Search continues for perfect deep crankbait rod

[Wishing2BFishing]

The Kistler rod . . .
Great rod for throwing shallow cranks and some mid-range cranks. Not so great for the deeper baits.

My all-purpose MH rod . . .
Not so bad for throwing the deeper guys but very bad at keeping the fish on the hook. I credit this rod with two tourney losses that I had a shot at winning if only the fish didn't come unbuttoned.

My recent purchase . . .
Per Zook's advice, I purchased a glass rod. Damn this rod is heavy. I haven't used it yet but I am not sure how I will cast my lure with any accuracy given the extreme limpness of the rod. Maybe I am not cut out for fiberglass (don't like it on cars and don't seem to like it on rods). Nevertheless, Zook, if you read this, I appreciate your help in my quest for the perfect deep crankin' rod.

My other recent purchase . . .
Because I had some concerns when I placed my order for the glass rod, I listened to the monkey and also bought a composite (part graphite and part glass). I am still waiting for this rod to be delivered.

[Rebbasser]

W2BF, I bought a Falcon Cara CCB-5-173DR. A 7-3, MH action rod designed for throwing a DD-22. Paired it with a BPS David Fritts 4.7:1 cranking reel and wouldn't throw them on anything else. Chunking them on this combo is no harder than throwing a Bandit 200. No kidding. Well worth the investment if you like throwing those big bruisers.

[Raul]

Originally Posted by Wishing2BFishing

The Kistler rod . . .
Great rod for throwing shallow cranks and some mid-range cranks. Not so great for the deeper baits.

Which one ?

I had a Kistler Mag TS Crankbait, eliminating the 2 reasons why I sold it ( s*ty reel seat and hump grip ) I found the blank very much to my liking, I´d say excellent blank behavior.

[zooker]

loath da hump too huh raul?? your not alone..

zooker

[BigBassin144]

the hump... at first, I liked it, but after fishing with it for a while, it starts to make my hands sore. I'm thinking about getting rid of my BPS rods. as for the cranking ord, I won't be of any assistance, but from looking (I haven't fish with any) I second Reb's falcon suggestion. I only held them a couple times, BPS stopped carrying them in-store near us.

BB

[bassboogieman]

Which one ?

(Kistler)

Likely the Graphite Plus in the composite blank. They are a M/mod flex and I have two in 7'-0" and one 6'-6". As W2BF says, they are excellent for cranks that run down to about 8' - 10'. But Kistler does not make them in a MH action, which would do much better for the deep cranks and ripping traps and shallow divers through heavier grass situations. This rod is being replaced for '09 - they can still be had, but for not much longer. I'm not certain of the specs for the line of rods replacing the Graphite Plus. I like their full cork handle, which you won't find on any Kistler rods beginning this year (another change I'm not happy with). All but one line will have a split handle, with that being the rods replacing the Graphite Plus which will have a combination foam/cork handle.

[Basscrazie]

I have a very old kistler that is a m in 7' that is going into kistler here in magnolia for repairs....I found out you can't stand on them while fishing...The last repair was free but....
They are nice people to deal with..I bought 2 in 2000 and love them.

[Wishing2BFishing]

Raul, the composite rod that ordered is an American Rodsmith titanium crankbait rod. i still don't have it because the vendor messed up my zip code and sent it to another state.

[Wishing2BFishing]

Reb, if the American Rodsmith rod doesn't suit me, will look into those Falcons next. Are there crankin' rods composites or pure graphite (like the Loomis crankin' sticks)?

[Rebbasser]

Graphite. They don't weigh a ton like a glass rod which is why I like them.