Best Crankbait Rods of 2020 (Top 10 Fishing Rod Models For Bass Anglers)

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There's a big difference between baitcasting and crankbait rods that is necessary to understand. For one, crankbait rods specifically meant to dive deeperreach greater distances, and accommodate bigger lures. Using a standard bait rod might serve you well in certain situations, but if you want the big fish, crankbaits are the best option.

More important than the size of the fish is the weight your rod can handle. The crankbait rods can withstand at least 10-12 pounds of pressure on a test line. They flex more fluidly throughout the rod while allowing for a slow, but controlled reel-in of a lured catch.

Furthermore, crankbaiting requires flexibility in the shaft's tip and strength for the best cast and reel. While the market seems flooded with good choices, some stand out more clearly than others. Let's take a closer look at details of crankbait rods and reviewing the best crankbait rods available on the market today.

There are several aspects to a Crankbait Rod that will help you choose the one right for you. The features of these rods include gear ratioline recovery rate, and torque. Starting with the gear ratio, you'll want to choose something with a 5 or 6 to 1 ratio, meaning the spool will revolve 5-6 times for every turn of the reel handle.

Since that narrows your rods significantly, you next want to choose a rod with the line recovery rate of 19 to 23 inches per crank. This is a rapid reel rate and, thus, requires a different torque too. You'll want more torque to make cranking the handle easier when accommodating increased line recovery rates and gear ratios. Perhaps it should be mentioned that you need to know what features work best for you as what works for another person may not correctly work for you.

How long should a crankbait rod be?

When selecting crankbait rods for your application, the longer is better. The length of cranking rods typically ranges from 6-12' so choose one that you're comfortable with and match the power of rod with the weight of the bait your intend to through. If you wanted to fish smaller crankbaits, then the 6'- 6'' rod will be a better choice. On the other hand, 7-8' longer rod will cast further, keeping the bait in the strike zone longer. Choose the best composite cranking rod with a soft tip but plenty of power for deep divers and fighting fish.

What is the best gear ratio for crankbait rods?

The slow reel is an best choice for most crankbaiting. A fishing reel with about a 5:1 gear ratio will help you get your baits to their maximum depth and give you a superior feel, so you know exactly what's going on with your lure. I would go with 6.4:1 to have a versatile combo, because if you're setting rod with 6.4:1 will work for square bills, deep-diving cranks, and traps. 

It boils down to personal preference, for shallow crankbaits, a medium speed reel with a gear ratio of just over 6.3:1 is adequate because it has the power needed to pull the baits through the water and retrieve lures quickly to re-cast. In other situations, a higher speed reel can be used to reel baits in with higher speeds. Overall, you can choose the gear ratio of a reel based on the size and style of the bait you're going to use, a reel with a moderate fast gear ratio of 6.4:1 would be the most suitable choice. 

How Crankbait Rods Differ?

The variance between Crankbait Rods comes down to the following features: flex, load, and drag. A Crankbait Rod must be flexible for you to feel the subtle nuances of movement in a lake or ocean. It must also have the ability to easily set your hook by having a significant load when the hook strikes the bait—the less effort, the better the Crankbait Rod. Finally, consider that your line must drag in the water with a smooth movement towards the boat. Crankbait Rods have a quick reel ratio for that reason.

What action is best for crankbait rod?

Novice anglers miss the concept that attention to detail in Crankbait fishing is essential. It is not a simple bait, hook, and reel. This type of fishing will challenge you to fine-tune your rod angle and height about the water. You’ll also need to master the art of side swinging to set your hook into your catch deeply.

Furthermore, crankbaits mean pulling, not snatching. To pull rather than snatch, you must hone patience, allowing the bass or other similar fish time to grab the bait. Finally, take the playtime slow. Don’t yank your fish into the boat or sail across the waters with it.

Our Reviews Of Top 10 best crankbait rods of 2020

Here we've enlisted best cranking rods of all time so choose the best out of these for yourself. 

Next Gen Daiwa Zillion Series cranking rod

Daiwa Zillion Crankbait Rod

KastKing Speed Demon Pro Series cranking rods

St Croix Mojo Bass Series Cranking Rod

G. Loomis Bass Fishing Rod

G loomis Crankbait Rods

Enigma Fishing Atomic29 medium action Casting Rod

Enigma 9 series crankbait rods

Lew’s Custom Speed Stick Good crankbait Rod

Ardent Tournament Pro Series Best cranking Rod

Dobyns Rods 705CB Glass Champion Series 

Dobyns Heavy Fast Glass Crankbait Rod,

Shimano Curado Crankbait Casting Rod

Shimano Crankbait Rod

Okuma TCS Best Lightweight Casting Rod

Okuma Tournament Concept Bass Fishing Rods

1. Daiwa Zillion fishing rod for crankbaits

If you're looking for the medium-fast action rod for crankbaits, we bet the Daiwa Zillion casting rod is what you should consider. This most beautiful rod is made of quality materials such as graphite fiber and super volume fiber, making them more sensitive and lightweight and has zero chances of blank twist. Besides sturdy construction and quality materials used, Daiwa zillion cranking rods are very long (8 feet), making this crankbait rod best for both experienced and novice anglers.

