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7 Best Crankbait Rods 2023 (Reviews & Buying Guide)

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Lamborghini Equivalent of Crankbait Rods
St. Croix Rods Legend Glass Casting Rod, Honey Pearl, 7'4"
Superior Performance
St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod Medium/Moderate , Mojo Green Metallic, 7'2"
Best Rod for Inshore Fishing
Gloomis Fishing E6X 782C F Inshore [12751-01]
Feature 1
Has super-premium 100% linear S-Glass construction
Fuji DPS reel seat with black hood, Select-grip, premium-grade cork handle
Comes with lengths and actions for inshore fishing
Feature 2
Comes with Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) Tooling Technology
Exclusive hook-keeper, two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
Lightweight with tremendous strength, Cork grips
Lamborghini Equivalent of Crankbait Rods
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St. Croix Rods Legend Glass Casting Rod, Honey Pearl, 7'4"
Feature 1
Has super-premium 100% linear S-Glass construction
Feature 2
Comes with Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) Tooling Technology
Superior Performance
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St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod Medium/Moderate , Mojo Green Metallic, 7'2"
Feature 1
Fuji DPS reel seat with black hood, Select-grip, premium-grade cork handle
Feature 2
Exclusive hook-keeper, two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
Best Rod for Inshore Fishing
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Gloomis Fishing E6X 782C F Inshore [12751-01]
Feature 1
Comes with lengths and actions for inshore fishing
Feature 2
Lightweight with tremendous strength, Cork grips

Crankbait fishing is a great way to catch a lot of fish, but it can be hard to find the right rod.

We all know that crankbaits are an essential part of any good fisherman’s arsenal, but what kind of rod should you use?

Choose the best crankbait rod that suits your style from our list of the best products to buy today!

7 Best Crankbait Rods 2023

1. St. Croix Rods Legend Glass Rod

Lamborghini Equivalent of Crankbait Rods

Sale
St. Croix Rods Legend Glass Casting Rod, Honey Pearl, 7’4″
  • SUPER-PREMIUM 100% LINEAR S-GLASS CONSTRUCTION: Stronger,…
  • INTEGRATED POLY CURVE (IPC) TOOLING TECHNOLOGY: Eliminates…
  • FEATURES: Fuji K-Series tangle-free guides w/ Alconite Rings…

Key Features:

  • This has super-premium 100% linear S-Glass construction
  • Comes with Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) Tooling Technology
  • With Fuji K-Series tangle-free guides w/ Alconite Rings

The award-winning Legend Glass rod series has redefined performance in crankbait fishing. Its unbelievably lightweight linear S-glass blank, created with IPC mandrel technology, is the reason behind this fishing pole’s meteoric rise to the top. 

This cranking rod is designed for crankbaits and other lures, ideally matched to a moderate action rod.

The care and technology that go into this casting rod will ensure that you are ready to reel in all sorts of fish that catch your line.


2. St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod

Lightweight Rod with Superior Performance

Sale
St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Glass Casting Rod Medium/Moderate , Mojo Green Metallic, 7’2″
  • SUPER-PREMIUM 100% LINEAR S-GLASS CONSTRUCTION: Stronger,…
  • INTEGRATED POLY CURVE (IPC) TOOLING TECHNOLOGY: Eliminates…
  • FEATURES: Kigan Master Hand 3D guides featuring slim, strong…

Key Features

  • This features Kigan Master Hand 3D guides featuring slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings
  • Fuji DPS reel seat with black hood, Select-grip, premium-grade cork handle
  • Exclusive hook-keeper, Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish

The Mojo Bass Glass rod is revamped and improved with St Croix’s exclusive Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel technology combined with super-premium, 100% linear S-glass.

This fishing rod provides exemplary performance with all crankbaits. Great to use for bass fishing.

The rod excels with lures ideally matched to a moderate action rod. The care and technology that go into this rod will ensure that you are ready to reel in all sorts of bass that catch your line.


