Whats everyone's favorite shallow cranking rod for small cranks around rocks for smallmouth? Trying to keep it under $250. Thanks
Whats everyone's favorite shallow cranking rod for small cranks around rocks for smallmouth? Trying to keep it under $250. Thanks
I'll say the same thing that I said for the medium cranking rod thread. The ALX IKOS Hustler is a fantastic cranking rod and would be well under your $250 budget. It's a fiberglass rod, but is very light and doesn't have that "whippy" feeling I've had with other crankbait rods. However, once a fish is hooked you have that wonderful fiberglass bend that helps keep fish pinned. I've mostly been using mine around rocks with smaller-bodied cranks that dive 8-12 feet.
I really like the Megabass Levante Flat Side Special for that.
How small are you talking, 1/4 oz total weight baits? Up to how big, 3/8 oz? There are lots of really good options out there in that price range either way.
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Yeah like bandit 100's and Rapala dt4's. Anything under about 6' diving depth.Originally Posted by Bronzefly
Mark has a good suggestion, the Megabass Levante Flat Side Special is a really nice smaller crank rod. I think a true 1/4 oz bait is pushing the low end, but with the right reel and line, it'll get it done.
The more I play around with the new 2023 Tatula Elite Rods, the more I like them. The Air Sensor reel seat is very comfortable in my hands, and that 6'9" Medium Light "Jerkbait" rod is an outstanding lighter treble hook moving bait rod. It'll handle those 1/4 oz baits nicely and easily go up to DT4, DT6 range baits, and of course is a great jerk bait/top water rod.
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ALX Rods IKOS Hustler. Extremely versatile. Built in US. Well within your budget.
I second the ALX Hustler. Handles squarebills very well and loads up great and at a pretty low price-tag. Best customer service I've dealt with as well.
If you dont mind used, look for a BLX 73ML+. I found mine for 225 practically brand new. It's great for 0-10ft
Dobyns 705 and 704cb depending on weight of the bait and time of year.
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2024 Phoenix 21 XE - Mercury 250 PRO XS Serial #3B429919
2017 Phoenix PHX 21 - Yamaha 250 SHO
2010 Skeeter 20i - Yamaha 250 SHO
1988 Procraft 1780 Competitor - Mercury 100
I like the Hustler more everytime I use it. when you hook a fish it loads just right but somehow is not whippy like a bunch of glass rods.
St. Croix Premier Crankbait rod 7ft MH, fantastic crankbait rod
+1.
BassCat Sabre FTD
Mercury 150 Optimax
"It's just fishing"
I do not think they make it anymore. Nice rods for the price.
Cabela's and Bass Pro still have them. They no longer have the cork handle, I just got one at our local Cabelas last year
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