Compared to other fishing rods, crankbait rods are softer. The parabolic bend is similar throughout the length, which absorbs energy and keeps fish hooked on the small treble. But what is the best length for a crankbait rod?
The best length of a crankbait rod is between 6.5 feet to about 8 feet. It should not be too long or too short. Otherwise, it will affect your fishing performance. Choose a particular crankbait rod length depending on the casting distance, sensitivity, accuracy, hook-setting power, fishing skills, and techniques.
Why Is The Length Of Crankbait Rod Important In Fishing?
The following factors will give a precise idea of why the length of the crankbait rod matters in fishing.
01. Casting Distance
Wondering how the length of your crankbait rod will affect your fishing?
Longer crankbait rods will offer longer casting to present the lure further with better retrieval.
It generally comes in handy when you are fishing from a pier or the shore
On the contrary, shorter crankbait rods won’t be a problem when you are fishing from a close-by area.
It gives you better control over your fishing line. You can feel the movement of your bait more effortlessly. It comes in handy to detect bites swiftly.
Plus, shorter crankbait rods are a great choice to approach fish more stealthily.
| Casting Distance | Range (in feet) | Suitable Fishing Techniques | Rod Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longer | 50-100+ | Surf fishing, deep sea fishing, trolling | 9-14 feet |
| Mid-range | 30-50 | Bass fishing, trout fishing, walleye fishing | 6-8 feet |
| Shorter | 10-30 | Fly fishing, small stream fishing, dock fishing | 4-6 feet |
02. Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a crankbait rod allows an angler to feel the vibration and pick up bait from the water at the right time.
Unless your crankbait rod has enough sensitivity, you will fail to feel and retain the lure at the bottom precisely.
Compared to longer crankbait rods, shorter ones have more sensitivity. You must be wondering why right?
The primary reason for increased sensitivity in shorter crankbait rods is their reduced weight and shorter length.
The subtle vibrations can move the shorter fishing rod more quickly. That’s why anglers feel more sensitivity.
03. Accuracy
Longer crankbait rods offer increased casting distance. But they might not be as accurate as shorter crankbait rods.
The increased tip movement of tip movement may result in overshooting or undershooting the target through the bait.
On the contrary, shorter crankbait rods offer better accuracy because more length of the fishing rod is close to you.
You will get more accurate casting with shorter crankbait rods for shorter casting distances.
However, your fishing techniques and skills will determine how accurate you will be your fishing accuracy.
04. Hook-setting power
It is crucial to set the hook correctly to catch more fish.
Once the fish bite the lure, you want to set the hook promptly.
Surely, the power and action of a fishing rod will affect its hook-setting ability.
But you can’t still overlook the length of a crankbait rod.
Compared to shorter crankbait rods, longer rods can give you more leverage in setting up the hook effortlessly, especially on a long cast or when fishing in deeper water.
05. Bait Control
The length of a crankbait rod can impact how well an angler can control their bait.
A longer crankbait rod is a bit tricky to control if you use it for fishing in tight spaces or when fishing around cover.
In contrast, shorter crank bait rods are a great choice for precise bait placement.
However, considering the structure of the fishing water and fish species is crucial.
What Is The Best Length For Crankbait Rod?
The average length of a good crankbait rod ranges from 7 feet to 7 feet 11 inches.
But it can be between 6.5 feet to about 8 feet.
Before choosing a particular length of crankbait rod, you want to consider some crucial aspects.
01. Your Fishing Technique
What fishing technique do you regularly follow?
Matching your fishing technique with the fishing rod length is a good rule of thumb.
For example, anglers who use a good amount of wrist actions should use shorter fishing rods.
This will make them accustomed to the movements that fishing puts them through, even if they are not regular fishermen.
On the contrary, use longer fishing rods if you are power anglers who love longer casting motion.
The main advantage of a longer fish rod is that it allows you to keep the lures in front of more fish, more often, for more hours of the day.
02. Consider Your Crankbaits Size
Another important factor is considering the size of the crankbait.
Crankbaits are available in various sizes, from 1 inch to 12 inches or more.
For example, musky fish species need 4-12 inches of crankbaits, whereas Crappie needs only 1-3 inches.
They also vary in their weight. It can be anywhere from 1/4-ounce up to 1-ounce or more.
If you use lighter crankbaits, shorter crankbait rods come in handy as they have higher sensitivity.
On the contrary, heavier crankbaits require increased power and control. So, you want to use larger crankbait rods.
