Do you know which thing impacts the most about casting performance in your fishing rod and its power? Well, the fishing rod action will determine flexibility and how much control you will have over the fish. But what action rod is best for crankbaits?
Using medium-heavy or heavy-action fishing rods for crankbaits is a good rule of thumb. Medium-heavy action rods are a better choice for open areas due to their increased flexibility, forgiveness, and flex. In contrast, heavy action rods appear good for fishing areas with hard and thick covers.
What Action Rod Is Best For Crankbaits?
Most expert anglers recommended using medium-heavy or heavy-action fishing rods for crankbaits.
Let’s figure out the ideal fishing conditions to use each type of fishing rod.
When to Use Medium-Heavy Action Fishing Rod for Crankbaits?
Do you regularly fish in lakes or any artificial holes in the ice? If so, medium-heavy action fishing rods are the best choice. They have a generous amount of flexibility and sensitivity.
The best part is that medium-heavy action rods are highly forgiving and flexible. It will bend past the tip and into the middle.
They have less tendency to throw crankbaits from your hook. New anglers even can use them effortlessly in various harsh movements without tugging and ripping.
Medium-heavy action fishing rods are also a great choice if you are fishing from shore while standing on some sort of dry land or close to it.
You can use this fishing action rod for lures with treble hooks and any lures weighing over ¼ of an ounce.
After all, it has adequate hook-setting power to cast big lures and handle heavy fish.
Besides, this type of action road will provide anglers with a little more casting distance. It will help you reach more fish by covering more water.
When to Use Heavy Action Fishing Rod When to Use?
Does the fishing spot you are fishing at have any covers, such as docks, weeds, rocks, etc.? They may also have hyacinth mats, a thick bush or laydown tree, grass, etc.
A heavy-action fishing rod is the best choice for any object on the fishing surface.
Unless your fishing rod is strong enough, getting the fish out from a thick, heavy cover under the water is hard.
Heavy action fishing rods will be useful, especially for large game fishing, such as pike, largemouth bass, stripe, etc.
One key advantage of heavy-action fishing rods is their ability to rapidly get the fish’s head up and out.
You can imagine the importance of choosing a heavy-action fishing rod when playing with bigger fish and lures. The lures’ weight can be one ounce or more.
| Rod Action | Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Slow | Bottom Fishing |
| Medium | All-Purpose Fishing |
| Fast | Casting and Jigging |
| Extra Fast | Lure Fishing |
What Size Rod Is Best For Crankbaits?
The length of a fishing rod is another crucial aspect because it greatly influences casting distance, accuracy, and hook set leverage.
The main advantage of longer fishing rods is more casting ability from a far distant place.
A longer fishing rod offers better range and accuracy. It is especially handy for covering huge fishing zones like crankbaits or spinnerbaits.
A fishing rod can be anywhere from 4 to 15 feet. You can’t choose a too-long fishing rod for crankbaits because it will affect your controlling ability.
You will get less maneuverability to control them due to their heavier weight. It will cause fatigue during long fishing trips.
So, what size fishing rod is ideal for crankbaits? Most expert anglers recommended choosing a fishing rod within 7.5 feet long for Crankbaits.
| Fishing Rod Length | Casting Distance |
|---|---|
| 6ft | Short |
| 7ft | Medium |
| 8ft | Medium to Long |
| 9ft | Long |
| 10ft | Very Long |
Is It Possible To Use A Fast-Action Fishing Rod For Catching Fish Using Crankbaits?
You can fish crankbaits with a fast-action rod. The outcome will not be satisfactory. Let’s figure out why?
01. Over Sensitivity And Stiffness
Fast-action rods are designed to be more sensitive and have a stiffer backbone.
It allows quicker hooksets and better sensitivity when fishing with techniques like jigging or worming.
However, when fishing with crankbaits, you want a rod with a softer tip and a slower action.
It allows the fish to take the bait deeper into its mouth before you set the hook.
This results in a better hookset and a higher chance of landing the fish.
02. High lure loss
Using a fast-action rod with crankbaits can also result in increased lure loss due to the rod’s stiffness.
When casting with a fast-action rod, the rod’s stiff backbone can cause the lure to be ripped out of the fish’s mouth.
Alternatively, it may cause the lure to be ripped off the line if the fish makes a sudden movement.
03. Faster Tire Out
Using a fast-action rod for crankbaits can also cause the angler to tire out more quickly due to the increased sensitivity of the rod.
This can lead to decreased casting accuracy and overall fishing efficiency.
