Tips to help build your Custom Crank Bait Z bone Rod

The main objective to building the highest performing crank bait rod is to match the size and weight of the bait to the power and length of the rod keeping in mind the structure you will fish.

After choosing your blank construction whether LE or ST, one or two piece and then selecting casting or spinning, you must then decide in what capacity you will use this specialty rod before choosing the power/action. Below are a few examples to help you build the perfect rod for your favorite technique.

Shallow running crank baits in and around open water or light cover requires the 1ML – 1M power blanks, which will give you the soft tip, needed for optimum performance while casting 1/16 – 3/8 ounce lures. The lighter powers will allow you to feel exactly how the bait is running or if it has grass on it plus a flexible tip will assist the bait in bouncing off submerged tree branches and rocks. The soft tips will bend easily while fighting that big fish on those small treble hooks keeping it buttoned up every time. The ideal length for this rod is around 6’ 9”.

Mid depth crank baits in and around open to moderate cover require the 1M – 2M power blanks, which cast those average sized 1/8 – 5/8 ounce crank baits. These blanks will also allow you to handle heavier line and pull stronger fish from structure without ripping the hooks away from the fishes mouth plus you will not lose as many kicker fish when they jump and head shake due to the soft, flexible tip. The ideal length for this rod is around 7’.

Deep diver crank baits in and around open or moderate cover requires the 2M – 3MH power blanks which enable you to really chunk those heavier 1/2 – 1 ounce crank baits a long way. Getting and keeping that bait in the strike zone longer will definitely produce more and bigger fish. These stronger powered blanks will also allow you to work the deep divers with less effort from your arms and wrists. Test your drag to make sure it is looser than normal if you are using the 3MH blank so that you don’t rip it away from that big fish when she surges under the boat. The longer you make this rod, the better performance you will get, period. Ideal length is at least 7’ 6”.

Next you will select the components that meet your personal preference such as the reel seat and handle. Choosing the handle length is a little more important to get right if you want the best performance and balance. We measure your handle length from the bottom of the butt cap to the bottom of the reel seat. If you want a long rod, then match it up with a long handle for example a 7’ rod should get at least a 10 inch handle length for open water, even longer for a 7’ 6” rod. For a 6’ 6” rod choose an 8” handle for short, precise target casting or underhand roll casting. If you are unsure, then allow Trey Kistler to choose the best handle length for your rod.

All other selections are either personal preferences or cool options so have fun with it and create a one of kind fishing tool for your next fishing adventure. They say having confidence in your tackle is one of the most important aspects to fishing success.