3. G. Loomis E6X Inshore Rod

Best Rod for Inshore Fishing

Gloomis Fishing E6X 843C Mf Inshore [12753-01]
  • E6X 843C MF
  • Multi-Taper Design: A series of micro-tapers within the…
  • LURE WEIGHT: 1/4-5/8

Key Features

  • It comes with lengths and actions for inshore fishing
  • It is lightweight with tremendous strength cork grips
  • Amazing sensibility, Fuji aluminum oxide guides

The G. Loomis E6X Inshore fishing rods feature multi-taper technology, which reduces weight and increases sensitivity.  It also has a surprising power-to-weight ratio for handling numerous inshore species. 

They have a selection of lengths and tapers to provide anglers with an option for the varying techniques and presentations required for inshore success!

This rod provides anglers with an opportunity to experience the legendary G.Loomis performance and quality at a very reasonable price!


4. Shimano SLX Baitcasting Rods

Best Rod for Beginners

Key Features

  • Has a 24-Ton Graphite Blank
  • Comes with Titanium Oxide Guides
  • With High-density EVA material grips

The Shimano SLX Baitcasting Rod offers anglers many lengths, powers, and actions to cover a diverse range of techniques.

It is built with several quality components and materials, including a custom Shimano Reel seat, titanium oxide guides for years of dependable performance, and comfortable high-density EVA grips that pair perfectly with the sleek cosmetics of SLX.

The high-quality 24-ton graphite SLX blanks deliver the optimal blend of strength, sensitivity, and action.


5. Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rods

Best Rod For Affordability and Durability

Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod, 6’6″ – Medium Heavy – 2pc
  • Durable, lightweight fishing rod offers a balanced feel for…
  • Virtually indestructible blank construction with a…
  • Clear tip design delivers added responsiveness and strength

Key Feature

  • Has durable and lightweight EVA grips
  • Comes with Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for extra strength, sensitivity
  • Features new one-piece stainless steel guides to eliminate insert pop-outs and can be used with all types of lines

The Ugly Stik GX2 combines the heritage and tradition of the original brand while maintaining the strength and durability Ugly Stik are known for.

This quality crankbait rod offers better balance for a lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics.


6. Abu Garcia IKE Signature Power Casting Rod

Best Rod For Design and Balance

Abu Garcia MIKEC710-6 Baitcasting Fishing Rods, 7’10”-Medium-Heavy
  • Lightweight 36-ton graphite for increased sensitivity
  • Fuji reel seat for greater comfort
  • Durable stainless-steel guides with Zirconium inserts

Key Features

  • It is a 36-Ton graphite lightweight, balanced design with increased sensitivity
  • It comes with a Fuji reel seat for greater comfort
  • Has Mike Iaconelli designed actions

The Abu Garcia IKE Signature Series of rods results from over five years of intensive research and development with MLF Pro Mike Iaconelli.

The brand worked directly with Mike to design and dial in specific actions that cater to his fishing style. 

For the Power series of crankbait rods, the blank construction consists of 36-ton high modulus graphite. Fuji® reel seats and stainless steel guides.

Mike’s certain cosmetics set these rods apart from the competition. With a full assortment of 23 different models, Ike’s Signature Series gives the right cranking rods meant for every type of angler.


7. Dobyns Rod Fury Series 6’6” Casting Rod

Best Rod for Medium-Sized Crankbaits

Sale
Dobyns Rods Fury Series 6’6” Casting Fishing Rod | FR663C | Med-Heavy Fast Action | Modulus Graphite Blank with Kevlar Wrapping | Fuji Reel Seats | Baitcasting Rod | Line 10-17lb Lure ¼-¾oz., Black/Green (FR 663C)
  • BUILT FOR: Senkos, Jigs, Flukes, Texas-rigs, and…
  • EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY: Dobyns Rods are designed & created by…
  • PINPOINT ACCURACY: Constructed by anglers, this perfectly…

Key Features

  • It comes with Kevlar wrapping
  • Built-in AA-grade high-density cork grips
  • Features high modulus graphite blanks

The Dobyns Rod Fury Series is sensitive, light, strong, and balanced at an exceptional value! Dobyns rods’ new fury Series boasts those essential features that anglers demand.

