If one of the things that you enjoy the most is fishing then you know that there are particular tools that the fisherman needs to use for various types of fishing. For a specific type of fishing, there is a specific line-up of equipment that one needs to employ. One such piece of equipment is a crankbait rod. There are many fishers who use the traditional rod for every type of fishing and they are unable to get the results which they desire. To avoid such a glitch and get the result that you want, using the best crankbait rod under 100 is a good option.
Crankbait Rod is not like the traditional fishing rod which uses worms and live baits. It has got a design to specifically handle crankbaits. The size of the rod is a bit shorter and is slightly stiff too which works only with crankbait enabling the fisher to easily set the hook, experience minor snags, and better casting experience.
The only problem that you can face is while choosing the ideal crankbait rod out of many options available out there. It is where; we come in to help you out find the best crankbait rod under 100 which suits your needs the most.
Learning About Crankbait Rod
The first thing to note here is that a crankbait rod is not for live baits. Instead, it is for the crankbait which consists of a variety of different baits having a shape that lets it dive properly underwater and has a flat plastic lip at the front part.
If we talk about the shape of the rod, then a crankbait rod goes taper at the shaft. In simple words, the lower portion of the rod is a bit wider than the upper portion. The taper-end means that the end is thinner which allows flexibility to the rod, giving you the ‘action’ you desire. The speed of the rod, we are talking about here, refers to the flick action.
The stiffness is another characteristic of the crankbait rod which makes it different from the traditional casting rod. It is a bit stiffer than the latter that results in putting lesser pressure on the fish and easily reeling the fish when it catches the bait.
The length of the crankbait rod is also shorter than the casting rod as its height mostly remains around six to eight feet long. The quality of short rods like these is that it works as a lever and offers great accuracy while fishing in tight spaces. You can opt for longer casting rods for better power and faster line pulling, but in that case, you have to trade-off some important features like accuracy, transportability, and efficiency in fighting the fish in tight quarters.
If we discuss the rod power, take a close look at the rating of the rod to pick an ideal one i.e. medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy. The size of the rod depends on your choice of lure weight along with the line size. You can easily make the determination of lure weight and line size by simply reading the specifications given over the packing of the rod. If there is any confusion in your mind regarding the size then a simple rule is that always choose the one which is a bit heavier.
When it comes to sensitivity then graphite rods are more sensitive than the crankbait rod. But, the thing with crankbait rod is that it puts less pressure on the fish which reduces the chances of losing it and hence, the rod is made of fiberglass material.
All in all, the crankbait rod has got a smoother as well as slower feel, in comparison to other types of rods, which gives you enough time to try out all your actions to catch the fish. The rod provides smoothness while reeling-in the fish which reduces the chances of a giant fish to slip from the hook.
Pros and Cons
While taking a decision of buying a fishing rod, a crankbait rod is surely one on your list to choose from. If you will know the pros and cons of the crankbait rod then it will help you take a more judicious decision. So here are the advantage and disadvantages of a crankbait rod:
Pros:
One of the things that you should know is that the engineering of crankbait rods is done in such a way that they complete their job efficiently and hence, one can only use crankbaits on these rods and not live baits and worms. The casting distance of a crankbait rod is much better and greater than the traditional casting rods. The smooth and soft action together with appropriate flexing of the rod provides desirable energy to the rod which makes working with it much easier.
With such energy, the casting can be done similar to a slingshot action in which there is a conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy resulting in a smooth and strong casting. The improvement in the distance of casting can be done by pairing the crankbait rod with a nice cranking reel.
When you will try to use a crankbait with the usual casting rod then you will observe a lot of snagging. This ruins your fishing experience and you spend most of your time fixing the snags rather than fishing. A crankbait rod is specifically for using crankbaits and reduces the frequency of snagging and provides smoothness to the crankbait. The designing of crankbait rods is done in such a way that it has got a soft tip which gives enough time for the bait to repulse the objects and have a smooth run.
The hooks on the crankbaits are made of superior quality material. The soft tip of your rod provides sufficient pause for the fish to properly wrap its mouth around the hook and allows you to have a good grip. The problem that you will face while using a combination of fast action rod and a quick hookset is that it will result in snatching the bait out of the mouth of your target. The crankbait rod handles this whole process efficiently by slowing it down.
Cons
The problem that you’ll mainly face while using a crankbait rod is in relation to casting. There are a lot of long casting rods available in the market and crankbait rods are much shorter than that. The designing of crankbait rods is done keeping in mind the factors like accuracy during close casting, or casting where there is a lot of obstruction. Hence, crankbait rods can only reach to a distance of around eight feet. Such a limit to the casting distance can hamper your fishing experience sometimes and for greater casting distance, you’ll have to switch to a different rod.
