Crankin' Stick

[BigBassin144]

As of right now, I am using a Custom Built spinning rod (built by my dad) for crankbaits and lures too light to throw on my baitcaster. I Would like to get a crankin' stick this summer.

My question is: Do you guys use a spinning or a baitcasting rod/reel to throw cranks?

As of right now, I am planning on a BPS Bionic Blade (spinning) and an Shimano Sahara for crankin. I know the Bionic Blade isn't really a crankin' stick and that you don't need sensitivity for crankin, but oh well.

Thanks again,
BB

[lunker-lander]

St.Croix Premier Crankbait w/ a Shimano Citica 201D for a total of $265.00(shipping included).

-LL-

[zooker]

medium action stick is a must. really like a lews speed stick for cranking. i use a stiffer rod-mh- for deep crankin..

zooker

[lizardsrule]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

I know the Bionic Blade isn't really a crankin' stick and that you don't need sensitivity for crankin, but oh well.

Thanks again,
BB

That statement right there tells me you have a lot to learn about cranking Sensitivity is a must on being aware of everything your line and crank touch, and also exactly how the cranks wobles, darts etc... You will miss a lot of fish that just might inhale and exhale your bait before you do anything if you quit feeling the cranbait wobble. You'll get hung up 1000's more if you don't know when your line has come in contact with a submerged branch/rock/vegetation/whatever, and compensate for that. Yes sensitivity is important is everything there is in a rod IMHO. If you can feel what going on on the other end, you're gonna miss a lot of fish.

Lizards

[zooker]

i can tell excatly what i hit when i hit it with a crank the differance in feel tells me if it is rock,muck,steel,or cement..

zooker

[garry_3000]

I use an 6'6 med Setyr rod for crankin I have used reg fiberglass rods and think they just dont cut it . You can use an med action graphite rod for crankin you just loosen up your drag an little bit more, and with 10 or 12 pound floro you gan feal the lightest tick.

[zooker]

garry
which way do you crank straight ahead or at an angle??..

zooker

[garry_3000]

Well that all depends on what and were I am fishing. But I do fish both ways.

[zooker]

i rarely go straight it with the rod most of my crankin is angled..

zooker

[garry_3000]

When I fish open water structure I will cast stright and bank fishing side to side casting because it is more acc.

[lunker-lander]

I personally like to crank at an angle so I can tell the bottom contour, what I'm bumpin', and strikes you might otherwise not be able to tell...

-LL-

[Rebbasser]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

you don't need sensitivity for crankin

Originally Posted by lizardsrule

That statement right there tells me you have a lot to learn about cranking Sensitivity is a must on being aware of everything your line and crank touch, and also exactly how the cranks wobles, darts etc...

Actually, you are both right, IMO. Sensitivity is important, no question, but compared to something like a Senko-type bait sensitivity is more important with the "feel" bait.

[BigBassin144]

ok... So... Spinning or Baitcasting for crankin'???

BB

[Bob Smith]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

ok... So... Spinning or Baitcasting for crankin'???

BB

My preference is a baitcasting rig, I like a long stick and a smooth reel with about a 4.8:1 retrieve (normally), faster for lipless baits. As stated above the rod should have a softer tip but a good backbone. The tip will do two things for you; allow for a longer cast, and provide some "give" when the fish loads up on it. I suppose you could do the same thing with a spinning rig, but old habits die hard!

[garry_3000]

I would say baitcaster that is what I use but I also know people who fish in some bass clubs that do real well using nothing but spinning it is all about what you are happy with

[zooker]

a big ole slow bait caster reel..

zooker

[lunker-lander]

Originally Posted by zooker

a big ole slow bait caster reel..

zooker

I'm gonna have to agree with Zook 80%. The other 20% is because I like a tad faster reel, like a 6.1 or 6.3:1, to get that fast reqaction strike. It also comes in handy when you like to burn baits in the Summer, or when you're using lipless baits so you don't have to crank your arm off.

-LL-

[lunker-lander]

Originally Posted by zooker

a big ole slow bait caster reel..

zooker

Sorry Zook, I like a tad faster, like a 6 to 6.3:1 so you can burn your baits without crankin' your arm off...