High modulus graphite blank, Fuji reel seat, Kevlar wrapping, and AA-grade cork grip with a hi-density Hypalon butt. 

This rod is a medium-heavy fast action casting recommended for 10-17 lb line and 1/4-3/4 oz lure weight, making it a good crankbait rod and recommended for bass fishing.


best crankbait rod
Source: Canva Pro

What to Consider When Buying the Best Crankbait Rod

Power

The size of the line and its total weight have an impact on the cranking rod’s power. Its power determines the speed of action you get from your rod.

In principle, a rod with a greater power rating will be considerably slower than one with a lower power rating.

Weight

If you want to go deep-sea fishing with your crankbait, you’ll need a stronger lure. However, this will harm handling, but if you’re an experienced angler, you’ll be able to make good use of it.

Price

Pricing isn’t necessarily an essential factor because many individuals are willing to pay a premium if the rod quality is worth it. However, you must still consider all of your alternatives and select something that fits inside your budget.

Water Environment

Some rods may be used in every type of water. However, getting something particular to your destination is beneficial. For example, if you want to fish in saltwater, you should invest in a saltwater-specific rod. 

Don’t forget to do the same with fresh water. If you’re on the ice, though, you’ll need a cordless drill to drill holes using an ice auger.

Materials

The two most common materials utilized in today’s rods are graphite and fiberglass. Each has its own set of benefits, and most anglers strongly favor one over the other.  

A fiberglass rod is popular among crankbait anglers because it has a slower, more moderate motion. Fiberglass rods have the disadvantage of being heavier and less responsive than graphite.

Length

Length varies between 6 and 8 feet. Your requirements should determine the size of the rod. When the rod length is lengthy, the casting distance will be appropriate.

Deep-diving crankbaits allow you to leave the bait in the water for an extended length of time. When you use shorter rods, on the other hand, the casting will be highly accurate.

Strength of the Line

It’s also a good idea to verify the line’s strength before purchasing a rod. Weight and length are also factors in determining strength.

Make sure your bar is somewhat heavier if you want it to have more force and hurl in the main game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crankbait?

Crankbaits are used to catch fish at different depths. The depth that the bait can reach is determined by the length and angle of the plastic lip.
Plastic lips that are longer and less slanted plunge deeper than lips that are short and sharply angled.

Do you need a crankbait rod?

This rod may be utilized for a wide range of purposes. Depending on the sort of fish you want to catch, you should pick the most appropriate pole. Using the proper type of crankbait fishing rods will result in a fantastic performance.
The rod should have enough motion to allow you to catch fish quickly. If there is too much motion on the crankbait rod, the fish will escape. 

Conclusion

Now, keep in mind that there are several variables to consider when selecting a decent crankbait rod. An angler who determines the length, power, action, and materials required for the circumstances has a leg up on the competition. 

Having the right gear increases confidence, which, like anything else in fishing, leads to better success. Anglers that use the best crankbait rods will have a lot of fun on the water. So think about it before you decide.

Diana Nadim
Fishing Expert
Diana began fishing at the age of seven, as it has been a long-time family tradition. From catching small bullheads to catching strippers on the backwaters of Bighorn, she loves to get out in the wild and have a marvelous day on the water. Her dad was an expert angler, and he taught her fishing along with her two siblings. They used to go to the Bighorn River in Montana and Henry’s fork, Idaho. As a pragmatic person, she is obsessed with creating well-researched and practical guides and reviews of the best fishing methods and gear.
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Articles » Gear Reviews » 7 Best Crankbait Rods 2023 (Reviews & Buying Guide)