Best Crankbait Rod – Top 8 Rods Tested + Reviewed

Have you ever struggled to cast your crankbait far enough or feel the subtle bites? Without a suitable crankbait rod, it might be hard to cast accurately, detect bites, or control the fish once hooked. The right rod solves these problems by providing better casting distance and accuracy, increased sensitivity, and improved hook sets, all while reducing fatigue. Today, we’re here with the best crankbait rods to help you solve all your worries.

We’ve been using rods for quite some time and have tested several to bring you a list of something economical and the best.

Quick Comparison Of The Best Crankbait Rods

1. G. Loomis IMX-Pro Crankbait Rod: Exceptional sensitivity and versatility.

2. St. Croix Legend Glass Spinning Rods: Lightweight fiberglass cranking rods, perfect for small lures.

3. Dobyns Champion XP Glass Crankbait Rod: Ideal for deep water bottom-diving crankbaits.

4. Megabass Destroyer P5 Z-Crank Elseil: Precise taper for accurate casting.

5. Daiwa Tatula Glass Crankbait Rod: Advanced glass construction, superb sensitivity.

6. 13 Fishing Envy III Crankbait Rod: The most sensitive reel seat on the best rod on the market.

7. Douglas Matrix 763MF: Great for light crankbaits.

8. Shimano Expride B Casting Rod: Best for mid-depth cranking.

1. G. Loomis IMX-Pro Crankbait Rod

The G. Loomis IMX-Pro Crankbait Rod is specifically built for crankbaits, extending the lightweight, high-performance IMX lineup with models tailored for this type of fishing. Its multi-taper technology makes it special, ensuring the perfect balance between strength and weight for each rod length and taper.

One of the standout features of this rod is the Fuji K-Frame guides. These premium guides are designed to be up to 15% lighter, making those long days of casting and cranking much less tiring. The single-foot runner guides on the tip section and double-footed stripper guides on the butt section ensure smooth, accurate casts and excellent fish control.

Comfort is key when you’re out on the water, and the G. Loomis IMX-Pro Crankbait Rod delivers with its premium cork grips. These grips not only feel great but also provide just the right amount of cushion and control, making sure your hands don’t get too tired even after hours of fishing.

I’ve used the G. Loomis IMX-Pro Crankbait Rod for six months, and it’s now my go-to rod. It loads well for long, accurate casts and maintains steady pressure on fish. The lightweight design prevents fatigue, making it perfect for all-day fishing. Highly recommended!

Pros

• Highly Sensitive: Detects subtle bites.
• Balanced Strength: Handles big fish.
• Quality Build: Premium guides, handle.
• Very Versatile: Various fishing conditions.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Limited Stock.
• Tip Heavy.

2. St. Croix Legend Glass Spinning Rod

The St. Croix Legend Glass Spinning Rod is a great tool for crankbait fishing. It’s specifically designed for small treble hook lures, like Shad Raps and small crankbaits, making it perfect for precision fishing. The rod has a medium power rating with a stiffer tip, which is ideal for casting light baits and maintaining control during retrieval.

One of the standout features of this rod is its build quality. It feels durable and well-made, much like the casting versions of the Legend Glass series. The fiberglass material provides a bit more backbone, making it easy to pull and reel in baits effectively. However, it’s more suited for open water fishing rather than tight, tree-covered areas, as the stiffness can make casting tricky in confined spaces.

From my experience, the rod performs exceptionally well when casting in open areas, but it feels heavier with certain reels, like the Shimano Sedona. This extra weight can be challenging during long fishing sessions, especially if you have sensitive shoulders like mine. Despite these minor cons, the rod’s technique-specific design makes it a reliable choice for anglers focusing on small crankbait fishing.

Explore More: Best Casting Rods

Pros

• Highly Sensitive: Detects bites effortlessly.
• Very Lightweight: Comfortable all day.
• Excellent Control: Great for crankbaits.

Cons

• Short casting range.
• Uncomfortable handle design.
• Limited availability.

3. Dobyns Champion XP Glass Crankbait Rod

The Dobyns Rods Champion XP Series 7’6″ Casting Bass Fishing Rod is a top-tier choice for serious anglers, particularly those focused on crankbait techniques. This medium-heavy, fast-action rod handles a range of lures (1/4 – 1 oz) and line weights (8-20 lb), excelling with crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures.

Built with high-modulus graphite blank and Kevlar wrap, it’s durable yet sensitive, allowing you to feel even the lightest bites. The Fuji reel seat and 13.5” cork handle offers comfortable, balanced casting, ideal for all-day use. On the water, it’s medium-heavy power and fast action provide smooth, accurate casting and dependable hooksets.

This rod’s versatility shines in open water, where casting distance and control are crucial. The glass construction provides the perfect flex for handling treble hook lures, absorbing strikes without losing sensitivity.

The Dobyns Champion XP is a high-quality, tournament-grade rod that’s perfect for serious crankbait anglers seeking reliability and performance in open-water fishing.

