Buyer’s Guide & Information

Best Crankbait Rods Reviewed

Buying the best crankbait rods can help you catch more fish. We have reviewed the best brands on the market for crankbait type fishing rods.

by Andrew

Buyer’s Guide & Information

Best Crankbait Rods Reviewed

Buying the best crankbait rods can help you catch more fish. We have reviewed the best brands on the market for crankbait type fishing rods.

by Andrew

by Andrew

Many anglers new and experienced love crankbait fishing for catching big fish species like bass and pike fish. They're also a great lure in both saltwater and freshwater fishing, with most anglers saying it’s a lure that no one can go without.

 If you're new to the game of crankbait fishing, then you'll need to know all of the basics in terms of the best crankbait rods and materials. If not, you’ll rack up that bill pretty fast buying gear and equipment that’s just not needed or suitable. If you want to find out all you should know, then you’ve come to the right place.

Preview

Product

Rod Length

Line Weight

Check Price

KastKing Speed Demon Pro Bass Fishing Rods,...

KastKing Speed Demon

7’ 6”

10-25 lbs

Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod

Ugly Stik
GX2

6’

12-20 lbs

Cadence Fishing CR5 Spinning Rods | 30 Ton...

Cadence

CR5-30

7’0”

8-15 lbs

Dobyns Rods Fury Series 7’0” Casting...

Dobyns Rods

Fury Series

7’0”

8-17 lbs

Lew's TP1 Speed Stick 7'3' Medium Heavy...

LEW'S FISHING Tournament Performance TP1

7’3”

10-25 lbs

Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Rods...

Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Rods TCS

7’0”

8-15 lbs

Lew's (LDFP76MH) David Fritts Casting Fishing...

Lew's Fishing David Fritts

7’0”

15-30 lbs

Abu Garcia 7’6” Vengeance Casting Fishing...

Abu Garcia Vengeance

7’0”

6-12 lbs

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

Graphite and fiberglass are the two most popular materials utilized in today's fishing rods. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, leaving most anglers strongly preferring one or the other.

In terms of durability, both fiberglass and graphite can stand the test of crankbaits. But with new technology being released by reputable brands, fiberglass blanks seem to be the preferred choice by anglers. Fiberglass becomes incredibly strong when combined with the right epoxy resins, so brands are using this to improve their rods performance.

You’ll also be able to decide whether a one-piece or a two-piece rod is better suited for your needs and if you'll be carrying over long distances. If you have limited space, then a two-piece is a better choice. If not, then go with a one-piece because in any type of system, the fewer components, the better.

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

  • Handle and Grip
    There’s no specific handle that preferred by anglers for crankbait fishing, but all anglers know how important it is to pick a handle or grip that's comfortable to hold over long periods. Some of the more common handles consist of cork, foam, or the Winn polymer material. Also, some rods have split grips while others have full-length grips. So make sure you choose one that’s most comfortable for you.
  • Line Weight
    A rod is usually classified by the optimal weight of a fishing line it can handle and hold. Fishing line weight is described in pounds of tensile force before the line begins to part. It’s expressed as a range that every rod is designed to support.
  • Lure Weight
    This measurement is primarily meant to describe the ideal weight for “loading” the rod upon the cast. If you have too light of a lure, the rod will not load properly and result in a shorter cast. If you've got too heavy of a weight, the rod will load too much and have a sluggish cast. Crankbait lures typically weigh between ½ oz to ¾ of an oz.
  • Reel Seat
    A reel seat is apart of the butt of the fishing rod where the reel is mounted. Nowadays, many brands are opting for Fuji reel seats as Fuji produces a series of high-quality reel seats. Their Graphite series provide a lightweight reel seat for a wide variety of spinning and casting rods for freshwater and saltwater applications. Some brands will have a crankbait rod and reel combo that’s specifically for crankbait fishing, if you’re new, this could be a much more affordable alternative than buying them separately.

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. 


8 Best Crankbait Rods Reviewed

Crankbait angling is not for everyone. But whether your new or and experienced angler looking for crankbait casting, we have reviewed the top-rated rods on the market in our YouTube video below. 

1. KastKing Speed Demon

Our Top Pick

Rod Length

7’ 6”

Line Weight

10-25 lbs

Handle Type

WINN Grip Handles

Primary Material

Elite Carbon Fibre

Rod Action

Heavy-fast

Warranty

1-Year

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. 

Pros
  • Balanced guide placement throughout
  • Fuji aconite rings in guides
  • Blank is very light in weight
  • Quality custom WINN grips on the butt for comfort hooksets
Cons
  • Very loud in design- may not be every anglers’ taste

2. Ugly Stik GX2

Best Crankbait Rod for Under $100

Rod Length

6’

Line Weight

12-20 lbs

Handle Type

EVA foam grips

Primary Material

Graphite and Fiberglass construction

Rod Action

Medium

Warranty

5 Year

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.

Pros
  • Perfect rod for traveling long distances
  • Durable and lightweight EVA grips
  • Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guide
  • Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
  • Great budget-friendly rod
Cons
  • Casting application is based on the correct size and properly sized lures
  • May not be a good fit for more experienced anglers

3. Cadence CR5-30

Best Spinning Rod for Casting Crankbaits

Rod Length

7’0”

Line Weight

8-15 lbs

Handle Type

Split Grip

Primary Material

Carbon matrix graphite

Rod Action

Medium

Warranty

1 Year

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.

Pros
  • Best spinning rod for casting crankbaits
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Strong, premium construction
  • Ease of use
  • Excellent value for cash
Cons
  • The diameter of the handle is a bit narrow- not ideal for prolonged use

4. Dobyns Rods Fury Series

Best Crankbait Rod for Bass

Rod Length

7’0”

Line Weight

8-17 lbs

Handle Type

Split grip, Cork handle

Primary Material

High-modulus Graphite Blank

Rod Action

Medium-heavy

Warranty

Limited Lifetime

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.