-LL-

PS- Sorry for the 2x post, my compy. froze and I didn't know if it posted the first one...

[BigBassin144]

The reel I'm planning on using is a 6.2:1

I still think i'm going to go with a spinning setup. for a couple reasons:
1)I grew up spinning tackle
2)I can throw lighter crankbaits on spinning tackle
3)In general, it's cheaper.

But thanks for the input!
BB

[lunker-lander]

Since you seem set on a spinning tackle, I still have one tip when buying.

Make sure when you get your reel you check: 1)Gear Ratio(should be on information/schematic on paper in box of reel) and 2)Line Capacity(on reel spool(s)). When you check the line capacity, make sure what you buying holds enough line for your purpose, but not too much, because it if does, it will waste a lot of line. I.E.:

Reel 1: 10LB/190 12LB/160 14LB/135
Reel 2: 10LB/120 12LB/100 14LB/75
Reel 3: 10LB/160 12LB/135 14LB/105

OK, if you're like me, you like a lighter line, like 10LB for crankin', so your baits will dig deeper. If this is the case, you should go with something like "Reel 2" because it holds just the right amount of 10LB line. Enough to do the job, but not too much whereas it wastes line, saying that monofilament and fluorocarbon curl so much.

Just something to keep in mind,

-LL-

[thebus71h]

I use a 6' 6" MH baitcasting rod with the BPS Pro Qualifier reel for my cranking. Casts a country mile, and great feel with this rod I've got. I bought it for 45 dollars at a bait shop in Lake Whales Florida. If I only knew of their website I'd buy the whole damned lot of them.

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by lunker-lander

OK, if you're like me, you like a lighter line, like 10LB for crankin', so your baits will dig deeper. If this is the case, you should go with something like "Reel 2" because it holds just the right amount of 10LB line. Enough to do the job, but not too much whereas it wastes line, saying that monofilament and fluorocarbon curl so much.

Just something to keep in mind,

-LL-

The reel I am planning on getting is the Shimano Sahara 2500. It has 6.2:1 gear ratio and hold 140 yeard of 8 lb test. I am going to go with 10 or 12 lb Ande mono (Thanks to Zooker.).

Figuring I fish fine with my Cardinal now (6lb/110yd) with 10lb test, Upgradin to a bigger reel wouldn't hurt. especially since mono is not tough on the wallet.

BB

[lunker-lander]

I had me a Cardinal once, can't beat 'em for Ultra-Light fishin'. Tears up the 'gills and crappie in the Spring.

Anyhow, I have me one question. After looking at line, mainly the Berkley Trilene Big Game for my Spinnerbait and Crankin' Stick, I got to thinking, what about fluorocarbon for the Cranker'. Makes sense, you need feel for a crankbait. It'll help 'ya feel the rocks, docks, mud, weeds and all.

Why not? I mean, it can't hurt... Or can it? Worth the money?

-LL-

[BigBassin144]

The I've got the Cardinal 100. Very nice reel for like $30. Would recomend it for beginners. I am actually going to put it on my finesse rod (when I get one).

As for Fluoro for Crankin'... Some people would say yes, like KVD who uses nothing but fluoro exepct braid for flippin. Some people would say no, like Zook who uses nothing but mono except for froggin. As for me, I say mono. As long as I know my crank is hitting something, I'm good. I don't care what it's hitting either. As Fish never nibble or just inhale a crank, they slam it! I don't belive sensitivity is a big deal for crankin'

BB

[zooker]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

I am going to go with 10 or 12 lb Ande mono (Thanks to Zooker.).

BB

bb in bps ande is found in the salt water section. ya can get a 1/2 pound spool of premium for $15 the bigger spool helps the kink factor offen found in the smaller 1/4 pound spools...back country is my all time favorite color but hard to find either clear or gunmetal is my second choice. i also use pink and envy green.. not fond of the tourny green color-or price-..

now in 12 pound test -my favorite-a 1/2 pound spool holds -according to the spool-2000 YARDS of mono.. now that will take you a while to use it up..

i have used the same 1 pound spool of 8 pound pink for 7 years..

i keep mine in the freezer..


zooker