Interested in rods like these? Check out our recommendations on the Best Spinning Rods

Pros

• High sensitivity and durability
• Comfortable for extended use
• Versatile for a range of bass fishing techniques

Cons

• Pricey but reflects its quality
• Best suited for open-water fishing

4. Megabass Destroyer P5 Z-Crank Elseil

The Megabass Destroyer P5 Z-Crank Elseil is an amazing rod for crank bait fishing. This rod stands out because it’s incredibly lightweight and sensitive, making it perfect for those long days on the water. It’s made of graphite, so it’s super light and transmits every little feel from your bait.

The Z-Crank Elseil has a decent bend through the midsection, which helps absorb more fish the shock from crankbaits. This means you’ll feel every bounce and nudge as you reel in, giving you great control. It’s especially awesome for baits with a weight transfer system, making casting smooth and accurate.

However, if you’re using lighter baits best rods without a weight transfer system, like a Blitz, might not have enough flex to cast, as well as other rods, such as the Swing Fire. But for the right baits, this rod’s sensitivity is unbeatable.

From my personal experience, the Megabass Destroyer P5 Z-Crank Elseil has been a game-changer. The first time I used it, I was amazed at how effortlessly I could cast and how responsive it was. I felt every little movement of my bait and could easily detect even the slightest bites. It’s quickly become my favorite for crankbait fishing, and I highly recommend trying it!

Pros

• Highly Sensitive: Detects subtle bites.
• Lightweight: Reduces fatigue.
• Fast Action: Quick hooksets.
• Precise Casting: Accurate and controlled.

Cons

• High Cost.
• Limited Availability.
• Fragile Tip.

5. Daiwa Tatula Glass Crankbait Rod

Daiwa Tatula Glass Crankbait Rod is a fantastic choice for anyone into crankbait fishing. This seven-foot, medium-power, moderate-action rod is made with a glass blend, which means it’s perfect for crankbaits and jerkbaits.

Why is it so great? Well, the moderate action helps absorb fish’s head shakes, reducing the chances of them catching fish while throwing the hooks. This is especially important when using treble hook baits like crankbaits and jerk baits. The glass blend makes it flexible enough to handle those tricky fish movements but still strong enough to reel them in.

The rod also features a split butt handle with hard foam for comfort and a beautiful design that feels great in hand. Paired with a reel, like the Daiwa Fuego I’ve got on mine, it’s a solid combo that performs well without breaking the bank.

From my personal experience, I’ve been super impressed with the Daiwa Tatula Glass Crankbait Rod. The first time I used it, I noticed how smoothly it handled casting and reeling in fish. The rod’s flexibility helped keep the fish hooked, even when they were thrashing around. It’s become one of my go-to rods for crankbait fishing, and I highly recommend giving it a try if you want to improve your catch rate. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Interested in more rods like these? Check our recommendations On the Best Jerkbait Rods for Fishing

Pros

• Highly Sensitive: Detects subtle bites effortlessly.
• Strong Build: Durable and reliable.
• Accurate Casting: Precise and tangle-free performance.
• Comfortable Grip: Reduces fatigue during long sessions.

Cons

• High Cost.
• Hard to find.

6. 13 Fishing Envy III Crankbait Rod

The 13 Fishing Envy III Crankbait Rod is a 6-foot, 10-inch medium model, and let me tell you, it’s awesome! First, let’s talk about the guides. This rod has practically indestructible recoil guides. You can bend them or bang them on stuff, and they won’t break. These guides make the rod super durable and perfect for all kinds of fishing adventures.

13 Fishing is known for making incredibly lightweight rods, and the Envy III is no exception. This rod is so light that you can fish all day without getting tired. It’s a ridiculously lightweight setup paired with a Shimano Core 101 reel.

The rod’s blank is of top-notch, high-end quality. It has a sleek carbon look and a split grip handle, which I love. The reel seat is comfortable and lets you feel what your lure is doing underwater. I’ve got an SPRO Little John crankbait on it, and I can feel exactly when it bounces off a stump or any other structure.

I noticed that the handle is a bit shorter than usual, giving you more rod length in front of the reel to work with. This design makes it feel like you have the same rod with a longer rod, giving you more control and better casting accuracy.

In my experience, the 13 Fishing Envy III Crankbait Rod is a game-changer. The first time I used it, I was amazed at how well it balanced, how light it felt, and how sensitive it was. I could feel every bump and nibble, and I didn’t lose a single fish.

Pros

• Highly Sensitive: Detects subtle bites easily.
• Strong Build: Durable and reliable.
• Precise Casting: Accurate and controlled performance.
• Comfortable Grip: Reduces fatigue during long sessions.

Cons

• High Cost
• Hard to find.
• Limited Stock

7. Douglas Matrix 763MF

The first time I used this rod, I was blown away by its sensitivity and casting distance. I could cast my lures further into shallow water than ever before, and the moderately fast action helped me keep the fish hooked to the boat. The rod felt incredibly balanced in my hands, and I didn’t get tired even after a full day of fishing.

