Crankbait Rods Compared

Why is a Specific Rod Needed for Crankbaits?

Crankbaits need to be on a rod that has specific power and action for them to be as effective as possible. They need a rod to bend a little to give them the flexibility to wobble side to side at ease. If your rod has a fast action tip and is medium or medium-heavy power, then you could have the right rod sitting in your arsenal already.

In terms of the type of rod, many anglers tend to stick with spinning or baitcasting rods, and for a good reason. A good spinning rod for crankbaits will be around 7 feet long, with medium power and fast action. Pair it with a large capacity spinning reel, and you can really fling lighter crankbaits. 

Baitcasting rods, on the other hand, are known for their ability for catching bass fish, so crankbaits compliment this type of rod well. They're capable of casting longer distances than spinners and can be a little harder to use, but once you've got the trick of it, you could be casting lines and catching in fish in no time.

How to Choose a Quality Crankbait Fishing Rod

Rod Composition

Rod Length & Weight

The rod length and weight will differ from rod to rod, depending on its specialty. For crankbait rods, they tend to be between 6'8" to 8 feet long. A 7 to 8-foot cranking rod will cast the bigger medium and deep-diving crankbaits much better than a 6'-6" rod will. The longer length allows energy to load up into the rod, making long casts easier.

In terms of weight, new technology and materials are created to reduce cranking rods’ weight and to increase the performance of the rod. A rod’s weight can be as low as 4 ounces and can be as heavy as 10 ounces. If you're looking for a rod that you'll need to lug over long distances of walking and hiking, stick with a rod lower in weight, and preferably a two-piece.

Rod Action

A fishing rods action describes how much of the rod deflects (bends) when you put pressure on the tip. A fast action rod will bend in only the top third or less of the blank, a medium (also known as moderate action) will bend in the top half.

Slow action will bend, starting in the lower third of the rod. For crankbaits, moderate to fast action helps control your crankbait and prevents anglers from pulling the hooks into rocks and vegetation.

Rod Power

The power of a rod refers to the rod’s resistance when it’s being flexed. Heavier action rods require more pressure to bend, while light action rods bend much easier.  Different rod powers are designed to handle different ranges of bait weights and line sizes, too.

Using the wrong line and lure on the wrong power can change the accuracy of the rod. For crankbait fishing, the best crankbait power performance is medium and medium-heavy. These power ratings are great for control and line strength.

Tip Sensitivity

Several factors can make or break the sensitivity of a cranking rod. The first thing is the rod. A rod with the wrong action and power won't allow you to feel every bite as the tip won't be sensitive enough.

Good crankbait rods have a parabolic bend near the tip when you put pressure on them yet still have backbone throughout the blank to let you handle big fish species. The parabolic bend helps with casting and hooksets but mostly allows you to feel every bite.

Other Features

Price & Warranty

When it comes to new crankbait rods, you can spend $50 or $500, depending on your preferred model that suits your needs. If you’re going to be investing a lot of money into your new accessory, then checking for a warranty is essential.

Most manufacturers have limited warranties nowadays., The manufacturer is ensuring replacement or refunds (only if there is an evident defect created during the construction of the product). Other warranties will cover any issues that arise when you've ownership of the rod for the period of the warranty. 

1. KastKing Speed Demon

Our top pick for crankbait fishing has to be the KatKing Speed demon tournament series rod. KastKing is known for high-quality rods at affordable prices, and this one’s no different! They’ve been creating rods for years, and have come up with “new level technology” with technique-specific actions and lengths. The best acton for crankbait fishing is typically a medium heavy-fast rod, and this 7’6” piece of art fits perfectly.

This rod utilizes Carbon Nano Tube resin technology, which drastically reduces the weight. KastKing claims that their carbon matrix increases stopping power by up to 30%. I felt this rod lived up to the expectations set by KastKing, and it really impressed me with its sensitivity and balance in the hand. It comes in a range of sizes from 6’10” to 8’. I mainly tested the fast action and heavy power rated model, but there are other options for you to choose from when you make your purchase.  

