I am planning to invest in a combo for small sqaurebill crankbaits and would like to hear suggestions on what people have used, what they liked, what they didn't like, etc.

 

I would like to get a quality combo, so I am aware that I will likely spend some money on this, so I will say cap the budget at $350.  

 

I am interested in keeping the combo as light as possible, and would prefer a 5.3:1 reel.

 

Thanks in advance!

How small? 1.5 size? or 1.0 size?

A Phenix x10 and a Shimano Curado I low gear with sunline reaction fc 10 pound test

welcome to the forum walker

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 

Let's say the Shimano Curado 200 I Casting Reel (CU200IPG ~ 5.5:1) mounted on a 7ft Shimano Crucial Crankbait Casting Rod.

 

Either the M or the MH.

 

A-Jay

Duckett micro magic pro 7' Medium, ardent apex Elite 5.3:1, 12lb fluoro. Enjoy!

I have an old 6'6" Daiwa Exceler Medium Fast that I really like for squarebills. Has more of a moderate fast tip IMO.

I have a Chronarxh 200E5 mounted on a 7' MHM St Croix Avid and it is stellar!

As far as the rod goes, I absolutely love my St. Croix Legend Tournament "Small Cranker". It's a 7'2" M/M and it's feather light. As far as reels go, I'd suggest bumping up your retrieve to a 7.1:1. Squarebills are one of those baits that work best when worked fast to cover water. Either way, I'd probably recommend a BPS Pro Qualifier in whatever gear ratio you choose. 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-tournament-class-review.html

 

 

 

 

One of the combos I have although a faster retrieve (6.4) that I use almost all the time for smaller squarebills as well as 3" hammer swimbaits is a 7'M Moderate action Falcon Bucoo Micro ($129.99 retail) and an older BPS Black Carbonlite ($99-129.99 depending on sales) although the new ones are white.  Rod comes in at around 3oz and the reel at under 6oz.  Figure  around 10oz for the rod, reel, and line once its spooled if that and around $250 well inside your budget.  If you need a little stiffer rod, then jump to the 7'MH Md Fast same price and around the same weight.

I've found that I like the Bass Pro Shops Extreme 6'6" Medium Heavy for Squarebills. I also prefer a 6.4:1 reel, a Lew's Tournament Pro, which is very light and can truly let a small squarebill fly.

On 12/4/2015 at 6:01 AM, roadwarrior said:

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-tournament-class-review.html

 

 

 

 

 

I agree for the reel, but where do you find the DHC-7 casting rods?  It appears Pinnacle has discontinued this model as I could only find a couple on ebay.

 

OP, the Pinnacle Primmus is very light at 5.9 oz.  You can find one for $152 although it may cost a few bucks more for shipping.  Another lighter reel I have is the Helios Air at 5.7 oz.  These are both fine reels although they fly under the radar cuz they aren't Shimano, Daiwa, Lews, Abu.  The Daiwa PX Type R weighs in at 5.8 oz.., but I wouldn't be using this reel with 12# line unless it were braid.

 

I think the Bucoo rods are pretty light, but lots of rods seem pretty light to me in the store..

Here ya go:  http://www.opticsplanet.com/pinnacle-fishing-perfecta-dhc7-rods.html

The XX Flatside Special is what I use for 1.5's. Versatile rod, does a lot of things right. If you went for the Levante model, you'd have $150 left over to snag a gently used Shimano 50 or close to enough for a new Alphas SV. There's currently nothing USDM (reel-wise) in your price range that I'd personally buy new.

As far as the rod goes, I absolutely love my St. Croix Legend Tournament "Small Cranker". It's a 7'2" M/M and it's feather light. As far as reels go, I'd suggest bumping up your retrieve to a 7.1:1. Squarebills are one of those baits that work best when worked fast to cover water. Either way, I'd probably recommend a BPS Pro Qualifier in whatever gear ratio you choose. 

We agree on the reel speed..............but I like a faster action rod for squarebills. I fish around grass most of the time, and moderate rods just load up too much for the way I like to rip them out, same goes for lipless cranks.

I would go look and see your suggested rods but hold off on anything until the right feel comes along. Go buy the reel you like the best and take it rod shopping and fit it up. On the water will be the real test. Unless you need it right now, shop around this winter. I fish a few SC premier crankbait rods. Bit softer tip. Go give a hard look to fing what is best.

Deleted.  Was thinking of the wrong thread.

I actually like to throw the smaller 1.0/1.5 size squarebills on spinning gear...once I get to the 2.5 size and heavier is when I prefer baitcasters.

Thanks to all for the responses!

yeah, I'd say at least a 6.3:1. 5.x ratios are better suited for standard and deep cranking. This setup should double as a good trap/spinnerbait setup as well.

BMC-7M (bucoo micro) and BB1HZL lews in 6.4:1

On 12/4/2015 at 6:25 PM, Megastink said:

Duckett micro magic pro 7' Medium, ardent apex Elite 5.3:1, 12lb fluoro. Enjoy!

I run that rod and line with an Orra Winch reel. 

I just got a Curado I 5:5 and a Dobyns Fury Crankbait Rod.

 I will be trying my setup as soon as Spring starts here in the Burgh!

Nice, don't think I see too many of those rods mentioned here so be sure to give us your thoughts/review once you've had a chance to fish it!  Enjoy the new combo!