Daiwa zillion is an exceptional rod for heavy cover fishing. It's balanced well, it's not too tip-heavy, and the EVA split-grip handle is very ergonomic and comfortable for all-day use. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, if you're an avid angler, this is undoubtedly rod worth considering based on its detailed design and how it gets the job done.

Daiwa Zillion Crankbait Rod

Crankbait Rods highlights

  • Best for freshwater bass fishing.
  • More sensitive and lightweight rods.
  • Ergonomic Carbon Air Handle Design so hand fatigue.
  • The custom carbon material is more durable than ABS and lighter than aluminum.

2. KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series cranking rod

KastKing Bass fishing rod is the next product in the list we'd like to highlight its features today. First and foremost, this product endorsed by professional tournament bass fisherman Brent Chapmanan Elite Series Angler of 2012 titleholder. Which considered being the pinnacle for any professional bass angler can hold.

Lightweight and balanced fishing rod ensures that your fishing experience is smooth and enjoyable all day without having wrist and shoulder fatigue. This one piece all-round bass fishing rod is best for experienced anglers, and you can go through any baits and suitable for any method.

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Winn Cork grips are beautiful and comfortable for all-day use. 
  • Feels amazingly feather-light and perfectly balanced.
  • Works on a variety of baits and methods. 
  • Best for inshore saltwater fishing

3. St Croix Mojo Bass Series Glass Casting Rod

St. Croix mojo bass glass casting rod is designed for superior performance with all crankbaits, including chatter baits, square bills, lipless crankbaits, and crankbaits. Mojo Bass Glass rods excel with lures ideally matched to a moderate action rod. This crankbait specific bass series features a premium 100% linear S-glass blanks and Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel technology. As a result, the quality and durability of this product guaranteed to last for a long time. Plus, the cork handles and support well crafted for smooth action. 

Besides, the Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod offers superior sensitivity. Also, it features Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, sturdy aluminum-oxide rings and black frames. The St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod is also equipped with a premium component such as Fuji TCS reel seat, Kigan hook keeper, and premium handle. Best yet, this series delivers the precision tapers and parabolic bends you need when fishing your favorite reaction bait.

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Ideal for long casts.
  • Superior performance with all crankbaits (lipless crankbaits, chatter baits, square bills, etc.).
  • Best for freshwater bass fishing.
  • Comes with a five year manufacturers warranty.

4. G. Loomis balanced crankbait rod

E6X Inshore Series rods are revamped and improved for 2020, Now featuring a brand new sleek, buffblank finish, a firm full-cork fore and rear grips, and new amazingly streamlined spinning reel seat. These lighter weight and best-balanced rods provide exemplary performance and outstanding value. Besides the durability and long-last use of this casting trod, the comfort ensured at the same time.

G. Loomis rods are the perfect choice for anglers who want to add specific actions to their rod arsenal. The E6X series 7' rod is ideal for crankbaits, and they're all handcrafted in Woodland, Washington USA. These technique-specific bass action rods come with full cork grips, Fuji guides, and feature fuji exposed blank trigger reel seats.

G loomis Crankbait Rods

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Best for inshore saltwater fishing 
  • Sturdy and lightweight
  • Made in the USA
  • Smooth Fore and rear grips

5. Enigma Fishing Atomic29 crankbait rod

We want to stir your attention to another incredible fishing rod for crankbaits; the Atomic29 rods were designed and tested by professional anglers such as three-time bass angler of Aaron Martens and Bass Master Elite Jesse Tacoronte. If you are looking for a best crankbait rod, you will be happy with the Atomic29 Series.  Enigma Atomic29 Pro Tournament Series High-Performance Bass fishing rod is a perfect blend of power and sensitivity that makes your fishing experience smooth and enjoyable. 

From crankbaits to chatter baits, we assure that you will land more fish with the Enigma Atomic 29 series. Featuring Enigma's E-Glass Technology, these excellent fishing rods are sensitive, light, strong and balanced, and also features solid full cork handles for all-day comfort and unrivaled rod sensitivity.  More impressive than this, this Atomic 29 series casting rods also come with alps guides and reel seats, which can only found in high end cranking rods. This non-collapsible 1-piece rod is highly recommended for serious hard bait anglers.

Enigma 9 series crankbait rods

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Technique specific moderate action rods
  • Lightweight and sensitive
  • Plenty of backbone
  • Comes with hand wrapped guides

6. Lew’s David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Speed Stick Series

Designed by one of the best in the business at fishing crankbaits, the Lew's David Fritts Perfect Crank Speed Stick casting rods feature a premium 42-million modulus graphite/glass composite blend that gives the rod the strength to cast and control crankbaits, making solid hooksets, and have the ideal flexibility to feel bites fight big fish.