It's finished with golf-style WINN grips that provide all-day comfort and weather-resistant materials. Overall, I thought this rod was a true beast on the water for catching bass and other species. It has a line weight of 10 to 25 pounds, so it’s suitable for most lake, river, and shore fishing. I also felt that the price was reasonable compared to other competition style bass rods. If you want the best fishing experience, look no further than the Speed Demon Pro. 

2. Ugly Stik GX2

The Ugly Stick by Shakespeare first came to the scene back in 1976 and has been used by most, if not all, experienced anglers at some point. One of the first things novice anglers look for when buying a rod is that it’s durable and at a good price. Ugly Stik has mastered the craft of producing high quality, inexpensive rods so many anglers have started or progressed with this rod at some point.

This new generation rod comes from Ugly Stik’s latest range. It's strong, yet light so you can rely on great delivery in terms of balance and sensitivity. The rod uses Ugly Tech's new graphite and fiberglass construction to also help its overall weight. Its "Ugly Tuff" guides allow maximum durability and reduce the rod's total weight, too. As for GX2's strength, it has a clear tip design, which gives you the right strength when needed and can feel the lightest strike.

From ultra-light to heavy, you have four different models available. Five ultra-light models are particularly great for small species. Trout and panfish are great examples of fish to catch with lighter models.

They will have high sensitivity as well as some extra lifting power throughout the rod length. Medium and heavy models are great for freshwater species like salmon and pike. These species are great when fishing with crankbait, so stick with these sizes. Overall the best budget crankbait rods is a perfect buy if you're new to fishing. Or get it as a new addition if you need a good rod for crankbaits.

3. Cadence CR5-30

When it comes to crankbait fishing, a baitcaster or spinning rod will work wonders, yet some anglers prefer one over the other. Spinning rods are a great choice as they’re very straightforward in terms of use.

If you’ve been trying to get a new spinning fishing rod, you may have heard about Cadence, a fishing gear company that is relatively new to the market compared to its competitors, but the company is getting noticed for all the right reasons. One of the products from the company that has gained a lot of popularity for crankbait fishing is the Cadence Spinning Rod, CR5-30.

The CR5 spinning rod incorporates years of expertise and research, along with high-quality materials. They've also used advanced tech in designing a product that is not only likable but practical. It is available in different lengths that vary from 4’8” to 7’0”.

The action, on the other hand, is grouped according to moderate, moderate-fast, and fast, whereas the power changes from ultralight, medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy. We feel the 7'0" medium-fast one-piece rod is the best for crankbait fishing, but all of the models work well for several fishing styles.

The blank is constructed of High Quality 30-ton carbon matrix graphite and offers a strong yet lightweight feel. This spinning rod is known for its durability and sensitivity that other rods lack. It is ideal for game fish, including freshwater fish like bass, walleye, and trout, as well as popular inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder with a rinse after fishing.

Finish this rod with stainless steel guides with SiC inserts, and it makes it more smooth and durable than a lot of its spinning rod competitors.  The guides also avoid the line from sticking and minimizes friction by transferring vibrations from the line through the guide to the rod and to your hand. All these factors and more make this rod the best spinning rod for casting crankbaits.

4. Dobyns Rods Fury Series

When you’re fishing for bass, crankbaits are an excellent choice to use when casting. Now, it’s time to find the perfect rod for your perfect lures, Dobyns Rods casting rod is a great choice.

The owner of the company, Gary Dobyns has promised the bass fishing community a rod in the $100 range, and he didn't disappoint. After years of design work and field-testing input, Gary finally has a rod he is excited to put his name on.

The Fury has standard Kevlar guide wrappings and a unique split-grip handle that flaunts an AA grade cork grip. Cork grips are great in either hot or cold weather and keep anglers’ hands comfortable when using it for a long time. The Fury also uses a high-quality Fuji reel seat that is built to last. There are a ton of cheap reel seats on many rods. Sooner or later, cheap reels will jump out or not tighten down properly, whereas this reel won't experience this problem.

There is a choice of 6 rods to choose from, yet all of them will have all the Fury rods have a fast action. It has an excellent tip that seemed to give way to the power of the rod rather quickly. The best for casting crankbaits for sea bass has to be the  7’0” medium-heavy rod.

