Hey guys/gals,

With Christmas coming, I am wanting to get a new cranking rod. I currently have two Kistler rods which were my first taste of micro rods. I have started to really like the sensitivity of them. I am reading every article and post I can find about preferred rod combinations for cranking and I think I'm more confused about what I want now, than when I started.

So, your insight is needed. What do you all prefer for length, action etc for crank baits? Additionally, are the micro guides I've come to love a good idea for this lure? Thank you in advance for your help!

7' med for square bills

7' mh for others except 10xd

I don't use micros on my cranking rods

I have a 7ft M/H Shimano Crucial TC-4 cranking rod for square bills.
Duckett 7-6 for med. divers and a Duckett 7-11 for deeper divers.
Dobyns 805 for the 6XD-10 XD.

Both of my Duckett rods have the micro guides although I do not care for them. I bought both of the rods because I liked the flex in the rod, not the guides. Many people like the micros and claim they can cast farther with them but I haven't found that to be true. In addition to that, if you think about it, when you have a fish on and the rod is under a load, your line will be touching most of the rod blank since it is so close to it...lots of friction there. Even with that I still like the rod, just not crazy about the guides.

The Dobyns is a great rod for deep divers.

First, what rods do you have that are made by Kistler?

Second what are the depths you want to fish?

I have 3 Mag Composite crankbait rods for everything except anything over 12' and anything over 12' I'll use my Mark Rose 10XD Off Shore crankbait rod. No problems with the guides on any of the rods. I know these rods has Macro guides but Micro shouldn't effect anything

Jeff

I disagree.casting micro guides in wind will have less line slapping the blank and further cast. When i build a rod i static test guides on rod before wrapping them. With micro guides i have to use more to keep line off the rod.