Choice of crankbait rods

[baileycoach]

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

[Tony Lain]

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!!

[twells]

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

[rsburns]

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

[deepcrankn]

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.