It offers both medium heavy and heavy power with a moderate taper and accommodates a range of lure weights. His series offers the variety necessary to meet any type of fishing need. Whether you're looking for a best budget-friendly price, or to simply add an extra rod to your arsenal, give this rod a try!

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Guides are stainless steel for rugged construction
  • Helps crankbait hooks of all sizes line flow is smooth and comfortable due to aluminum oxide inserts
  • An appropriate amount of flex to prevent solid play
  • The perfect blend of glass and graphite to make it durable and lightweight

7. Ardent Denny Brauer Pro Series anglers choice rod for crankbaits

The Ardent pro series casting rods were developed by professional Bass fishing hall of Famer and Bassmaster Classic winnerDenny Braue.  Denny Brauer Pro Series Rods feature a healthy mix of medium to heavy actions to accommodate any angler. You will be pleased with the cast that makes you feel comfortable a fish uneasy.

Ardent fishing rods IM8 graphite blank delivers perfect action and balance and allows you to cast even greater distance and line of control capacities. Premium molded split grips balance out the rod perfectly and offer all-day comfort. Accommodating a 3/8 to 1 ¼ ounce lure, this 7'6" pole maintains a solid 12-25 pounds of line pressure. This rod purely meant for the performance conscious crankbait fishing. 

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Split cork grips for high performance
  • The designer has won awards and entered Hall of Fame
  • Best for any angler of varying strength and skill
  • Has a backbone and sensitive tip for crankbaits and jerkbaits
  • Eliminates hang-ups with slower action

8. Dobyns Rods Champion series graphite cranking Rods

The new Dobyns Champion XP Crankbait Casting Rods feature the same proprietary high modulus graphite blanks as the original Champion Series. The Dobyns high-performance fishing rods are known for their sensitivity, strength, lightweight, and balance. The Dobyns Champion series rods are all the rods that you'll ever need for the crankbaiting technique. 

Dobyns Champion Series Crankbait Rods feature AA grade cork grips, premium Fuji graphite reel seats, proprietary high modulus graphite blanks, and tangle-free Kigan guides offer durability as well as increased casting performance. The Dobyns Champion series rods are all the rods that you'll ever need for the crankbaiting technique. This 7-foot medium-heavy action crankbait rod can handle 8-17 lb on the line. It is an excellent all-around rod for the average anglers works for crankbaits, jerk baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures.

Dobyns Heavy Fast Glass Crankbait Rod,

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • High modulus graphite blanks
  • Go to rod for Crankbaits and Jerkbaits
  • Very lightweight so no hand or wrist fatigue
  • Best for topwater fishing
  • Fuji Alconite Guides and Fuji Graphite Reel Seats

9. SHIMANO Curado Crankbait Casting Rod

Equipped with high-end components throughout, the Shimano Curado Crankbait Casting Rods are technique specific rods built using premium Fuji guides, matte rubberized soft Fuji reel seats, and high-quality cork grips. Curado casting rods designed to excel at fishing a wide array of crankbait styles and sizes. They offer medium power and action while accepting lures that are 5/16oz.-1/2oz.

This rod is not only sensitive but very robust, making it excellent for the more advanced angler. While it doesn't have an award-winning designer to back it up, it is known for its versatility with all types of anglers. Sporting versatility with a perfect blend of durability and technique-specific actions, this rod covers a spectrum of techniques for hardcore bass anglers. And reviews show that for the price The Curado DC might be considered the best fishing rod for crankbait fishing in this price class, it is surprising how high the product can tout.

Shimano Crankbait Rod

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Reliable construction making it strong and durable
  • Best for all types of anglers
  • Very lightweight and sensitive
  • Cast effortlessly with the flexible tip

10. Okuma Tournament Concept pro Lightweight cranking rod

Okuma TCS Rods designed by successful professional angler - Scott Martin for tournament concept fishing. It features ultra sensitive 30T carbon blank construction, premium Fuji frames, and guides that offer performance tournament angler need. The carbon fiber reel seat is also comfortable for all-day casting. 

Explicitly designed for crankbait applications, these rods are sensitive and strong, helping you to feel the lightest of bites and has the power to move large fish. They're designed exclusively for tournament-level fishing. The rod length ranges from 6'9" to 7'11" with varying degrees of action and taper. This rod offers unique features for anglers looking for specific benefits in the rod.

Crankbait Rods Highlights

  • Carbon construction for a most lightweight feel and superior action.
  • Capable of using a braided line
  • Best casting accuracy
  • Sensitive to every bump and tap on the lure
  • Contains no fiberglass material

St Croix Mojo Glass Casting Rod Trumps All

The St Croix Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod is undoubtedly a winner in our series of reviews of crankbait rods for the price, and the reasons are clear for this. With a feature not spoken of in other rods, this rod offers great weight balance making it easier to handle the slow play of hook and reel. This could also explain the reason for its durability as it comes off as one of the strongest crankbait rod.  Its rod action is the perfect blend of sensitivity in the tip and flexibility in the shaft, making for smooth play. Since any novice or serious angler can benefit from this rod, it becomes the most versatile.

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