I'm going to get a crankbait rod this year, for sure. It won't be for deep divers, just shallow and mid-depth. I have 3 length choices: a 6'6", a 7"6" and a 7'8". Is there any advantage to the longer rods? Or put another way, is there any disadvantage to the 6'6" rod?  Thnx     jj

Each angler can have their own preference when it comes to rod length.

I prefer a 'shorter' rods when looking for accuracy - shallow target aimed presentations and something longer for bomb casts.  For cranks like squarebills that usually means a 6'10" - 7' ft stick.

For 'distance" only I'm picking up 'the launcher' a 7'10" blank that excels at sending baits far away from the boat. 

A nice mix of both for me is a 7'4" rod.  Takes a little practice to get the accuracy but still offers a decent distance. 

A-Jay

 

What are you fishing from? '

 

I love my glass rod for smaller crankbaits,1.5's

20 minutes ago, TBAG said:

What are you fishing from? '

   Fishing from shore. Over half will be in riprap, and the rest over sand bars and ledges. I'd like the distance over sand bars and ledges, but I know I need the accuracy in the rocks. I think A-Jay answered my question when he said it takes a little practice to get the accuracy with a longer rod. At my age, I don't know whether I have all that much time to practice!       jj

In my experience a longer rod doesn't add that much distance.  Unless you're lobbing huge deep divers (20+ feet), a few extra yards isn't real significant. 

 

It's far more important to get a rod that loads properly for the lure weight.  For crank baits 3/8 and below I prefer a pretty limber rod regardless of length.

 

Any specific reason you are locked into those 3 lengths?

 

What depth do you consider shallow, mid?

   I consider shallow to be 2-4 feet, and mid to be 4-8 feet. The two longer rods are available from custom rod makers, and the 6'6" is on the advice of one of my fishing friends who is extremely un-opinionated. (Like water is un-wet and concrete is un-hard.)   ???

7 Foot cranking rod would be more ideal in your scenario.

I think a 6 10 composite for square bills is ideal you don't need anything longer than 7 for square bills now you just have to decide glass graphite or a composite...?

First, rod length can be a factor of your height.

 

If you are short go with a 6'6" rod. If you are tall go with the 7'8" rod. If you are in-between go with an in-between length rod that feels comfortable to you.

 

Second, there are "crankbait specific" rods in the marketplace that are made especially for crankbait fishing. I have a David Fritts that I love more than my G. Loomis. Go figure?

 

The David Fritts crankbait series "Lew's Perfect Crank Baitcasting rods" is an example. Other companies have "crankbait specific" rods to select among. Your preference.  And FYI, Fritts is the one and only pro on tour that throws crankbaits almost all the time.

 

Take the reel you will be using and bring it with you to your favorite tackle store and put it on the rods of different lengths to see how the rod feels in your hands. Note the weight, balance and performance of the rod. Close your eyes and move the rod around; simulate casting; move it side to side like when you set the hook; and look at the overall construction in addition to the line test and bait weight parameters.

 

May I suggest you get the November/December 2018 Bassmaster Magazine and read the article about Fritts on a lake in their "A Day on The Lake" series. I think you will learn a little more about crankbait fishing from the master himself.

 

Good luck in your selection. And be sure to let us know what you finally purchased.

 

The Bait Monkey awaits you.