As a medium-heavy rod designed for crankbaits, rattletraps, and topwater fishing, it comes with a mod-fast tip. Many rods will work for these techniques; however, the mod-fast action is a huge plus in casting crankbaits and landing bass on treble hook baits.

5. LEW’S FISHING Tournament Performance TP1

Deep diving crankbaits can penetrate incredible depths. That's why they're an angler's best friend when it comes to deep diving fishing environments. LEW'S FISHING has made a range of models under their tournament performance range that will be a perfect match for crankbait lures for harsher weather and water.

Six models are all suited for specific fishing styles. One may be specific to spinnerbaits, others better suited for bladed jig casting. The model best for crankbait fishing is the 7”3” Crankback rod. This one-piece rod features premium IM8 graphite blanks that are lightweight, strong, and sensitive. Then there's the Winn Grips handle with patented Dri-Tac technology split grips to provide the ultimate rod control and touch in all weather types.

The TP1 rod guides are American Tackle's MicroWave guide system for ultimate line flow efficiency. They eliminate wind knots, improve casting accuracy, and increase casting distance. It's all you need for casting into deeper waters. It's important to note; the microwaves guide system means that the guide closest to the reel is quite small, making it difficult to use a leader line unless you know how to tie a nice small knot. Braided lines work exceptionally well with these guides.

Lew’s custom skeletal SoftTouch graphite reel seats help reduce weight and deliver incredible comfort. Put all of these materials together, and you'll get a well-rounded, strong, and professional performance rod that won't break the bank either. 

6. Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Rods TCS

Whether you’re fishing at shallow shorelines or along contour edges, the Okuma Scott Martin TCS rod is great for trolling crankbaits in all waterways. These rods are designed for tournament concept fishing and for specific tournament applications. So you’re bound to find one that you’ll admire.

The 30-ton carbon blank construction gives ultra sensitivity in even the harshest waters. The TCS also has customized C-40X carbon reel seats on both their casting and spinning models for long-lasting performance, not to mention making them great for all weather types.

Its ALPS stainless steel guide frames and hard aluminum oxide guide inserts are great paired with braided lines, but other lines can be used, too. These guides deliver many of the performance attributes of micro guides but still allow heavier lines and knots to pass through with minimal resistance.

As for the handle, it's constructed with EVA split grip and an EVA foregrip for reduced weight and feel. It may not be as comfortable as a cork handle, but it'll still feel pretty sturdy in your hand. As mentioned before, there are several rods in these tournament concept rods, but the best for trolling crankbaits is the 7’0”, medium+ model that weighs a mere 130 grams. The only downside for this rod is that it’s only available in a one-piece.

If it came in a two-piece, it would make the perfect travel companion for any angler over long distances. Overall, this rod offers tournament level, technique-specific performance. From its length, action, and tapered down to the handle length. It's perfectly tuned for trolling crankbaits.

7. Lew’s Fishing David Fritts

Cast, catch, and then cast again with this crankbait speed stick series rod by LEW’S FISHING. It’s the second rod from this brand, and for a good reason. LEW’S FISHING is known globally as a high-quality rod manufacturer. The David Fritts edition is no different. David Fritts put all of his knowledge from his time in the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament to good work, working with LEW’S FISHING to create this killer rod.

The David Fritts rod blanks are made with a premium 42-million modulus graphite/glass composite blend that gives the rod the strength for casting and controlling crankbaits. It also helps with making solid hooksets and having the ideal flexibility to feel bites from the smallest fish.

The rods’ guides are made of rugged stainless steel frames with aluminum oxide inserts for smooth and easy line flow, which helps launch crankbaits at greater distances. This is something that Fritts believes is the key to a successful day on the water.

It also features premium cork handles with high-density EVA end caps for the best durability over long periods. Anglers specifically love the comfort they feel when they use this sleek crankbait rod. Another feature on this 7' rod is its loop-style hook keepers. They're designed especially for crankbait hooks of all sizes, making this a great all-around crankbait rod at a relatively good price.