The Douglas Matrix 763MF is a 7-foot, 6-inch medium light rod with a moderately fast, medium-action move. It is designed for finesse techniques and is perfect for getting those light lures out there. This rod has you covered whether you’re throwing finesse swimbaits, hair jigs, or drop shots.

One of the standout features of this rod is its Fuji Alconite guides with ceramic inserts. These guides are incredibly durable and ensure smooth casting and retrieval. The ergonomic Fuji reel seat with hidden threading provides all-day comfort, so you can fish longer without any discomfort.

The XMatrix series is known for its lightweight and balanced design. The proprietary T-carbon fiber and graphite blend gives the rod superior strength without adding extra weight. This means you get a rod that’s strong durable and easy to handle and maneuver.

Pros

• Highly Sensitive: Detects subtle bites easily.
• Lightweight: Reduces fatigue during long sessions.
• Durable: Reliable, long-lasting build.
• Smooth Casting: Ensures accurate, tangle-free performance.
• Comfortable Grip: Ergonomic for extended use.

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited Stock
• Stiff Action

8. Shimano Expride B Casting Rod

This rod is perfect for big fishing jobs. It’s 7 feet and 3 inches long, and it’s super strong and able to handle heavy baits up to two ounces. Despite its strength, it’s light, weighing just 4.48 ounces. This means you can use it all day without getting tired.

One of the best things about the Shimano Expride B is how it looks and feels. The rod has a special handle called a monocoque handle, which makes it sensitive and easy to hold. This handle design makes it look sleek and perform great. When you hold this rod, it feels like it should cost a lot more than it does.

Now, let’s talk about how well it works. This rod is amazing for different types of fishing. It’s great for frogging, which means using frog-shaped lures to catch fish hiding in heavy cover like lily pads. The rod has a strong backbone, so you can pull big fish out of thick weeds without any trouble. It also has a flexible tip, which helps you cast accurately and feel even the smallest bites.

This rod has become my favorite for fishing in heavy cover. Whether using frog lures or flipping baits into thick weeds, it never lets me down. If you’re looking for a strong, reliable rod that feels great and performs even better, try the Shimano Expride B. You’ll love it as much as I do. Happy fishing, everyone!

Pros

• Highly Sensitive: Detects subtle bites easily.
• Well-Balanced: Comfortable and precise handling.
• Versatile: Suitable for various techniques.
• Lightweight: Reduces fatigue during long sessions.

Cons

• Expensive price point.
• Hard to find.
• Prone to damage.

You may want to have a look at these:
Best Crappie Rods – Top Recommendations
Best Saltwater Fishing Rods
Best Telescopic Fishing Rods

Use This Checklist When Looking For the Best Crankbait Rod

As an experienced angler, let me share what to look for when choosing a crankbait rod. These tips will help you pick the perfect rod for your fishing adventures.

Material

The material of the rod is super important. Crankbait rods are usually made from fiberglass, graphite, or a mix of both. Graphite rods are light and sensitive, letting you feel the fish bite. Fiberglass rods are strong and bendy, which helps when you’re reeling in a fish. A rod that mixes both materials gives you the best of both worlds.

Action

Action refers to how much the rod bends when you put pressure on it. For crankbait fishing, you want a rod with moderate action. This very slow action means the rod bends in the middle, making it easier to cast your crankbait and keep the fish hooked.

Power

Power, or rod strength, is about how much pressure it takes to bend the rod. For crankbaits, a medium to medium-heavy power rod is usually best. This gives you enough strength to cast far and reel in bigger fish.

Length

The length of the rod matters, too. A longer rod, around 7 feet, helps you cast farther and gives you better control when you’re reeling in a fish. A slightly shorter rod might be better if you need more accuracy, especially in tight spaces.

Guides

Guides are the little rings the fishing line goes through. Look for rods with strong, smooth guides. Good guides help the line move smoothly and prevent it from getting tangled or damaged.

Handle

The rod’s handle should be comfortable to hold, even for a long time. Handles are often made of cork or EVA foam, which are comfortable and provide a good grip. Make sure the handle feels good in your hands.

Choosing the right crankbait rod can make a huge difference in your fishing experience. The best crankbait rod helps you cast accurately, feel the fish bite, and control the fish once it’s hooked, all while reducing fatigue. After testing several top-notch rods, we’ve identified your best options.

When choosing a crankbait rod, remember to look for the right material, action, power, length, guides, and handle. A good rod made from quality materials with the right balance of sensitivity and strength will make your fishing trips more enjoyable and successful. With the right crankbait rod, you’ll cast farther, detect bites better, and control your fish more effectively. Happy fishing and tight lines!

Check our recommendations on:
Best Crankbaits for Bass – Choose the Best Lure!
Best Crankbaits for Trout
Best Crankbaits For All Seasons