Hey guys, just wanted you guys input about what im thinking about for my new shallow cranking setup. Im looking at getting a Cabelas Tournament ZX Crankshaft rod (7ft M Fast Action 1/4-1oz ) and pairing it with a Lews BB1 pro reel. I was wondering if any of you guys were using this setup and if you liked it. I have heard good things about the BB1 but was wondering what gear ratio would be best for shallow cranking ( lipless cranks, squarebills, and moderate cranks up to 10ft). I have also heard good things about the Tournament ZX rods just nothing specifically about the crankshaft models. Thanks for the insight guys. 

The rod will work fine. I actually like those Winn Grips that come on that rod. As for the reel, whatever 6:x gear ratio the BB1 comes in will work perfectly for you. 

50 minutes ago, iabass8 said:

The rod will work fine. I actually like those Winn Grips that come on that rod. As for the reel, whatever 6:x gear ratio the BB1 comes in will work perfectly for you. 

So 6:x over 5:x for shallow cranks?

2 minutes ago, tje0705 said:

So 6:x over 5:x for shallow cranks?

Yes. You are also using the rod for lipless baits as well. 

For crankbaits, you will want a slower gear ratio. The BB1 is perfect. Also, the Lew's David Fritts Perfect crankbait rod would also match up with it. Put on 12# mono with a Bandit 100 and you are ready to catch some fish.

Yeah, you will want the 6:1 for squarebills and lipless, and you can definitely manage shallow cranks, especially with the BB1 Pro.

I would also use a 6 gear ratio reel. I use to use a 5 but now I use a 6. I think the mediums will be fine on the 6 as well, although that might just be the excuse you need to get two setups instead of one

I personally like a 5.4:1 gear ratio for crankbaits only. I personally like a daiwa tatula (fairly cheap at $150 and up) for cranking because you can get a longer cast with the t wing system. Just my 2 cents.

10-4 guys. I'm feeling pretty good about my choice in setup now. Thanks. 

I personally prefer 7 gear ratios for my squarebills. (30 inches per turn). I caught my personal best on it this year with that setup. Squarebills are pretty shallow in the water column and I like to burn them as a search bait.

For my crankbaits that dive 15' or more I prefer my 5 gear ratio bb1L. 

Most People say use a 6 for square bills.. I was using a 6 for the longest but decided to try a 5:4.1 with the spool all the way full and have been having more sucess. I felt like I was always burning it with the 6.3... I like the cabelas rods but I would find one shorter ..6'6 to 6'8" for shallow cranks... Accuracy is a critical when throwing cranks into.shallow wood . 

Just a sugestion.. I'm still trying to find the "perfect" square bill set up. 

I have a 7-1 M Om×n and lews ss and its awesome for 1.5s. Super light, perfectly balanced all day set up. It does not handle the 2.5 well though. I need that next step up.....the search continues. 

I'd get a Phenix x10 and shimano curado I low gear

16 hours ago, Lendiesel22 said:

I have a 7-1 M Om×n and lews ss and its awesome for 1.5s. Super light, perfectly balanced all day set up. It does not handle the 2.5 well though. I need that next step up.....the search continues. 

This was my except set up..except a SS tourney.. I broke another Om3n (my fault) so right now I'm using a 6'8" MHF ghost with a quantum smoke 5:4.1...