Fishing Rods

Looking for my best choices for rods to fish shallow to medium depths and one for fishing the deep divers?

I have been using Kistler cranking rods for almost three seasons now and experimented with several different rods and set-ups. I’ll save you the trail and error. These are my choices... Shallow and medium cranks around shallow cover with heavy line, Mag Series 7 footer is the best. Deep drivers, like DD22’s, you want the LTA 7’6” med heavy. I also use the LTA 7’6” med for light line finesse cranking around riprap and clay banks. Good luck!!

those are great choices,

for the shallow cranking I use the Mg composite 6'6" (that rod is also wicked for spinnerbaits!). For the deep cranks I have always used the 7' Mg series, but I will be ordering 2 of the 7'9" Argon Big Crank Rods. These rods should really handle to task of those big cranks (DD22's/Hotlips). The 7' Mg handles the bigger cranks just fine, but I am excited about the additional length that the Argon Rod will offer. I should be able to throw my 3/4 oz hotlips a mile!!

Please feel free to ask more if we haven't answered your questions. I'm sure Trey can tell you more about the Argon Crank Rod.

Good fishing,

Thomas

Coach,

Looks like you received some very good advice on choices for crankbait rods here. Here's what I have found to be perfect crankbait setup's for me:

My absolute favorite crankbait rod is an LTX He2MC70 which I had "customized" by having the Kistler factory put a solid cork handle on it for me. I am a crankbait nut, and love to throw small hand-carved, custom-painted balsa crankbaits (made by my good friend, Jim Gowing up in Arkansas) with this rod and an Ardent XS1000 reel. I certainly enjoy letting folks use it; they can't believe how light and sensitive this rig is. I can actually feel every movement of the bait. The overall weight and sensitivity is where I really feel the difference in the LTX He2MC70.

The LTA He70MC's are also great crankbait rods. I use one exclusively for medium-diving crankbaits; the other is used for "larger" shallow-running wooden crankbaits. Currently, I'm using the LTA He76MHC for throwing DD-22's, but anxiously waiting to get my hands on the new Argon 7'9" Longcaster; I'm thinking the extra length will really make a difference! (The LTA He76MHC is also a great buzzbait rod.)

If you like throwing swimbaits, try the LTA He76HC (with 20-25# line) for the best swimbait rod I have ever used. The extra length of these rods give me exceptionally long casts, and better control when fighting these fish.

God bless,
Scott Burns
Kistler ProStaff

I agree about the Argon 7'9" Longcaster. I can't wait to get mine. I throw the DT-16's here in NC and can't wait to get the new DT-20's paired with the Longcaster and a Shimano reel those baits should really fly.