I have moved to an area where the lakes are MUCH deeper and its been pointed out to me that I am going to have to learn how to deep crank. I need to know what type of rod and reel I should use. the speed of that reel and the line I should use.
Plus I would like to know the best crank baits. I have a few old Norman DD-14 but I'm sure that I will need some DD-22 and maybe another brand as well. Along with the best colors.. Thank you!!!!

7.3 Falcon Cara Reaction "Deep Runner" CCB-5-173DR
Lews Tounament Pro 5:4.1
8-15# Seaguar InvisX Floro
DD22/Strike King 6XD

DD22's get old quick with my set ups.. i dont know what you need besides maybe forearms like popeye to throw those dang things all day.. i bet ive got 20 to 25 DD22's and hardly ever throw cuz theyre too much work...

i live on a shallow lake so i dont know much about deep divers, but i whenever i hear about deep divers in texas, the color "citrus shad" is in every conversation. also, the new kvd 6X looks promising and in the color sexy shad

If you want to get rid of those DD22's that you don't use let me know

I throw mine on a 7'6"medium action carrot stick with a Shimano Curado

O,on 14# Seaguar invizX

My set up is kind of budget, but its a skeet reese 7'11" and a revo winch with 10lb test. Easy to throw and easy to crank.

Fat free shad, Mann's 20+, Arbergast Mud bug.

A 7.6' 0r longer rod will help for long casts, a glass graphite composite rod with a soft tip will take out alot of torque from the big billed baits and land more fish by not ripping the trebles out of the fishes mouth. Norman dd's Bomber Fat Free Shad and Strike King all make fish catchin' baits at affordable prices. Buy a lure retriever like the hound dog they pay for themselves quick and last a long time. Vary your retrieve and good luck.

+1

Some good advice above. You do not mention a budget, so I will give you some ideas of the best I have found. The longer the rod (MH rated with a fast tip) will save a lot of wear and tear on your forearms and writs. I like the Dobyns Randy McAbee 8.0' rod, 8.0 RM CB for the deep divers (about $270 brand new). The winch is okay, but I still prefer a 4.7:1 or a 5.0 or 5.1:1 ratio. The old greenie Curado B5 200s are great for that purpose. I haven't tried the G Curados for cranking yet, but the E's were pretty good, too, in the 5.1:1 ratio. What you are looking at is line recovery per reel handle turn. Something below 22" is ideal, to let the bait get down and work in the strike zone. DD22s, Strike King 6 or 6XD, Fat Free Shad and Rapala DT16 and DT20 are also pretty good. If you go FFS, get some switchbacks as well (no rattles). I prefer to crank on McCoys Mean Green, because of the abrasion resistance, the stretch and no memory, 10 or 12# should be good. 15 to 17 if lots of wood. A good lure retriever is a must. Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask or PM me.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

TR just gave you really good information. I didn't spend that much on my DD set up so if you are looking for a more budget minded rig: Crankin' Stick 7'10" MH with a Pro Qualifier reel 4.7:1 with segaur invizx line helped me catch 8 Falcon beasts 3 weeks ago. The whole set up is about 150 bucks.

Dobyns 8' cranker is awesome...the KVD is good too... If getting worn out quick is your problem or interest then one of these two is a must! These 8' crankers are designed to crank all day! One thing that I was astonished at was that these rods are stiffer than most cranking rods but man they work well!

KVD Tour 7'11 MH is top notch spendy yes but worth it I am Powell nearly 100% and will buy the KVD tour.