A solid rule of thumb is to use longer fishing rods for larger crankbaits and shorter ones for smaller ones.
03. Determine Your Preferred Casting Distance
The average casting distance is around 25 to 30 yards.
However, it can be 30-40 yards or more, depending on the tackle and wind conditions.
If you prefer casting from a longer distance, your crankbait rod should be long enough to deliver additional casting distance,
The main advantage of a longer fishing rod is to cast farther and reach more remote spots.
So, how does a longer rod benefits you in longer casting? A length of fishing gear can form a huger arc during load.
Hence, it helps generates increased initial speed for the fishing sinker.
If you prefer shorter casting, smaller fishing rods are okay. It is invariably more effective, accurate, and comfortable than longer ones.
It allows you to impart a lot of the action while fish is in tight swims, under tree cover, or with far more stealth.
04. Consider The Particular Fish Species You Plan To Target
The size and weight of Fish Species vary among them.
Generally, bulky fish will need longer and heavier crankbait fishing rods to handle their weight and power.
You will get more leverage, especially on a hook set that requires proper time and technique.
Another important thing is the fighting characteristics of various fish species.
For example, Siamese fish is pretty aggressive. They frequently jump and do long runs to fight vigorously.
You want to use longer and stiffer crankbait rods to keep tension on the line.
05. Test Out Different Lengths
Before choosing a particular fishing rod length, you want to test out various sizes of crank bait rods.
It will help you determine which length works best for your fishing technique.
Give more importance to comfort, casting performance, sensitivity, and durability.
You don’t want to overlook the water’s depth and structure.
For example, longer crank bait rods are necessary for fishing in deeper water.
Likewise, shorter crankbait rods are necessary for fishing in water rocks or logs. It gives you more leverage for precise and accurate casting.
How Does The Rod Length Of A Crankbait Affect Your Fishing Performance?
Choosing the wrong rod length fishing rod will affect your fishing performance negatively.
The following are two crucial aspects that affect the most in your fishing performance.
01. Hookset
A longer rod can provide a longer lever arm, allowing an angler to set the hook with more force.
It is especially important when fishing with baits or lures that require a hard hookset, such as topwater baits or jigs.
However, a longer rod can also make it more difficult to detect subtle bites, especially when fishing in heavy cover or with a lot of lines out.
02. Fish Fighting
A longer rod can provide more leverage and power when fighting a fish,
It allows an angler to apply more pressure and tire the fish out more quickly.
It comes in handy when fishing for larger, stronger fish, such as bass, pike, or musky.
However, a longer rod can also be more difficult to control, especially in windy conditions or when fishing in tight spaces.
Is a Shorter Or Longer Crankbait Rod Better For Fishing?
Your casting power and distance are often affected by your crankbait rod length. It will also affect your hook-setting abilities.
When To Use Shorter Crankbait Rod?
A short crankbait rod is around 6 to 7 feet long. It is a better choice in close range.
The main advantage of this type of fishing rod is its better casts with a shorter range.
Besides, shorter crankbait rods offer more accurate casts. They are effortless to manage and offer increased maneuverability.
You will need minimal energy to put them into motion and control them effortlessly. Anglers don’t have to worry about control and leverage.
Besides, shorter crankbait rods have pretty good sensitivity. You will get a solid feel for everything, whether rock, weed, or bite.
Their soft, forgiving action makes them an effective choice for jigging.
You can also rely on shorter crankbait rods for powerful pulling to turn fish headed toward the structure.
When To Use Longer Crankbait Rod?
A longer crankbait rod is around 7 to 8 feet long. It gives more leverage on hook-setting with increased power to move the fishing line faster with minimal energy.
You will appreciate its improved and consistent pressure on your targeted fish.
Compared to shorter crankbait rods, it will flex less. Plus, this type of rod is highly versatile. It creates a quieter entry when casting.
Anglers can maintain a precise line and keep the last portion of the rod contacted with the water for a long time.
Besides, you have to worry less about breakage because a heavy and long longer crankbait rod distributes the force over an increased distance and a number of guides.
Another advantage of longer crankbait rods is keeping your fishing line above the waves
After keeping it above the waves, it decreases the drag on your fishing line in the water.
Closing Thought
Crankbait rods were first used in the early 1900s and made from wood. Over the years, it has evolved greatly in size, materials, shape, features, and technologies.
When it comes to choosing the best length for a crankbait rod, anglers have to consider many important aspects mentioned above.
It is best to take time to consider all the crucial points before selecting a particular option. This will help you get the best bang.
