I have been using a Med. MF spinning rod for throwing 1/4 oz crankbaits, which works just fine. Thing is I absolutely love throwing heavier crankbaits on a baitcaster and would like to do the same with 1/4 oz cranks. But, I am extremely nervous about choosing the right rod and reel combination to effectively do this (more so the reel). I have my eye on several crankbait rods, St. Croix 7' MM in either the Premier or Avid lineup. However, I have no real idea on the reel. My gut instinct is that I need a more expensive reel. My wallets idea of expensive is a reel over 150.00. Because, and it could be just me, that it would be more "forgiving" when tossing light baits (I'm talking true 1/4 oz.) - I could be totally off base here, but would like some guidence and perspectives if you would be so kind.

Thanks

Esox

I have a 7ft MM St. Croix Premier crankbait rod, I paired it with a Curado 50E and toss 1/4th baits with no issue. Keep you eye on the flea market section, never know what will show up there which will work well.

Any MM rod will be fine, but the reel is where you will see the biggest difference, IMHO....Curado 50e is a great suggestion. Just got one this year for the same reason you stated and it is great. Even throw some lighter cranks than 1/4 ounce and still does well.

I am far from a crankbait specialist, but the last week or two I have done really well working a 100 series Bandit (1/4 oz) over grass. I use a med power rod with a BPS Pro Qualifier reel and 12# CXX for this. Any good quality reel and line will work fine IMO.

I highly recommend the Avid AVC70MM. Mine is matched with a CH50MG, but the Curado 50 would be an excellent choice, too!

I use a Saint Croix AVC70MM and a Daiwa Sol loaded with 10# Tatsu for small cranks. You'd be surprised the size of fish that buggy whip can handle....

Thanks for the posts guys. Nice video JF. I will probably go with the Avid 7'0. Still up in the air on the reel though.

I throw 1/8 oz Speed Traps with a Dobyns Champion 704CB glass, 10 YoZuri and a Lews Tournament MG. Whippy can be good.

Dobyns 705CB Glass

Shimano Curado 200 DPV or Shimano Citica 200E

12 pound Yo-Zuri Hybrid or 14 pound Flouro

I throw them with a CBR845 and #10 red label seaguar.

I throw them on my citica 201e paired with a e21 wild 7ft medium moderate tip.

My setup is the Avid AVC70MM with a Chronarch 50mg spooled with 12# yozuri hybrid. I asked this very question in a thread here a long time ago, and came to this conclusion. I havent been disappointed.

AND... If you can get the Chronarch to Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle for a supertuning, you like it even better.