I was looking at the Duckett Ghost line of rods and seen that they have casting and cranking rods, was wanting to know the difference.

Cranking rods have a parabolic taper because cranks have smaller trebles and you can keep fish pinned better.  The casting version has a fast action for single hook techniques like jigs, t rigs and worms.  A lot of people use casting versions for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and jerk baits.  Some even use them for cranks.  I use casting versions (not the ghost) for jerk baits, shallow to mid depth cranks and lipless, but you need to loosen the drag or use line that has some stretch like mono, hybrid or fluoro because something's got to give.

Cranking rods have a parabolic taper because cranks have smaller trebles and you can keep fish pinned better.  The casting version has a fast action for single hook techniques like jigs, t rigs and worms.  A lot of people use casting versions for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and jerk baits.  Some even use them for cranks.  I use casting versions (not the ghost) for jerk baits, shallow to mid depth cranks and lipless, but you need to loosen the drag or use line that has some stretch like mono, hybrid or fluoro because something's got to give.

Would you suggest going with a crankbait rod or just a regular caster in the long run?

Would you suggest going with a crankbait rod or just a regular caster in the long run?

A regular casting rod is going to be more versatile, so if it's your only rod go with the regular casting version and loosen your drag when you're fishing crankbaits with it. 

Is this going to be used only for cranking or will it be a multi-purpose rod?  If it's only for cranks then I'd suggest you get the cranking version, but if you're want to use it for a little bit of everything then get the medium power casting rod.

Is this going to be used only for cranking or will it be a multi-purpose rod?  If it's only for cranks then I'd suggest you get the cranking version, but if you're want to use it for a little bit of everything then get the medium power casting rod.

Right now cranking but I also throw senkos pretty regularly thank you for the help by the way

Instead of reinventing the wheel I'll send you here: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/rod-actions-power.html

 

This will answer your question and then some. 

Right now cranking but I also throw senkos pretty regularly thank you for the help by the way

Then I'd opt for the medium casting rod because it's versatile enough to do senkos and cranks.  Just make sure you loosen the drag a little for cranking.  If you're using braid, I'd learn how to tie a leader.  Look up alberto knot or double uni.  The leader will give you some shock absorption and in clear water will help with senkos. 

I was looking at the Duckett Ghost line of rods and seen that they have casting and cranking rods, was wanting to know the difference.

Welcome to BR and good question!

The terminology bass anglers use can be regional with different difinations.

A crankbait rod is designed for a specific application, however "crankbaits" are not all the same size, weight, diving depth etc., so there are a wide variety to choose from. Most bass anglers prefer a moderate action rod that bends more parabolic to make longer casts easier. Take a look at the rod mfr's rod description; length, recommended line sizes and lure weights. The average weight of the lures you like to use should be close to the mid range weight suggested for the rod.

All bass rods are casting rods designed to cast lures of some type.

What is known as a common all around bass bait casting rod is usually a rod between 6'6" to 7' long, medium heavy (MH) or 3 power, fast action, designed for lure weights 3/8-3/4 oz, line 10-17 lb test.

The average crank bait rods are similar, except action is moderate.

Good luck.

Tom

I bought this rod that is a medium heavy cranking rod and usually I just use a normal medium heavy. I don’t really pay much attention to that. I use wake baits shallow crank baits and a few soft swim and spinner and chatter baits. The rod is a medium heavy cranking with moderate action. Will this rod work for the lures I use?