Pros
  • High-quality handle and grip
  • Kevlar wrapping- excellent for friction
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Field-tested approved
Cons
  • One of the higher-priced rods- may not be the best option for anglers on a budget

5. LEW’S FISHING Tournament Performance TP1

Best Crankbait Rod for Deep Diving Crankbaits

Rod Length

7’3”

Line Weight

10-25 lbs

Handle Type

Advanced Polymer Dri-Tac split grips.

Primary Material

IM8 graphite

Rod Action

Medium-heavy

Warranty

1-year

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. 

Pros
  • Premium IM8 graphite blanks
  • Split grip Dri-Tec handles by Winn Grip
  • Beautiful design
  • Incredibly durable
Cons
  • MicroWave guide system doesn’t support leader lines

6. Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Rods TCS

Best Rod for Trolling Crankbaits

Rod Length

7’0”

Line Weight

8-15 lbs

Handle Type

EVA Split Grips

Primary Material

30-Ton Carbon

Rod Action

Medium+

Warranty

Yes, Lifetime

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.

Pros
  • Customized C-40X carbon reel seats
  • Anti-corrosion properties
  • Lifetime warranty
  • More guides than their competitors
Cons
  • Only available in a one-piece

7. Lew’s Fishing David Fritts

Best All-Round Crankbait Rod

Rod Length

7’0”

Line Weight

15-30 lbs

Handle Type

Cork Handle

Primary Material

42-million modulus graphite/glass composite blend

Rod Action

Medium-Heavy

Warranty

1-year

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.

Pros
  • Exquisite design and construction
  • Holds a high line weight
  • Great guides for smooth and easy-to-use line flow
  • Lightweight graphite reel seats
Cons
  • Swift action- may not be the best choice for novice anglers

8. Abu Garcia Vengeance

Best Value for the Money

Rod Length

7’0”

Line Weight

6-12 lbs

Handle Type

High-density EVA handles

Primary Material

30 Ton graphite construction

Rod Action

Medium-Heavy

Warranty

3-Year

Last but not least, is the Abu Garcia Vengeance casting rod. When you’re out by the water looking to snag a striper bass fish, choosing a casting rod that supports crankbaits will give great power. This vengeance casting rod is 7 feet long with a power of medium-heavy and is fast action, so it's a perfect match. Many anglers find this an ideal match for any bass fish.

The entire rod is made of 30-ton graphite for a lightweight design. Its titanium alloy guides with SiC inserts helps it remain balanced. These also allow the guide to be corrosion-free and braid line friendly. The Spiral Carbon Core Construction enhances the break strength of the rod in a big way, too. Its construction doesn't just allow this rod to be extremely durable, but it gives a very professional and elegant design.

This casting rod comes with a Texas-rigged hook keeper that makes it ideal for all kinds of bait applications. It loads excellently, both on the backcast and when a fish bites. Crankbait rods that are too stiff often prematurely rip the hooks away from the bass.

Abu Garcia has thought of this and solved a problem that many anglers faced before. It makes this rod particularly useful for experienced anglers. If you're a new angler hoping to get this rod, then don't worry. A little bit of practice and you'll handle it like a pro in no time. Not to mention, this budget-friendly casting rod comes with a limited three-year warranty. So, get your crankbaits ready and pick your next fishing destination to get the best value for your money.

Pros
  • Great for braided lines
  • 22% break strength compared to its previous model
  • Lightweight
  • Well balanced thanks to its SiC inserts
  • Best value for money rod
Cons
  • Only available in one-piece (unlike their previous model)
  • Lower line weight compared to its competitors

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.

  • 1. Choose and Gather the Right Equipment:
    This includes the rod, reel, line, and lure. Of course, the lure here will be crankbait, so make sure all of your other gear works well with this type of lure. The same goes for fishing lines. Common choices include monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon lines.
  • 2. Prepare the line and rod:
    Your blank and reel will have recommended estimate ranges printed directly on them, frequently on the hold of the rod and the spool of the reel. These are estimates in "pound-testing," so you'll know which line width is recommended. For crankbaits, fluorocarbon is a great all-around line. It has minimal stretch, and the sinking properties will allow a crankbait to dive deeper.
  • 3. Bring the pieces together:
    Connect the rod and reel and start putting the line down the blank. On most rods, you will need to rotate the pieces together. Do this by holding the grip and rotating the reel pieces while they are adjoined. If your rod is not coming together, stop immediately. Look at the instructions and try again. There may be a locking mechanism preventing you. If you force the rod together, you risk damaging it permanently.
  • 4. Attach your lure, and enjoy!
    Once your rod is set up, your reel is connected, and your line is fed the whole way to the tip, it's time to attach your crankbait. Thread your line through your crankbait and onto your line. Anglers usually leave approximately ten inches, or twenty centimeters, of line on the other side of the lure. Since a fishing line is so difficult to see, it is often recommended that you practice knot tying with string or shoelaces before you try on your new crankbait rod.

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?

When it comes to rod types for crankbait lures, both baitcasting and spinning rods are mostly picked by anglers. Novice anglers tend to begin their crankbait fishing with spinning rods.  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 are more commonly used by experienced anglers as they're a little more challenging to set up, but they're better suited for heavier crankbait lures. Again, a good medium-power baitcasting rod is best for fishing medium to deep diving crankbaits. The extra stiffness can be helpful to rip the bait free from vegetation. Moderate action helps control your lure and prevent yourself from pulling the hooks into rocks and wood.

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.

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