8. Abu Garcia Vengeance

Crankbait Rod Sizing Guide

Crankbait rods can come in a range of shapes, styles, and colors, but their sizes shouldn’t differ too much. Typically, crankbait rods range from 6′ 6″ to 8′ in length. If you’re wondering which size is best?  It really depends on your needs.

A 7 to 8-foot crankbait rod will cast small to medium-sized crankbaits at ease and over long distances. These rods are perfect for many kinds of weather and fishing conditions. Deep-diving crankbait rods bigger than 6’9” are much more effective as any smaller will not be able to cast far enough. The longer length rods allow energy to load up into the rod, making for long casts easier.

Many rods will give information on the line and lure weight as well. Always take these into account, so you'll know which is best suited for your needs. Different lengths will hold different lines and lure weights, so always pay attention when taking your pick in your new crankbait rod.

Crankbait Rod Setup

As you can see from our list above, crankbait lures can be used with both baitcasting and spinning rods. The one you choose will be on personal preferences and your fishing environment. Even though these rods differ in ways, the set up can be very similar. Here are some steps so you can set up your crankbait rod at ease.

Comparing Crankbaits vs. Other Lures

Crankbait lures are made of hard plastic and are shaped and colored to resemble baitfish or other prey. They’re made out of a solid or hollow piece of plastic, with a thin sheet of metal or plastic attached to the front. Depending on the design, plugs can float, sink, dive, or hover. They’re most commonly used to catch Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, Channel Catfish, and more.

Some other lures that can be used are jigs, spinnerbaits, spoons, soft plastics, flies, and of course, live bait. Some lures have their advantages catching specific species, like jigs, for example. Anglers know jigs as great baits for Amberjack fish and Snappers, whereas spoons are better known for attracting muskies and salmon.

Crankbait Rod Common FAQs

What's the difference between a light, a heavy, and a medium-heavy rod for crankbaits?

When you see “medium/medium-heavy or heavy etc. written on your new crankbait rod, the brand is telling you its power rating. This describes the strength of the rod, or it's lifting power. When someone says this rod has a lot of backbone, they mean it has a lot of power. The best crankbait rod action and power is typically fast in action and medium-heavy in power, but this can depend on the weather, various conditions, and the environment.

What’s the difference between rod action and rod power?

When it comes to fishing rods, both action and power are fundamental elements but are very different. A rod’s action refers to the rod's flex when under strain. Power, on the other hand, refers to the rod's resistance when being flexed.

Rods are labeled medium, medium-heavy, light action, or heavy power. And in action, they’re labeled as slow action, fast action, and light action. Some brands describe their action as a medium, medium-heavy, etc.. Try not to let this confuse you and get the two elements mixed up.

What is the best rod type for crankbaits?

What are some good online resources for learning more about crankbait fishing?

Learning all you need to know about crankbait fishing is easier nowadays. There are tons of free resources available to you if you’re connected to the internet. Firstly, look for blogs on some of your favorite fishing sites. FishingPax has articles from rods to reels and accessories in between. You could learn all you need to know from your trusted websites.

Another great way to learn is from YouTube videos. You’ll get visual examples on reviews, preferred lines, setting up techniques, and on crankbaits themselves. Learning through videos has helped may anglers know and understand the rod and lure before they go out onto the water.

Where can I find the best budget crankbait rods?

There are many options for you when you’re buying your new crankbait fishing rod. You can check your local fish tackle shop and look at the models they have to offer that are suitable for your needs. If you don’t see something you like, then there’s also Amazon. They can deliver your number one choice directly to your door. When you shop on Amazon, you can also read other anglers’ opinions on the reviews. It could help with your decision.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! All the information and reviews you’ll need to buy your new crankbait rod. Our top pick, the KastKing Speed Demon crankbait rod is a great all-rounder for you to catch the biggest fish species with a tournament rod. It’s a high-quality rod at an affordable price, too.

If you’re not too into the design, or simply another rod stands out above the rest from our list then go for it. All of the crankbait rods listed here perform superbly in many fishing environments. Just make sure you’ve your line and crankbaits at the ready for when it arrives.