Help with throwing small/light crankbaits

I've tried to fill a need in my inventory of rods/reels to be able to throw a small, light crankbait (i.e., Bandit 100) with casting reels. All of my other rods are equipped with Lew's reels and they have done a great job for whatever I've needed. But, recently I added a Powell composite/glass crandbait rod (Inferno 704 CB) to be used mostly to fish the light crankbaits using 10-15 pound line. This rod seems to do a great job action and feel wise. But, none of my Lew's reels will cast these light baits well. Have any of you experienced this situation and if so, what changes did you have to make to your Lew's reels to handle the light baits (bearings,etc.) Or, am I going to have to obtain another brand of reel that will get the job done, and if so, which one.

Thanks for your help.

Mike (in TN)

Thirty pound braid with a flouro leader and you might want to go with a little lighter rod. (m/l)

If you have the right rod, the reel should cast it just fine. I throw bandit 100’s on 20-25lb flouro on a 200e Curado or chronarch with no issues. Cbr845 loomis gets the job done

The Bandit 100 series is actually an easier bait to throw. I would check and see how many magnets are engaged, if more than 2 that could be the problem.

Loomis 783CBR works great for me.

If you have a good reel, I would put more emphasis on the rod rather than the reel.

Definitely a rod issue

I throw flatside balsa crankbaits a LOT. My preferred system for them is the following:

Denali 7'2" Medium Finesse Jig Rod
Team Lews SHZL 7.5:1 Ratio Reel
Seaguar Red 12 lb line.

Unfortunately Denali does not list the rod any longer. I really hope it's not discontinued. If it is, try Cashion Rods, Model C8437

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BassCatSC

Loomis 783CBR works great for me.

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Good suggestion on the rod. You might want to try pairing this rod with one on the new digital control reels like the Curado DC.

I use a ALX crank rod with a Lews tour MB reel 10lb flouro and have no problems with small cranks, i use this set up for balsa also.

Shimano Scorpion is the reel you need

I use a Tatula CT on a Quantum Superlight Rod med action with 10lb line with no issues..

Bandit 100’s cast pretty well on my old bps mh crankin rod with a tatula and 12-14lb mono.

Tatula sv tw, st croix premier m power, 12lb fluro. I use a lot of lc mini skt cranks and this set up does really well.

Definitely a M/L rod, 10 lb test.