If it were YOU building a Crank bait rod... help

[senkoman]

I virtually only Bass fish and I would like to build a nice crank bait rod and had some preconceived ideas on what I was going to do but since I am a newbie I thought I'd ask for some experienced opinions. At first a poll seemed like a good idea, but thought it would be restrictive. But I am willing to bias the responses by saying I was thinking of using a Rainshadow blank, Blue Concept-Style Casting Guide Set, and then I get stuck on how I would go about doing a split grip. I think I would like to add some accent rings, but that adds weight but probably not much. I currently have EVA and Cork grips and have no real preference. I had actually thought about using the recoil guides to go real lite weight, but they just didn't seem like they would hold up long term. But I would like to keep the weight down as much as possible.


So for anyone who as an opinion on what they would use for a blank, guides, reel seat, etc to get a crank bait rod that is for lures between .375 - 1.5 oz and a rod length of 7' or longer. I would really appreciate some other folks views. One last request I would really like to keep the overall component costs between 100$-150$, or less if possible.

Thanks, in advance.
Charlie

[sdfd504]

For a blank on the budget check out the new Mudhole MHX blanks. They have some awesome new blanks out and they are made just for crankbait fishing. Also check out Micro guides to save even more weight. I went with hypalon split grip on my two custom rods that are being built and it adds a little weight but in the right places. Also check out Fuji or matagi winding checks to add even more bling to your rods.

[LM Bass Angler]

Thats a tall order to stay in you price range, but here goes.

St Croix 3c70mhm blank $100
10 each Fuji Alconite 4J micro guides $20
1 each Fuji micro Alconite tip top $3

I would build it with all guides on top and all the same size.
That is $123 for the blank and guides and you will have $27 left for reel seat and handle of your choice. I am about to build one just like this next month. You may or may not need all 10 of the micro just use the # you need and save the rest for the next rod. The prices are off of Mudhole website. Mudhole has pre-made split grips in foam or cork, they are not that expensive. I keep 4-5 each on hand, but most of the time I glue up my own cork.

Good Luck,
LM Bass Angler

[Munkin]

You need to decide if you want graphite of fiberglass? It is a personal preference as right now I have 8 crankbait rods trying to decide what I like best?

For cost I would check out Rainshadow, St. Croix SCII or Lamiglass blanks.

Allen

[FastBug250]

IM sent

[thedude]

.375 - 1.5 oz is a pretty big variation. you should specify if you want this for Shallow/Medium/Deep diving baits. As well as what kind of cover. I fish cranks in weeds and rip them out, so i use a different blank than someone who is fishing open water or timber.

[senkoman]

OK some clarification.

I am looking to build a graphite rod, and have considered a lot of options. As far as crank bait specific rods I have an old Team Daiwa 7' rod that actually collapses much like a flippin stick that has EVA grips and is a light rod that I like for small / light crank baits. I have a glass Team Daiwa Light and Tough 7' Crank bait rod (glass) that I really don't care much for, and I have an older Lamiglass 7'6" Crank bait rod that collapses and that I do like but it is just a heavy rod and at the end of a long day just wears on you, plus another light Lamiglass 7' rod that is just OK, mainly it is just because it is too light of an action.

So I just want to go graphite versus some form of glass as my experience says graphite is much lighter, and want help picking the right blank and the right components. I am looking to build a rod to throw medium to large crank baits (not swimbaits) aiming to crank a depths from 10'-20'. And the thought on the split grip is just to keep the weight down.

And as far as building a split grip versus buying one, well I am all ears, as I have no experience with either option. Starting from scratch just seems to allow for a little pizzaz in the final product. I will say that I build custom baits as well as repaint crankbaits so I have used my fair share of epoxy and various clear coats and sealers. So application of epoxy and clear finish is not an issue with me as far as putting together a handle. Although I will say I am not about to do it with cork rings as I don't have a lathe available.

So the target for this project is deep point/humps cranking, heck is there any timber in North Carolina resevoirs

Next project will be the same goal for a topwater rod.

[LM Bass Angler]

How soon are you wanting to get started on a rod? Feb 20-21 there is a custom rod building show in HighPoint NC. That's not too far a drive if you are in Charlotte. You can learn more in one weekend from those guys than you can in 10 years on your own! You can see first hand what I mean when I say all micros all on top for cranking. There will also be some awsome deals on blanks and components. You can get the details at http://www.rodbuilding.org

[senkoman]

I already have my directions printed, the seminar schedule etc. and definitely plan on attending! I really am looking forward to going. It will be a short drive for me and a good way to kill off a Saturday.

[Midnitebasser]

senkoman, if you are going to the rod building show stop by the Swampland rods booth and talk to Bill Stevens about the 8ft Castaway blanks, I just got a 964 that I'm going to build for rattle traps, I can't believe how light this blank is.

[mhr650]

On Friday before the show we will be having a casting competition in the parking lot of the showplace. The rules call for a weird combination 6 ½ foot max, 6lb test, and 3/8oz weights, but most of us will be there and it will be a good chance to meet other bass rod builders. I will be there, and I am sure that many others like Alex, Scott, Steve Gardner, Bobby Feazel, Bill Stevens, and lots of others. You can see exactly where the state of the art is at this point.

For deep cranking you absolutely need an 8 foot rod, once you try one you will never go back. State of the art 8 foot cranking rods can be built under 3.5oz total weight.

[thedude]

in that case, i would probably also look at what swampland has.

The Rainshadow CB series are nice, light weight blanks as well and very cost effective (40-50$). in the rainshadow, i would go with a hvy action for that type of use, IMHO they run a bit on the light side of power ratings. I believe they offer an 8'er now too. I've built on the 7'6" MH and i feel its too light for anything over, say 12-15'.

[Dougw1515]

+2 for the Castaway! I looked at it and for some dumb reason opted for the Mudhole CB965Blend. It's an "OK" blank for the intended purpose but the next one will for sure be the 964 from Castaway!