All Graphite vs composite crankbait rods

Randy Turner · Post by **Randy Turner** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 9:29 pm

Hello
I'm looking to buy a new or used cranking rod and have around a hundred dollars to spend. The only rod I have ever had that was dedicated to crankbaits, is a BPS crankin rod. The BPS is a good rod but I don't have anything to judge it against other that multi-purpose graphite rods.
First question is whether or not a cranking rod is really better for throwing crankbaits than a quality multipurpose graphite rod?
Is a composite rod really the best of both worlds?
Any suggestions for graphite or composite?
By the way, I fish the delta and would use the rod to throw speedtraps to 3/4 oz rattle traps and spooks.

Thanks for the help
Randy Turner

RogerB · Post by **RogerB** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 1:06 am

Randy,
Your first question is whether or not a cranking rod is really better for throwing crankbaits than a quality multipurpose graphite rod? My experience is that the cranking rod in not necessarily better at throwing, but it is better at hooking, because of its slower response, and better at playing the fish, with less likelihood of tearing out treble hooks, because of its softer action. Having tried both extensively for casting crankbaits, I very much prefer the softer action of the crankbait rod.
Your second question is whether a composite rod is really the best of both worlds? My opinion is that the composite is better for crankbaiting fishing, for the reasons cited above, but the graphite rod is better for many other applications such as jigs, Senko's, and plastic worm fishing.
You asked for any suggestions for graphite or composite and shared that your intended use of the rod would be to throw speedtraps to 3/4 oz rattle traps and spooks. The heaviest Speed Trap weighs only 1/4 ounce and its little brother weighs only 1/8 ounce. You'll find that casting those lures will be much better on a rod intended for lighter weights, while casting the 3/4 ounce Rat-L-Traps and Spooks will be more effective on a heavier action rod.
Since I have and use several of the BPS Crankin' Sticks and find them to be superb cranking rods, my recommendation to you is to get two of them, one in the Medium Light (or even Medium) action for tossing the Speed Traps, and one in the Medium Heavy action for tossing the heavier lures. Of course, it's always smart to wait until BPS has one of its frequent sales so you can get the Crankin' Sticks for $39.95 instead of their usual $49.95.

MrSkeeter · Post by **MrSkeeter** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:01 am

RogerB answered the first two questions, I take a stab at question #3.

I had been using graphite rods for cranking for a long time and really had not had too much trouble. I had played w/ some fiberglass rods and composite rods in the past, but have thought them to be either too heavy or not sensitive enough.

However, of late, I've been playing with a Falcon Lowrider composite rod for a couple of months. This one has a glass tip and a graphite butt. I think I like this one the best ... If you're in the Bay Area, you can go to Walton's Pond and he has them. Otherwise, you can probably get them at your local dealer.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:15 am

I AM GOING TO STICK MY NECK OUT HERE AND SAY. I HAVE ONLY BEEN USING CRANKBAITS SINCE 1960'S. SINCE GRAPHITE HAS CAME OUT, I HAVE USED THEM TOTALLY. I LOVE THE FEEL OF EVERY STICK, WEED, ROCK ETC. YOU CAN STOP LET YOUR BAIT SIT OR RISE. I HAVE SLOWED DOWN BY USING SLOWER RETRIEVE REELS AND HAVE LEARNED TO USE A LONGER ROD LIVE 7 OR 7 1/2' IT GIVES A LITTLE MORE, AND FEWER FISH LOSSES. WITH THE SHARPNESS OF TODAY HOOKS AND THE GREAT BALANCE OF CRANKBAITS. I BELIEVE THE GRAPHITE ROD IS THE ONLY WAY TO FISH.
THIS IS ONLY MY VIEW ON IT ALL . IT WORKS FOR ME .

dogfish2 · Post by **dogfish2** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 12:50 pm

Check out Walton's Pond. He's got some pretty nice ones, even on the consignment rack, that might be what you are looking for in either a composite or glass. They are priced "very right."

Paul W · Post by **Paul W** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 4:21 pm

The BPS Crankin Sticks are nice for the money. They have a good feel and the action is perfect for cranking. BPS occasionally has sales on them, for around $30 each. The new Shimano Compres are worth a look. They make a crankbait series of rods that are a bit more precise and refined than the BPS rods, albeit at a higher price of around $90-$100. Finally, the new St Croix Premier rods look pretty cool and come in a few cranking actions, priced in the $100 ballpark. I had a few of the now obsolete Premiers, and found them to be great for the money. With all that said, I would definitely get an all graphite cranking rod. Glass is just too heavy and noodly. A quality graphite rod designed with a foregiving crankbait friendly action will work out alot better for you than a glass, or composite blank. It gives you the feel you want, yet has the "give" of a glass blank.

Paul W

Nick_Barr · Post by **Nick_Barr** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 9:11 pm

I prefer Plain Graphite, i like to be able to "feel my bait through the water", I would prefer a Rod with a Moderate or MOD-Fast action Tip. When i tried out my friends Fiberglass composite cranking stick i didnt like how "whippy" it felt. I just think it doesnt have enough backbone for me.
Just my .02