I’ve never really fished deep cranks but would like to try it this year. Wondering before getting into a rod, is there a rod you might be able to get away with to try out before investing in a full set up. I love fishing squarebills on my 845 cbr which is the reason I’d like to try deep cranks 

 

I’m sure I’ll get hooked before you know it. If that’s the case I’d like to go with a higher end rod and wondering what is something to look into? 

  If all you want is to try a legitimate deep cranking rod, try one of the David Fritts Perfect Cranker rods from Lew's. They're not fancy, but they're not expensive, either. And believe me, they are exactly what the advertisement says they are. There is a 7' M/M. and a 7' MH/M, as well as a 7 1/2 MH/M if you go to the Perfect Palmer. If you like them, you've got a good cranker for not too much money. If you don't like them, you can sell without losing much (or maybe any) money.

   One word of advice. Use a low retrieve speed reel with this (or any) deep cranking rod. If you can find the Shimano Curado 200i PG (Power Gear) at 5.5:1 retrieve ratio, you'll find that it's just about perfect. You may not think so for the first half hour, but you will after that.   ? ?    jj

I have the St. Croix Legend Glass 7'2'' M Mod and it has so far been the best crank bait rod I have ever used.   I have owned a couple different ones from Loomis, Shimano and St. Croix and this one has everything I want in a crankbait rod.  For deep cranks, its pretty good but better with six foot range cranks.  For heavier deeper cranks the MH may be better.  

 

On a side note, I love this rod for topwater as well. I have found it to be perfect for Whopper Ploppers. 

I deep crank with lures that weigh over an ounce but dont do it enough to warrant a dedicated rod to it . So I getaway with a 7 foot MH . Its top  rating  is only  3/4 ounce but i only carry 4 or 5 combos and they all have to do double duty .