Another thing to point out here is that sometimes the stiffness and slow action of the crankbait rods can affect the sensitivity of rod making it less sensitive.
Picking The Right Crankbait Rod
As you have understood about what crankbait rod actually means and what makes it different from other traditional casting rods, it’s time for us to see what things one must consider while picking up the best crankbait rod under 100:
Rod Action
The first thing to consider while picking up your ideal crankbait rod is the rod action. The action, we are talking about here, is from where the rod will start to bend. A fast action rod starts bending near to the tip of the rod and a slow action rod starts bending from the base to the tip of the rod.
Generally, the majority of the fishermen like to choose the rods with moderate to moderate-fast action. The reason behind this is that in the process of retrieval of crankbait, there is a requirement of a bit more stiffness or backbone. If you are using an aggressive lip on your crankbait rod which dives deep under the water then a rod with light action will not work because it will not have the stiffness which we require. Hence, a moderate action rod is what you will choose on a minimum basis because a slow action rod will not work in most of the cases.
As the rod with light action will not work, similarly the rods with too much fast action will also not work. The thing with fast action rods is that when the fish is caught in the hook, fast action increases the probability of hook coming loose as there will be a lack of shock absorption capability. For better shock absorption, it is not advisable to use a rod with fast action.
When you are using a rod with a moderate action, it will give you the desirable backbone along with some flexibility for shock absorption. In addition to this, it will cover a greater distance, in comparison to the fast action rod, which will allow you to cover greater water area and will make sure that your crankbait goes down much deeper as per the rate of retrieval.
Rod Power
Rod power here means the amount of pressure or the force which it takes to make the rod bend or flex. The rod power comes written on the blank near the handle of the rod. The power of the rod depends totally upon the line weight together with lure weights that the fishermen use with the rod. The rating is given on the rod usually specifies the upper limit or a range is given between which the rod operates the best. It is advisable to choose the rod with medium to heavy power for best results.
Strength Of Line
When you are going to buy a crankbait rod then you must consider the strength of the line which works best for your rod. You can pick a heavy, thick line or can opt for a lighter line as per your need. A heavier or thicker line is much more durable than a lighter line and it is good to catch big fishes. When you are fishing at someplace when there are structures or some weed beds then it is better to go for a heavier line. On the other hand, a lighter line works well when you want to cast to a greater distance and much deeper under the water. The only problem that you’ll face while using a lighter line is that it snaps easily. Hence, it’s up to you which strength line you choose to depend on your ability and environment in which you are going to fish.
Lure Weights
Crankbait rods work only with crankbaits and not with live lures. Crankbait generally weighs in ounces. The heavier weights can dive deeper into the water and are more suitable to fish giant rough fishes. The lightweight crankbaits work well when fishing in shallow water and even floats on the surface of the water.
Rod Length
The length of the crankbait rod usually ranges between 6 feet 6inches to 8 feet. The rod length mainly determines the casting length i.e. how far is the ability of the rod to cast the line and its accuracy. The longer rods can cast to a greater distance and the short rods are good for smaller areas. The shorter rods can cast with greater accuracy in comparison to the longer rods. For deeper casting, it is better to use longer rods.
Durability Of Components
Every fisherman does not want to invest in a new crankbait rod after some time of use and hence, one should always consider the rod which has got durable components. This decision becomes more important if you are fishing in saltwater. If the components of your rod are not of premium quality then they will corrode due to the salt content in the water which will lower the lifespan of your fishing rod. Hence, while picking up a crankbait rod, always take a look at the material of components and choose the ones which are made from stainless steel, titanium, and zirconium fill-in.
Product Review
1. LEW’S FISHING Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Stick Series
When it comes to crankbait rods then LEW’S FISHING Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Stick Series is a well-known name in the market. The construction of the rod is durable at it is made from the premium IM8 graphite one-piece blank. Handling and controlling the rod is very easy as it comes with split grip Dri- Tac handles which provides amazing control in any type of weather. Using this rod, you can easily cover a great distance and with amazing casting accuracy. To minimize the distraction from wind and to prevent any wind knots, the rod comes with the American Tackle Guide System. The positioning of the first guide is pretty strategic as it serves as a small funnel. This enables the line to move smoothly through all the diameter guides which are present alongside the plank. In addition to these, the rod package includes skeletal graphite reel seats and features Blue Winn handles along with hook keepers of professional style. It comes with a one year warranty.
Pros:
- Premium quality rod construction.
