Is the new Crankin Composite light enough for small baits ?

[JE]

For those of you who have tried this rod, I have a question:

I'm looking for a crankbait rod that can handle very small baits. During the fall, I use small 3/16 and 1/4 ounce baits like shad raps to fish shallow water for SMBass. I've always ended up using a spinning rod because I've reached the limits of my ability to get those baits out without really pushing. With a well tuned Shimano scorpion, a low diameter 8 pound line, should I be able to cast a 3/16 ounce bait a goodly distance with the Kistler crankbait rod?

This is not a rookie question. I've used a casting reel for decades, just never tried to apply it to this requirement. Thanks for any advice on this rod or any other options folks care to suggest.

John from Oregon

[JE]

Someone out here has got to own one of these rods. Maybe they are so good, no one wants to share the gold! Or maybe no one fishes small plugs.

WIll this rod cast a 3/16 ounce SR5 Shad Rap?

[Kistler1]

Give it time, you will get plenty of replies on this rod. This is our best selling crankbait rod for small crankbaits. I have not used the rod with 8lb test so I can not answer you. I am sure some of the guys here have. Keep checking back.

[Ezcue]

JE, I can't answer your specific question as I don't throw stuff that small. The lightest line I throw crankbaits on his 10#. As far as the rod is concerned, it is a great crankin stick. I own it in the 6'6" and 7' versions. The smallest crankbaits I use are 1/4oz. For snesitivity and fish fighting abillity, I have found non better than the Crankbait Composite. Sorry, I coud not be of more help.

[chavez]

I have a Helium He70MLC that can cast a 1/4 oz lure pretty decently though I have cast a Lucky Craft Bevy Crank 45 DR which is a 3/16 oz crankbait and it can do it but if you want distance a spinning rod would be better suited to the lighter line and less than 1/4 oz lures.

[HoosierAngler]

I've got one of these rods, its awesome for smaller cranks! I use alot on the Ohio River, never tried 8# though, I usually use 10-12# and it casts & feels great!

[earthworm77]

If you are looking to throw smaller cranks on a casting reel, why not go to a ML Graphite Series rod or ML Helium? The lighter action would take some of the umph out of the initial strike, basically what you would rely on the Composite to do.

I have a He70MLC, He66MLC and both perform great with light stuff. I love to throw the Honey B which is in the 3/16oz ballpark. I sometimes prefer to chuck it on a spinning rod though.

[ArtFerguson]

I am using the Kistler crankbait rod 7' in medium action and it could easily throw a 3/16 oz. crankbait, with the proper reel.

Excellent action on this rod, truly the best crankbait rod I've used.