Hi guys. I am a diehard shimano bait caster fan but i need quick tips. if anyone knows a good crank bait or jerk bait shimano reel setup please reply. Also if you know of a rod that would also be good. I have a Jig setup already and a Finesse spinning reel and rod. Im just looking to get the right setups for the right type of lure.

There are two main camps for jerkbaits, those that like moderate rods and those that like fast rods.  You will find many in the middle also.  I prefer a fast rod and i use a st croix avid 66mf.  Your main line choice will have a lot to do with the rod you choose.  If your a braid to leader kind of guy then the slower rods will work out.  I use co-poly so i like a rod with a little less give.  Megabass makes a one-ten special that a lot of guys like.  What bait your using and main line will be helpful in providing any further ***.

Reels are about the same, i like an alphas with a zonda deep spool.  The smaller reel just feels good on that setup.  You could also look at the steez or and Aldebaran

I use a Casitas 721 on a 68 mf mojo.

I use a Calcutta 50 for my jerkbaits on a 6' 8" M/F Ethos. My main cranking rod is a 200E5 Curado on a 7' MH/M Quantum KVD cranking rod. 

My jerking combo is a Loomis 7' mh/f GLX MBR 843C with a Chronarch 100SF. 

 

For cranking I use a Phenix X11 composite rod with a JM Signature reel. 

 

Crankin and jerken on a 7' Med fast tip Carbonlite with my oldy but goody Curado 100B 6.2:1 and 12 lb Flouro.  Reel is 12 years old and performing like new.

 

For jerkbait I like small reel and light weight one, curado 70 or 50e.

I'll let others answer the question, but let me

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