I am certain this has been covered before, but here goes:

I am going to add my first dedicated crankbait rod to collection. I was given a new Berkley Emotion carbon fiber 7'9" med/hvy mod act. Here is my dilemma:

1. I don't throw many deep diving crankbaits and this rod seems like it is built for heavy crankbaits.
2. I throw a lot of square bills (1, 1.5, 2.0) , 5/8oz cranks and lipless cranks some, and the occasional jerkbait or top water popper.
3. I am looking for a rod that will accommodate these smaller sized hard plastics as described in bullet #2.
4. What advantages/disadvantages does one encounter with a 7' rod vs a 7'9" rod? i.e., shorter or longer cranking rods.
5. Is carbon fiber the new go to for cranking rods? Is glass the only way to go or graphite?
6. Is a heavy or med/heavy going to suit the baits in item #2 better?
7. Is a moderate, or moderate/fast going to have a better quality for these baits?
8. Is there a good all around rod that will handle most of the items in #2?
8. Lastly, if anyone has personal recommendations for rods at or under $150, please let me know as I would be very much appreciative!

Thanks,
Austin

Get ready to be more undecided than ever.

Sounds like dollar signs are in my future....

I would get this one for 1.5's. you will be extremely satisfied! The 7'4" is $149.99 or if you prefer 7' $139.99

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Phenix_Glass_Crankbait_Casting_Rods_Blue/descpage-PGCR.html

Thanks Huckleberry. I pulled the trigger on the 7'4". Can't wait to have a dedicated cranking rod. Cranking on my trig rod is getting old....

Let us know how you like it.

The 7'9" rod is designed for bigger heavier CBs, but it can almost ALWAYS handle lighter baits as well. MOF, the best ALL AROUND CB ROD I have is a 7'6" Avid MH rod and I can throw small to deep divers on it. Try the 7'9" and see how you like it. The rod length goes into how far you cast. The further the casts, the deeper the CB goes (if tuned properly) and in some instances, get you more bites. My 9 dedicated CB rods are almost all 8' long, but I am a nut for CB rods and have written 5 CB articles that have been published. But, yes, I would try it before ordering another rod and see how you like it. If not, sell it and buy one that will ONLY handle the ones you want. What lure weight is the rod rated for? That should help you out, right there. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

I have three of the phenix crankbait rods and they are the best I've ever owned.

Thanks for all the input! I got the 7'4" phenix out on the water and what a difference! I can cast farther and the hookset feels almost effortless compared to using my T-rig rod for CB's.

Quick question for phenix CB rod owners; Do the phenix rods seem like they have a slower action compared to the rating stamped on the rod? Maybe it's my inexperience with CB rods in general, but the amount of flex in the tip of this rod is substantial. I am sure that is be design, but was just curious.

Thanks again
Austin

The tips seam really soft but you'll get use to it and I feel it helps land more fish.