Hello,
I'm looking to buy a new crankbait rod. I currently have a Dobyns Fury 705CB. I'm looking for something to throw larger baits (6th Sense Cloud 9 (C15, C20) Crush 250MD, Berkley Dredger (17.5, 20.5, 25.5), 5XD, 6XD, Ima Beast Hunter). Don't see myself throwing too many 10XD, but would like the ability to. I'm really trying to get away with having only 2 crankbait rods (at least for now), and want to cover the full spectrum of baits (tough, I know). I'm currently considering a Dobyn's Champion 765CB or 805CB. I'm leaning towards graphite for the sensitivity. The bottom on my lake is a mix of rock and mud with a lot of junk grass and submerged timber (Canyon Lake). Seems like as soon as my bait touches bottom, the hooks are fowled with [censored]. I need to really be able to feel what my bait is doing. I'm not concerned about versatility with the rod as far as being able to throw multiple techniques. I have other rods for other techniques, I'll just be throwing cranks with it. I'm not completely stuck on Dobyn's, but I do have an affinity for the brand and would probably need to hold a rod before switching brands. What are your thoughts?

Truth is, I'm pretty new to cranking. Been fishing forever but somehow never really picked up crankbaits (probably because I never had the right gear). I do currently have a Lew's Speed Stick Magnum III 7' 11" that I throw bigger cranks. I guess a side question would be how much more sensitive would a Dobyns Champion be compared to the Lew's?

I'm willing to buy from a smaller retailer, especially if there's someone I can call and talk to. I've done about as much online research as I can stand. Tough when there's nowhere I can go to hold the rod (I'm in San Antonio). If you know a guy that's willing to take a call, there will probably be a purchase involved. Thanks in advance!
Lindsay

The only rod I am currently using for cranks is a Dobyns Sierra 734c. It handles cranks (small to large) well, is plenty sensitive and haven't lost a fish yet. Just back off your drag a little bit.

The Sierra is a softer blank than the rest of the Dobyns series.

Best part is if I need the rod for anything else it can handle it

Very versatile rod and worth checking out (see pic below of the Sierra and bass I pulled in with a Cordell Big O)

Have you looked at the DC 764 CB.

I like the glass rods but that is my preference. DC 765 CB GLASS

I’m also looking for my first cranking rod. I’m still back and forth between gloom is e6x, Tatula glass, Cashion, and Dobyns champion. Do you have any feedback on any of those?

I really like the Dobyns champion glass rod.
It's excellent crankbait rod.

I had one a few years back and changed rod brands.
Went back to Dobyns and forgot how much I really like the glass rod.
It's good for Jerkbaits and lipless.

I use a Dobyns Rods Fred Roumbanis Crankbait Rod DC 705CB FR for the little stuff and a Champion XP Crankbait Rods DC 805CB for the big 'uns!

If you were close enough, or if you get up towards Lufkin, I would be more than happy to let you go throw them.

I've had the E6X MBR and GLX MBR and they worked great too. The Sierra is just better because I like the longer 7'3" length . Haven't used the Champ yet for cranks but will as soon as this cold snap breaks......I have a 734c in the Champ as well.

An alternative that is worth looking at is St. Croix rods. The legend glass rods are great crankbait rods. I throw anything from 3XD to 6XD cranks on the 7'4 medium heavy moderate. They are made in the USA, have a great warranty, and are customer oriented. Their website is https://stcroixrods.com/collections/freshwater-legend/products/legend-glass-casting. PM me if you have an questions.

I use a Daiwa Aird-X 7'3" MH for my cranking rod. At 50$ it sure is an awesome rod for anybody on a budget like me. The Tactical Bassin guys recommended that rod in one of their budget series videos and I love mine so I bought a Aird-X spinning rod too. Amazing rods for 50$.

Does anyone have any experience with the Castaway Crankin series? Looks solid from what I can tell.... but I am a dobyns guy. I have an 805CB and 806CB....but I always NEED a new toy

Falcon Cara deep cranker changed my life. Just sayin.

Get with https://priderods.com and ask for the 7'11 MHZ big crankbait rod, Billy Kistler, one of the biggest names in the rod industry, has started this company within the last several years and has outdone himself with the rods he has built! I love em!

I've ran quite a few different Deep Cranking rods as that is 95% of my summer fishing. I have some 13 Fishing rods that I like alot (not a fan of 13 but love the rods) they are the Omen Black 3 and Defy Black which is the cheaper model. However, if you're looking into the Dobyns Sierra. Look into Power tackle! They are the best deep cranking rods I've ever fished.

My Loomis E6X 845 crankbait rod works great with XD6's and even a few that dive a little deeper. For tossing XD10 and such look at 13 Fishings Crankenstein it handles them with ease.

I would skip the e6x. The others you listed would be better. I like FXtreme rods for cranking.