Clack

Thanks for all the tips. Looking forward to getting back out there to give it a shot. Warm up water!

When I adjusted the baitcaster to have the bait slowly drop from the rod tip I can cast great but when the bait hits the water it doesn't sink and pull any more line out. Do I loosen the adjustment knob after the cast to let the bait sink or what? I was wacky rigging senkos and trying to let a rattle trap drop to 20 feet before retrieving and had the same problem. In both situations I had to hand pull the line to get the bait to drop naturally. What's the trick? Learn to cast on a looser setting?

15lb yo-zuri green line. I'm thinking 12 might be better but I'm sure the biggest improvement will come simply from more time on the water.

In hindsight the fluke was the one I was really having trouble getting out there. Not afraid to admit I'm still getting used to these baitcasters too. That and these heaver rods don't load up like the spinning gear I've always used. Back at the lake next weekend and hopefully the water will have warmed up a bit. Will report back so you can see the fruits of your internet opines. ;D

Thanks all. That was a helpfull link. So if I've got this right: Rod one will be for single hook. Rod two for all treble hooks. (except big or deep diving) Rod three for single hook tackle too light for rod one like fluke, weightless senko, other small plastics. I'll admit it felt awkward throwing a weightless senko and fluke on the 7' MHF with 15lb line. Could only get it out 20 feet or so.

Like which rod is the one for spinnerbaits? Top water? Some I know but I want to make the most of my new investment. Rod 1: Crucial 7' MHF Jigs, senko, creatures, texas, carolina rigs, frogs, fluke? Rod 2: Compre Crankbait 7" MMF Crankbaits, poppers?, Buzzbaits?, Spinnerbaits? Rod 3" Cheap graphite spinning setup 6'6" M Roboworms, nightcrawlers for trout, topwater?, ??? Thanks for any help for an over anxious beginner that's been hooked.

Not a fan of open ended threads so here's the final conclustion. Drove 1.5 hours to BPS with the full intention of making the wife happy and buying the less expensive 7' mm cranking stick. I couldn't believe that in this 100K sf store they didn't even have a full supply of their own rods so I had to start looking at alternatives. Mind you this place is full sucker retail on everyting so Avids and Crucials were out of the budget. The sales people were really no help. It came down to a St. Croix premiere or Compre. I went with the Compre based on nothing more than I knew there was a good waranty on the Shimano. Marketing bs on construction says glass with im wrap. mf action instead of medium. As far as I can see the only difference between this and the $150 Crucial crankbait was the guides and no etched endcap. Threw a couple DT10s with it this weekend but was still too cold I think so this rod's still a virgin. Only bite was on a jig setup. Thanks again all.

Very good. Thanks for all the quick feedback. New rod tomorrow!!!!

Thanks guys. I am getting another baitcaster for my cranking rod and putting a curado e5 on it as I've got an e7 on my crucial and kind of like the idea of having the "same" reel. So, for one "all around" cranking rod, a 7' medium gets the vote? Was planning on spending up to $130 but am definately happy to spend less if there's a great value rod. Any other suggestions? Was thinking crucial just because I have one already but not stuck on it by any means. Thanks again.

I've got a cheepo spinning rod I've been using for lighter bait and a crucial 7' medium heavy. This bass pro shop gift cert is burning a hole in my pocket and it's time for a cranking rod. I was thinking a 7' medium or medium heavy cranking rod would round out the quiver. These will be the three rods I'm working with until I replace the spinning setup next year. Any suggestions on m vs. mh? Something different entirely? THanks a lot for any advice. Just getting into this and I love it. Clack