- It has features like the American Tackle Microwave Guide system for improvement in casting distance and accuracy.
- It comes with split grip Dri-Tac handles.
Cons:
- The tip of the rod is a bit stiff.
2. Ardent Denny Brauer Crankbait Rod
The Ardent Denny Brauer Crankbait Rod is an ultimate medium-action baitcasting rod with a length of 7 feet and 6 inches. It is a nice rod that enables the fisherman to draw the fish from any angle he wants. The rod offers moderate to slower action which reduces the amount of friction resulting in improvement in the hook. The construction of the crankbait rod is also superior and durable as it is a one-piece product made with light in weight IM-8 graphite. The guides are also high-quality as it is made of Fuji aluminum oxide line. If you are fishing for a long period of time then also you’ll not experience any type of hand fatigue as the rod features cork split grip for enhancing hand comfort. 3 years warranty comes with this fishing rod.
Pros:
- The designing of the rod is such that it can conveniently catch big fishes.
- The guides, as well as grips, are of premium quality.
Cons:
- The test rating is not present on the rod.
- The positioning of the lure hook on the rod is not optimal.
3. Lew’s Fishing David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Speed Stick Series Rod
The Lew’s Fishing David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Speed Stick Series Rod is a nice heavy action rod with an amazing construction from premium 42 million modulus graphite/glass composite which provides strength as well as the flexibility to the rod. The lure rating is pretty good that scales from 1/4th to 3. For enhancing the casting experience and smooth flow of line the rod comes with guides that are made of rugged stainless steel frames having some inserts of aluminum oxide. Even if you are making casts continuously then also compromise will not be made from your comfort as the rod offers light in weight graphite reel seats along with cushioning on hoods of stainless steel.
Pros:
- The rod is budget-friendly.
- It comes with a one-year warranty.
- It provides a high level of comfort.
Cons:
- The handling of this rod needs to be done with care as it is delicate and might break.
4. Shimano Sellus crankbait cast rod
If you are Bass fisherman then the Shimano Sellus Crankbait Cast Rod is an ideal option for you as its designing is done in such a way that it is fit for any kind of bass fishing technique. Sensitivity and lightweight of the rod are taken care of by using 24-ton graphite planks. For improving comfortability along with providing ideal balance, the rod comes with high-end reel seats. This rod is durable and a long-lasting one as it has guides of aluminum oxide which helps in providing heat dissipation along with corrosion resistance to the line. For better grip and comfort while holding the rod, the usage of comfy EVA foam rubber grips is done which provides a nice grip even if your hands are wet. To handle the offshore conditions, there is the incorporation of the split grip style handle. In addition to these, the rod has features like a multi-purpose hook keeper, a badge with laser-etched technique, and a warranty that lasts for one year.
Pros:
- High-quality construction.
- High-end durability.
- Comfort in handling the rod.
- Convenience in handling big fishes.
- Its usage can be done in various conditions.
- Suitable for almost all types of bass fishing techniques.
Cons:
- There is some problem with the reel seat as it unscrews sometime. One needs to check the reel seat continuously while using the rod.
5. Wright and McGill Skeet Reese S-Glass Crank Bait Rod
If you are looking for a high-end angler gear that suits almost all techniques of fishing then the Wright and McGill Skeet Reese S-Glass Crankbait Rod is the one for you. This rod is well-known for its reliability, durability, as well as high in class strength. The company field tests the rod thoroughly to ensure it can work efficiently in any condition and can compete against the best crankbait rods. To ensure premium strength, power while lifting, sensitiveness, flexibility, and reduction in weight, the rod comes with an S-Curve blank. For improving the balance and reducing the weight, the rod provides a split handle design. For comfortable gripping experience, the rod comes with revolutionary molded-rubber handles. The performance of the rod is pretty good and no compromise has been made with durability, thanks to its large fighting butt.
Pros:
- The sensitivity level is pretty good.
- Build quality is also good ensuring durability.
- Comfort in usage and also light in weight.
- Nice fishing experience due to the flexible tip.
Cons:
- Lightweight crankbaits are challenging to cast.
6. Ugly Stik Elite Casting Rod
Another lightweight great performance stick is the Ugly Stik Elite Casting Rod which is known to provide you memorable fishing experience. It provides you with extra strength whenever you need it using its solid lightweight construction from graphite. It is also very apt when it comes to sensitivity and toughness. Durability is taken care of by incorporating one-piece stainless steel guides and does not have the problem of insert pop-outs. Its other features include blank style reel seats along with cushioning over the stainless steel hoods to provide the fisherman with utmost comfort while fishing. Premium cork grips are also a part of the rod. This 7-inch tall stick comes with a lure rating ¼ to ¾ and line rating of 10 to 20. It is a fast action rod that is available in power options of medium and high.
