[Mr. Micropterus]

I'm looking to get a small baitcast rod to throw smaller crankbaits ( bandit 200 series, Fat free shad, bomber flat A) and spinnerbaits (1/4oz). I see the Bionic Blade on sale now for $50. Would a 6'6" M rod be sufficient? Or should I go heavier? Lighter? I don't really like the rod I am using now for cranking (7" Medium), it's way to flimsy. Im not getting the accruacy and control of the bait I think I could get with another rod. I dont really want to go with fiberglass because of the extra wieght. Any input on your choice of rod for small crankbait/spinnerbaits would be helpful. Thanks - Fishinut

 

[joe p]

Fishinut, one rod I use for those applications you mentioned is a Falcon Lowrider ( LFC-5-167), Clark Wendlant Weightless Worm Special. Its rated as a MH , but its really a medium rod, and 6-7 in length.

It is an excellent all around rod, has the soft tip to throw light stuff and enough backbone to horse in a lunker.

Couple the rod with a Scorpion and 10 -12 P-line Floroclear and youre good to go....

Check out Anglers Paradise......

its around $85....

Joe

 

[JOHN G]

NUT: the point of Joes reply, is that if you want a baitcaster to throw small cranks, just forget about anything remotely cheap......you have to start in the 120 or so dollar and up range from the start.....

why can't you throw light cranks on a spinning set up? I have always done that......

 

[Mr. Micropterus]

Thanks....I will take a look at that rod.

I try not to use spinning rods because of the amount of line twist and those type of hassels. But they are good for finesse situations and one of my favorites....4"power worm. I also throw tubejig with a spinning rod, but I am looking for a baitcaster that will handle a tubejig well. And I throw senko style baits on a spinning rod. I dont have much trouble with baitcasters and I am much more accurate with them. It's just a matter of preference I guess.....

- Fishinut

 

[Gregg]

Fishnut what reel??
I use a BPS Extreme 6'6" med for same the lures your talking about Bandit 200's, Fat Raps, Boomer's, and minus -1 all around that size. You might think it feels flimsy with a normal baitcaster with a 6:1 ratio, but put a reel with a lower ratio like 5:2 and you'll strain the rod less and pick up sensitivity.

 

[Bink]

I like the Bionic Rods and recommened them. The Low rider is not in the $120 range is it?

 

[joe p]

no, its less than that...the Falcon Caras come around $100....

 

[Paul_M]

Small cranks combined with long rods and nice copolymer are really effective at both casting and fighting fish. If you go baitcaster I reccomend the 7'6" med crank rod by loomis.

It's not a spinnerbait rod, but would be great with all types of cbaits except deep divers.

 

[joe p]

If I was going for distance (overhand casts), then the long rods help a lot. But the way I fish, pitching and more like a roll or side cast to docks, weedlines, isolated cover and stuff, the 6-7 rod makes it more efficient.

And with the Scorpion , a very light reel weight wise, you can reel fast and cast to the next target without hurting your wrist at the end of the day.....

 

[Mr. Micropterus]

Thanks guys....alot of good info.

I make more roll casts and only use the overhand cast for extreme distance so a shorter rod would probably be more suitable for the way I fish. Im not sure which reel I will pair it up with it. It will definatly be a slower gear ratio like a 5:2 or slower.
While we're on the subject....any suggestions for slow ratio reels that will suit the type of rod I'm looking for. Thanks for all your help...

- Fishinut

 

[joe p]

the curados come in 5:1 and 3:8..pick your poison.....

 

[earthworm77]

Paul, is that 7-6 a telescopic handle or a straight one pc.? I was looking at a St. Croix 7" ML flipping rod for smaller cranks. The action is sweet and the price is more than half of the Loomis, but if the 7-6 is a 1pc, not tele, I'd consider it.

Fish, I made a few light action bait casters specifically for small spinnerbaits and cranks. They are a blast to play with. Star rods makes a wonderful IM8 6ft ML rod for about 75.00 or so. I know they make longer models, I have two of them and swear by them. If you want to learnmore about them, get in touch with Broadbill, I think he stocks them.

 

[Paul_M]

EW-

Yup the CBR 904 or 903 is a one piece. It's a dream for casting the baby -1, even in windy conditions. I also use it w med cranks and heavy line (20lb mono) in the fall. The additional length lets you cast smoothly and reduces troublesome "professional overruns."


Paul