A few thoughts on deep crankin' rods and reels:
Get a longer rod, close to 8 foot or better, as it will allows for longer casts. It needs some backbone in order to chunk the larger and heavier deep diving lures that are popular today. As for a deep crankin' reel the lower gear ratio reels allow the lure to dive a little deeper and stay down longer...a 5:5:1 ratio reel works pretty well. I use a Powell 804 CB medium-fast rod paired up with a Shimano Citica 5:5:1 gear ratio reel with good results. I replaced the stock Shimano reel handle with a longer one and it made a huge difference in controlling a lure on the retrieve. There are quite a few good options available so good luck and good fishing

The only advice I can offer is to not get one that is too soft. I lose more fish from not getting a good hook set than I do from them pulling off. They come up to jump and the crank just flies out of their mouths. It's happened way too many times this year.

Phenix Composite X Cranking Rods

I've made it part of my angling duties to educate people about the Phenix Composite X series of rods; especially the X14! I spent a few days cranking ledges on Pickwick Lake last Summer with this rod, and I was absolutely floored at how well this rod performed. Everything about this rod is perfect, from the tip to the handle! It's a composite (fiberglass and graphite) rod with the flex and performance of fiberglass and the sensitivity/balance of graphite. You get the best of both worlds here!! Another great feature about the Phenix Composite X rods is that are incredibly light. You will not tire out after throwing a deep diving crankbait all day long. These rods are less than $200 but they perform like a $400 rod. You can't beat em' if you ask me!