Cranking rod- Shallow vs. Deep diver?

Are there any differences in rods to look for when using one for shallow cranks and one for deep divers such as different actions and lengths between the 2? Thanks.

If you're going to be throwing cranks/traps in grass I like a 6'6" M Fast action graphite rod. I like having the sensitivity to feel the grass/wood vs. bass and what type of bottom/structure the crankbaits is bouncing off. I tend to go with shorter rods (6'6" or 6") when target fishing, and longer rods (7+) when open water fishing.

If it's open water cranking with still a shallow crank I prefer a 6'6" M MF/Moderate action (I use a 6'6" M TC4 Crucial).

Also, maybe it's just me but I find the "losing fish because the rod is too stiff/fast" a little overblown for cranks. Sometimes you don't get a good hookset on slower/less powerful rods and you lose the fish because of that.

I prefer looong rods for deep divers, and shorter rods for shallow divers. About six and a half feet to seven feet is best for shallow runners, and seven and a half to eight feet for deep divers. I prefer a moderate action for deep divers, and a moderate-fast for shallow divers. Lipless cranks are somewhat different if you're trying to tickle the grass with them. For this you'll want a fast action rod.


TFP

I agree with Fishing Physicist. Moderate action is the most important part of a crankbait rod for me.

For shallow divers I tend to favor the M or MH rods. I also like the 7'+ for this purpose. Longer rod, longer cast right? You can target fish with this size of rod as well and it prevents you from having two seperate rods for basically the same technique.

I prefer a MH or H power rating on the rod for deep divers. Length needs to be in 7'6"+ range for longer casts, meaning the bait has more time down deep, which is the entire point of the deep diving baits.

+1

dlrz71,

To answer your quewtion, YES, there normally is a difference if you are getting a rod for a specific application. NORMALLY, shallow or medium running CBs can be thrown on a lighter or moderate action rod with ease adn comfort. BUT, the lighter action rod does NOT go wwell with deep divers. Most people move up to a MH/F (medium heavy fast tip) rod, but not all. It depends on what you want to do. There are a few alterenatives that handle both (all depths) w/o tiring you out.

I prefer the longest rod possible (I stand 5'8" in shoes) and have had custom built 8' rods for over 10 years. They add length to the cast, which lets the lure go deeper in the retrieve. Similar to Jay Yelas using his trolling motor to spool his line out before he starts reeling.

It depends on your style of fishing, but if you are looking for a deep CB rod, generally, the longest rod you can get will give you and advantage. Some prefer glass, some graphite and some composite. I have used all 3 and I prefer graphite (sensitivity and lighter weight) over most glass rods. But, that is just my preference. Glass is GENERALLY more forgiving (won't rip the hooks out of the mouth), but somewhat less sensitive.

Let us know if you are looking for a specific kind of rod for deep or medium/shallow running CBs and we might can help direct you to something that might be appropriate. If you are looking for an all around CB rod to handle ALL CBs (including/excluding trap style baits), that is generally a different kind of rod than you would select for a specific application.

Hope this helps.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

I don't fish Deep divers. I prefer a 6.5 to 7.0 medium action rod with a moderate fast action,and a smooth handling co polymer line for my medium/shallow cb fishing. Some guys prefer a longer rod and heavier action for Deep divers. Here's what FZ1 would do. Never buy more equipment than you need. You can only fish 1 rig at a time,and we all buy too much stuff. 1. try your current cb rig with a dd bait. 2.try your current cb rig with a dd bait but switch to fc line. 3. go to your next heavier/longer rod and your preference of fc or co polymer line. See if you can get comfortable,or even like to fish, a new presentation, with equipment you already own, before you buy new equipment. Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the input guys. I am really looking for a deep diver rod at the moment but will eventually get another one for shallow/mid depth. I was looking at the skeet reese rod but have heard it is too soft for deep divers and also had the Fritz rod mentioned as well. I am trying to stay around the $100 mark.

O.K. Just try one of your other rods,as mentioned above. See what rod attributes YOU prefer,when fishing your deep diver,BEFORE,you buy another rod. You may need that money for a low gear ratio reel. Lol.

IF you go to simmonssportinggoods.net they have kistler argon d22 rods for 100bucks i love em.

I already have a BPS pro qualifier 5.2:1 waiting for a rod I just want something for that specific presentation.

I see.

For that price range, you will have a limited selection of quality rods. I prefer St. Croix, but it depends on what you like. They have 2 version to choose from in that range. The Mojo and the Premier (mojo for $100 and Premier for $120). I would look at a MH rod with a Fast or Moderate/Fast tip. I STILL prefer graphite 100% over composite or glass (lighter and your sensitivity is WAY better). The Mojo Cranker 7' MHF handles 10-20 lb test, 1/4 to 1 oz. lures and is a good choice. The Premier is a GREAT all around combination CB rod, normally handling all sizes and types of CBs.

The Skeet Reese CB rods are a little heavy and not as sensitive as I like. The BPS composite rod Crankin' Stick is NOT a favorite of mine, because it doesn't really have enough backbone and way too much tip for deep diving CBs, for me. It is an alterantive, so are the ARS Fritts rod (GLASS/composite) and Shimano $100 rod lineup.

Just to name a few, but again, under $100 is going to be TUFF for a GREAT CB rod.

Good luck and if we can help more, let us know.

Hope this helps.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Thanks for the tips guys. I went up to Academy yesterday and got the AR Fritz cranker.

Have you checked out Boyd Ducketts line of rods. I am thinking about getting the DFMM76M-CC, which is a split grip 7'6" rod with a medium action. I don't know why Boyd did not list the taper to his rods but I wrote him an email to what the taper is on these rods.

But for around $139-159 -- you can't go wrong and they have the micro guides. A lot of the Pros have been using his rods as I notice some of the elite guys with these white rods. If you don't know what those are or have never seen them they are awesome for casting. Watch Terry Scroggins on ESPN 3 a day on the lake with him pitchin and flippin with those rods. here >> if your a member of Bassinsider this is a cool video to watch.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/members/insider/video/livedayonthelake

He boat flipped a 10lb right into the boat with a duckett rod.

Hope this helps

Although I am not trying to sell this rod--i have also been looking for a great cranking stick as well to put my New Shimano Core 100mg on to something.

After i get an answer to the taper question i might just give this rod a shot

I wouldn't buy a rod by mail. I want to pick it up and see that I like it,first.

ummm--you can return anything within a 30 day time frame usually--especially if you have the receipt. I have always purchased online as i don't have the big BPS or Cabelas in a little ol town like Abilene.

Plus you usually get a lot better deal online than at the store. Whether it be ebay or an online outlet. Never had a problem before? I love buying this way

Understand. You gotta do,what you gotta do,to get a rod. Any fishing shops,at all,out there? Check out Shimano Crucial or Cumara rods. Better warranty.

Academy is all we have

I see. Academy carries some of the Shimano Crucial line of rods here in Dallas. You could drive over to your Academy,with your reel,and put it on the rod and see how it feels. Some rods feel more "alive",in your hand,than others. So,whatever rod you get, physically handle the rod before you buy,if possible. Hope this helps you get that perfect,for you,rod.