Which do yall prefer? Also, what reel speed do you use for square bills and other shallow cranks?

I use graphite for square bills, deeper cranks may benefit more with glass. I use a 7 gear reel, you can use a 6 gear as well.

I agree with graphite for all CB applications. I used composite and glass and do NOT like the feel that I lose with those types of rods. I use a 5.1:1 to a 6.3:1 reel for shallow crankbaBs, . I use a 5.1:1 or a 6.3:1 on shallow CBsits and squarebills, except for the 8XD, then I use a 5.1:1 gear ratio. If you are using graphite for CBs, back up on your drag so a 3# fish can pull a little drag and you won't rip the hooks out of it's mouth/ Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.


Thad Rains

I use the straight glass 705CBMF Glass from Dobyns for square bills and I love it.

I really like my Falcon Cara CLC-4-17 Composite Cranker for squarebills and lipless cranks. I have quite a few of them in my boat. I do use the CCB-4-17MR, Medium Cranker for smaller crankbaits and the CCB-5-173DR, Deep Runner for larger deep divers. Both of those are graphite rods.

I use graphite.....I throw my squarebills just like a spinnerbait.....IMO glass rods won't get the fish out of cover as well....

Graphite with a 5.8-1 gear ratio reel. I have a hard time slowing down when I am throwing moving baits like crank baits and spinner baits so I choose a little slower gear ratio.

I prefer a graphite rod 7'-7'3" in length with a fast to moderate fast flex. I like to feel the bait bumping stumps or limps, but has to have enough give to not pull the hooks out. Each company is a little different, some manufactures I need a medium action and others can be medium heavy. Coach

Composite or glass, and I use a 6.4:1, it really boils down to personal preference.

Anyone have any experience with the abu Garcia Veritas winch rods? Looking at that one in 7' med with an Orra SX 6:4:1

Glass only for all CB's.