I, as others have mentioned, love the 7' Mg composite graphite/ glass cranking rod for all sorts of cranks: Rapala DT3FATSS, jerkbaits, Strike King Red Eye Shads, etc...Just an awesome rod, with enough flex to keep the hooks in the fish, and muscle to get it to the boat or bank!
At first the bulkiness puzzled me, but even the Mrs. swears it's lighter than my Mg Chatterbait rod. I also use the Mg Chatterbait for 3/8-1/2oz. jigs with trailers, and it has put a lot of keepers in the livewell.
These two will serve you well for starters, and then you can acquire others along the way.
Be careful, it can be addictive, once you start buying Kistlers.
