiberglass rods are more durable. Many anglers like composite rods for a mix of both.

Q: How long should my crankbait rod be?

A: Rods between 6’6″ and 7’6″ are good choices. Longer rods cast farther, while shorter rods are more accurate.

Q: What power should I look for in a crankbait rod?

A: Medium or medium-heavy power rods are usually best for crankbaits.

Q: Can I use my bass fishing rod for crankbaits?

A: Yes, if it has a moderate action and medium power. However, a rod designed for crankbaits will perform better.

Q: How do I know if a rod is balanced?

A: A balanced rod feels comfortable in your hand. It shouldn’t feel heavy at the tip or the handle.

Q: What are rod guides and why are they important?

A: Rod guides are the rings along the rod. Good guides are smooth and durable, helping your line cast and retrieve easily.

Q: Does rod length affect casting distance?

A: Yes, longer rods generally help you cast farther.

Q: What is the benefit of a sensitive rod for crankbait fishing?

A: A sensitive rod lets you feel your lure’s movement and know when a fish bites.

Q: How can I test a rod before buying it?

A: Hold the rod and feel its weight and balance. Gently flex the tip to feel its action.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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