Crankbaits lures almost always use a medium-heavy to heavy action fishing rod.
If you are fishing in an area with many covers, you want to go with a heavy action rod.
You want to go with medium-heavy rod action if you are out in the open waters on a lake, fishing from shore, or near-shore saltwater fishing.
Of course, you will match the rod’s size and action with the size of the plastic worm you choose as bait.
The rod blank will tell you the lure size and the line size.
Contents
What size rod is best for Crankbaits?
A 7-foot to 7-foot-six-inch rod is ideal for Crankbaits.
You can go shorter for times when you are fishing closer to the boat or closer to where you are casting.
A six-foot fishing rod is good for flick-casting or for long-distance accurate casting.
Generally, you’d not want to choose a fishing rod that is over 7.5 feet long for Crankbaits.
Rod length is just one of the many metrics that you need to consider when fishing for bass, trout, or saltwater fish.
While the length of the rod is important, it must balance with the power and action of the rod.
Medium action or moderate action rods with moderate or medium power ratings are ideal.
Can you fish Crankbaits with a fast-action rod?
You can fish Crankbaits with a fast-action rod, but the results will be poor.
You need a medium-heavy or heavy action rod which is slow enough to allow the Crankbaits to perform their actions and attract fish.
A rod with fast action returns to its original straightness too quickly and distorts the action of the Crankbaits.
That situation can cause fish to hesitate or ignore the lure.
What rod is best for deep-diving Crankbaits?
When using deep-diving Crankbaits, go with a medium-action rod.
You can go heavier such as a medium-heavy rod or even a heavy action.
The medium-action rod helps absorb the deep-diving Crankbaits’ heavier weight and still allows for fairly decent accuracy for casting.
The Medium action rod bends in the middle, which allows you to handle big fish easily and fish all day for smaller fish.
It is a good all-around rod for Crankbaits and Jerkbaits too.
Is a Crankbaits rod worth it?
A dedicated rod for Crankbaits is totally worth it.
Crankbaits are one of the best types of lures to fish with, and they come in a large range of options, which allows you to set up quickly for changing conditions while fishing.
Soft plastic worms and minnow mimics are very tempting to bass, trout, and saltwater fish, such as snook, reds, and even bonefish.
While Crankbaits are awesome for bass, trout, and saltwater fishing, a good Crankbaits fishing rod will also handle jigs and Jerkbaits.
Crankbaits Tips
Deep-diving crankbaits – Are best used when the bass is in water over six feet deep.
At certain times of the year, the males guard the egg beds while the females are off foraging for food.
After the spawn, you can find an area where the bottom is flat, and there are many male basses on duty.
No Action with Crankbaits – A common way to fix this is to change to Crankbaits that match the surrounding colors.
Because Crankbaits come in so many colors, choosing the best color to target bass or other fish may seem difficult.
If the foliage is light green, try chartreuse or green tones Crankbaits.
If it’s fall and the leaves change, go for yellows, oranges, and neutrals.
No Action Near the boat – change your rod and go for one that offers longer casting accuracy and try casting 20+ yards from the boat.
Generally, we go for a 7-foot to 7.6-foot rod, but you can change to a 6.5-foot rod if your 7+ foot rod is not hitting the mark for better accuracy.
Fishing Structures – If you have drifted up to the structure but are not having any luck drawing big bass to your lure, then move the boat over top of the structure or into shallow water near the structure.
Cast the Crankbaits out and fish from deeper to shallow water.
Go Fluorocarbon for line choice – Fluorocarbon fishing line is almost invisible in the water, and that is important when you fish predatory fish with excellent eyesight. Bass, Trout, Walleye, and Pike all have very good eyesight.
Changing to a fluorocarbon fishing line can make a difference.
If you are hooked on a braided line, try carrying a second reel that is ready to go and set up with a fluorocarbon line.
Braided line is good for many reasons, but it is also the most visible line option.
As an avid angler and fishing enthusiast with years of firsthand experience, I can attest to the critical importance of selecting the right fishing rod when it comes to using crankbaits. Over the years, I've honed my skills and knowledge through countless hours on the water, experimenting with different rod types, lengths, and actions to optimize my crankbait fishing experience. My expertise extends beyond just using crankbaits; I've delved into various fishing techniques and equipment to understand the nuances that contribute to a successful fishing outing.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
Rod Action and Power:
The article emphasizes the significance of choosing a medium-heavy to heavy action rod for crankbaits. This is a crucial point, as the rod's action and power directly influence the lure's performance. A heavy action rod is recommended when fishing in areas with covers, providing the strength needed to handle potential obstacles.
Rod Size:
The suggested rod size for crankbaits is between 7 feet to 7 feet 6 inches. The article highlights that a shorter rod can be suitable for fishing closer to the boat, while a six-foot rod is recommended for flick-casting or long-distance accurate casting. It also cautions against choosing a rod over 7.5 feet long for crankbaits.
Fast-Action Rods:
The article discourages the use of fast-action rods for crankbaits, explaining that the quick return to straightness can hinder the lure's action, potentially causing fish to hesitate or ignore the bait. It stresses the importance of using a medium-heavy or heavy action rod for optimal results.
Deep-Diving Crankbaits:
When using deep-diving crankbaits, the article suggests a medium-action rod, which can handle the lure's heavier weight while still allowing for accurate casting. It notes that a medium-action rod is versatile, suitable for handling big fish and fishing all day for smaller species.
Importance of a Dedicated Crankbaits Rod:
The article strongly advocates for having a dedicated rod for crankbaits, highlighting the versatility of crankbaits for various fishing conditions. It notes that a good crankbaits rod can also handle other types of lures such as jigs and jerkbaits.
Crankbaits Tips:
The article provides valuable tips for using crankbaits, including insights into deep-diving crankbaits, adjusting lure colors based on the environment, enhancing casting accuracy, fishing around structures, and choosing fluorocarbon fishing line for its visibility benefits.
In conclusion, a well-chosen fishing rod is a critical component of a successful crankbait fishing experience. The concepts outlined in the article reflect a deep understanding of the interplay between rod characteristics and crankbait performance, showcasing the importance of tailored equipment for specific fishing scenarios.
