SproDD79

Take a look at the Shimano Engetsu PG, it's a phenomenal cranking reel. https://fish.shimano.com.sg/content/fish/asia/sg/en/homepage/ProductPage.P-ENGETSU.html

For largemouth its a 45-60 minute drive , smallmouth are further north with a 2 hour drive. Both spots are no motors (rowboat only)bodies of water. I feel that the motor restrictions keep the fishing pristine.

I have no complaints in my dealings with Asian Portal Fishing, great prices and super fast shipping.

I have a few reels with the lower gear ratio. Only the Daiwa Catalina TW is in the upper 4x range. These are the different reels I use for cranking, the Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT(4:9:1),Lews BB1L (5:1:1) and the The Curado 201PG(5:0:1), I also like the Bantam PG (5:5:1), I find all of them to be excellent crankbait reels, the low IPT makes it easier to crank all day.

For deep cranking(meaning 15 ft or deeper)I like 5:5:1 and or 4:9:1, the deeper I aim to go, the lower the gear ratio I prefer to use.

I concur with CFDoc. last time I considered purchasing an Aldebaran, the aluminum gears scared me away and I went with a 20 Metanium HG instead.

I like the Champion CB 805 and 806 for larger cranks as well.

Baitfinesse is spot on.The engetsu is a great reel, I use the 5:8 pg for cranking and love it. I switched out the shallow spool with a curado 70 spool which has greater line capacity.

I think you could do a 3/4oz spoon, you may be able to get away with a 1oz as well. Your best bet is to take out and see how the rod feels with a 1oz lure on it. The rod specs make me think 3/4oz jig in the weeds would be an ideal presentation.

Excellent news , I can't wait for the full details to come out.

Thanks for the info and update.

I know it's not available to the public as of yet. Has anyone been able to try it via a vendor sample or does anyone have any more info about it. I'm wondering if the 13 fibers really warrant the price increase. https://www.rapala.com/sufix/braid/131-braid/131-braid/131+Braid.html?brandname=sufix

There are a few lakes I fish that only have smallmouth, and the Dobyns CB all graphite models handle the smallies with no issues. I have a Major Craft Nanoace crankbait rod that is made with Toray Nanoalloy that I am starting to favor when it comes to cranking.

I use the 705 CB for Jerkbaits and mid range cranks. I think you are good with the winch for cranks, for jerkbaits I would go up to a 6 or 7 gear ratio.

Take a look at the Shimano Expride 7,2 MH.

I have handled the 6,10 M/H, I find it runs on the lighter side as well.

I just ordered a Met HG from Asian Portal, It arrived 4 days later, I was shocked at how fast it came.

Shimano SLX 70 MGL 6:3:1, If you need the lefty version(71) look on ebay. It's size makes it comfortable to palm, it's very smooth and a great caster.

I have used glass and graphite CB rods, when I got my hands on a good graphite crankbait rod( I like the Dobyns Champion CB series, I had a GLX crankbait rod which I regret selling) I sold my remaining glass rods. If you know anyone who has glass and or graphite cb rods , ask if you can try them out on the water and see for yourself. I believe alot comes down to personal preference. Good luck.

I have been using the Okuma Guide Select Crankbait rod 7,10MH Graphite for throwing 10 xds and find it really handles 10 xds well.I got the rod during the TW black Friday sale for around $100. If you plan on getting a dedicated rod for the 10 xd take a look at the Okuma Crankbait rod. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Guide_Select_Crankbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-OGSCB.html

I have the Champion 705 CB, it's great for mid range cranks, squarebills and Jerkbaits, I use to have a Fury 703c which was a nice rod,but I had issues with the guide footings getting loose. I would go with the Champion 705CB,it has fuji guides, which I have never had an issue with. Also, are you particular with grips?Fury is split grip,Champion is full grip, that should be a consideration in your final decision.

Luhr Jensen discontinued the Hot Lips Express, I have had some good success with the 3/4 oz going after smallmouth in summer months. I wish they would bring it back or come out with a replacement deep diver. The lure did have alot of resistance due to the t shaped lip , but in the heat, it really outperformed other deep diving cranks on lakes that had clear, deep water.

The 20 Metanium would be my pick, I do like the Bantam as well.

Abraz X is my favorite as well, I do like Sunline Assassin for the money, sometimes I can find 660 yard spools on e bay at bargin prices.

The 6th sense Cloud 9 series of cranks are excellent , I have had a great deal of success with the 20ft cranks.