Which Rod Is Most Suitable For Deep-diving Crankbaits?
Deep-diving crankbaits are mainly used in deep water for various fishing activities.
However, they are more suitable for various fishing activities, of bass fishing.
After all, they are highly effective in attracting smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted species.
A medium-action rod is the best choice for deep-diving crankbaits. It can withstand heavier loads of deep-diving crankbaits and absorb headshakes from surging fish.
The medium-action rod will ensure a good balance of stiffness and flexibility. It allows it to handle the weight of the lure without being too rigid or soft.
However, you can use a medium-heavy rod or even a heavy action for deep-diving crankbaits.
But it will depend on the crank weight and the kind of cover you are fishing around.
Should You Use A Crankbaits Rod?
The foundation of your entire angling setup always depends on a functional and high-quality fishing rod.
A fishing rod with a solid construction is worth the investment. One of the best options is fiberglass fishing rods.
They are a top-rated option for crankbaits of a particular weight and diving range. Their parabolic action and simple casting for the lure weight you plan to use.
The best part is that it allows you to achieve a more delayed hookset.
Hence, you are less likely to be wrong when fishing crankbaits. Your casting and retrieval procedure will be smooth.
But the overall construction of the fishing should be solid enough to give you a good feel for the bite or “strike” and hook set.
Tips For Mastering The Art Of Crankbait Fishing
Don’t you dream of mastering the art of crankbait fishing? It requires practice and techniques.
The followings are the pro techniques you can use to improve your fishing ability when using crankbaits to catch fish.
01. Choose A Compatible Color For Crankbaits
The actual lure color underwater will vary depending on its location.
A fish will not try to bite it until the crankbait has an appetizing shade.
Hence, choosing the right color crankbait is essential for successful fishing.
The following are the best-colored crankbaits to use depending on the conditions.
| Crankbait Color | Ideal Condition To Use |
|---|---|
| Black Back or Chartreuse | Dirty water |
| Red Craw or Orange patterns | At the beginning of the spring |
| Sexy Shad | Dark green tint water |
| Bluegill | Clearwater for at least 18 to 24 inches |
| Summer Sexy Shad | Highly clear during the summertime |
| Green Gizzard Shad | Crystal clear water |
02. Deep-diving Crankbaits
Does your fishing location have open areas? Do you often see the hard bottom or rocks?
Deep-diving crankbaits work best in this fishing condition.
It is generally more effective for early and late in the day during summer.
This type of crankbait is an excellent choice when the water depth level is more than six feet.
03. Choose A Right Length Fishing Rod
A length of a fishing rod greatly affects the accuracy and distance of your fishing.
You want to select a longer rod length for better accuracy, especially in a decent deep cast at higher distances.
Anglers mostly prefer to use 7 to 7.5 feet fishing rods. But you can use a bit shorter fishing rod for improved accuracy.
04. Select The Right Rod
Look for a medium to medium-heavy power rod with a fast-action tip.
This will provide enough backbone to handle larger fish.
It will also allow you to feel the subtle vibrations of the lure.
05. Match The Rod To The Lure
The size and weight of the crankbait should match the power and action of the rod.
A heavier lure requires a heavier rod, while a lighter lure works best with a more lightweight rod.
06. Use A Low Gear Ratio Reel
Crankbaits require a lot of cranking, so a low-gear ratio reel makes it easier to retrieve the lure.
A gear ratio between 5:1 and 6:1 is ideal for most crankbaits.
07. Utilize The Right Line
A monofilament line with a low stretch is recommended for crankbaits.
The low stretch allows for better sensitivity and hook sets.
Besides, the monofilament provides some give, which can help prevent the lure from tearing out of the fish’s mouth.
08. Choose The Right Depth
Crankbaits are designed to run at a specific depth.
Choosing a lure that will run at the depth you want to fish is important.
This will require some experimentation, but choosing a lure that runs just above the bottom is a good rule of thumb.
09. Use A Slow And Steady Retrieve
Crankbaits work best when retrieved at a slow and steady pace.
This allows the lure to create a consistent wobbling action that will attract fish.
Try varying the speed and depth of your retrieve until you find what works best.
10. Be Patient
Crankbaits can take a little while to get the hang of.
But with practice, you can use them to catch all kinds of fish.
Keep trying, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a bite right away.
Wrapping UP
Are you still wondering what action rod is best for crankbaits? We have already shared various types of helpful information to help you choose the best action rod crankbaits. Take your time to choose the right fishing rod. Your fishing success often depends on choosing the correct fishing gear. You will get rewarded in the long run.
