What Action Rod Is Best for Crankbaits?

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.

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.