Pros:
- Clear tip design provides strength as well as sensitivity to the rod.
- Ugly tech construction using graphite.
- Durability is taken care of using the Ugly tuff one-piece guides of stainless steel.
Cons:
- Guides are slightly off the center, although not a significant problem as this does not affect the performance much.
7. Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Fishing Rod
The Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Fishing Rod is an ideal rod for crankbait fishing and on-the-water applications. Don’t go on its low price, the rod offers pretty good features at an economical price. The construction of the rod is done using the 24-ton high modulus graphite which makes the rod lightweight, durable, and also gives you a responsive feel. Catching big fish becomes very convenient as the rod can withstand heavy line pressure using its stainless steel guides having inserts of titanium in it. Long hours of fishing can be tiring and uncomfortable, but with high-density EVA handles, the rod provides the comfort you need. A variety of bait applications are possible with its Texas-rigged hook keeper. The rod is available in six length models that range between 6 feet 6 inches to 7 feet 6 inches. To offer a nice reel fit, the rod comes with a micro click reel seat hood design. It comes with a warranty of 3 years.
Pros:
- Lightweight makes the rod easy to use.
- It offers a nice balance as well as strength.
- Durable stainless steel frame with inserts of zirconium.
- Amazing gripping using the high-density EVA.
- Micro click reel hood design provides good pairing between the rod and the reel.
Cons:
- It is a one-piece rod; two-pieces would have given it more flexibility.
8. Falcon Rods HD Casting Rod
Falcon Rods HD Casting Rod may look like a normal ordinary name but this rod has got some extra-ordinary features. The rod comes with 100 percent graphite blanks which make its weight very light. The original Fuji guides provide durability and strength to the rod. Natural cork handles along with Fuji blank seats will not make your fishing experience tiring, instead provide you with easy to use and comfortability. Blank-through seat design is one of the vital features in it which most of the well-known rod manufacturers employ. This feature offers you improvement in the responsiveness of the rod and a better connection with the rod blank. This one-piece rod is 6 feet 6 inches tall and has a line rating of 8-17 lbs. along with a lure rating of ¼ to ½ oz.
Pros:
- Lightweight rod with 100 percent graphite blank.
- Fuji guides provide durability and strength.
- It comes with a natural cork handle.
- It has a Fuji-exposed blank reel seat.
Cons:
- A short handle may not be ideal for all fishing situations.
9. Abu Garcia Veritas Winch Crankbait Casting Rod
The Abu Garcia Veritas Winch Crankbait Casting Rod is a new addition to the line-up of Abu Garcia Casting Rods which has brought-in the next level of strength as well as sensitivity. The 3.0 version of this series is built with 30 ton of graphite blank which comes along with Abu Gracia’s signature Armor technology. This gives the rod ultimate strength as well as durability. The direct connection to the reel is taken care of by the micro click reel seat which provides comfort and sensitivity during long hours of fishing. The crankbait can be cast to greater distance and with utmost accuracy using the robotically-optimized casting system guides. In addition to this, the rod comes with high-density EVA and a warranty of 3 years. This is a game-changing rod available at an affordable price.
Pros:
- The rod provides high-end durability using the sublayer armor.
- For extra comfort together with a secure fit, the rod comes with Up locking ratcheting reel seat.
- Great balance and lightweight due to guides of a titanium alloy having inserts of ultra-light zirconium.
- It comes with a hook keeper to support all types of bait applications.
Cons:
- The grip might seem to be a bit fat.
- The reel seat is a bit heavy.
10. Favorite White Bird Casting Rods
When it comes to versatility in crankbait fishing, which every degree of angler wants, then the Favourite White Bird Casting Rods is the word that comes in mind. This is one of the most popular rods of Favourite’s which provides value-driven design. The construction of this rod is done using the IM24 ton carbon. The rod comes with features like Multi-Layer Structure technology in which usage of various carbon modulus as well as direction is done to increase the strength of the rod together with improvement in the torsional load resistance. For improvement in the accuracy of casting and casting the bait to greater length, the company has put into use SiC guides. Comfortability is given special importance by the incorporation of cork split grips.
Pros:
- High-quality rod.
- Usage of IM24 ton carbon.
- Multi-Layer Structure Technology for additional strength.
- SiC guides for better casting experience and accuracy.
- Cork split grips for comfort.
Cons:
- Its medium-heavy model feels more like a medium model.