Hey Guys,

 

This summer I am going to dedicate myself to fishing deep timber at some of my local lakes.  I have a wife and two daughters, so I am on a budget.  I need a rod, if possible that can kill two birds.  Anyone have suggestions for a rod that handle a 1/2 Jig in deep timer (15-20 ft) and also be capable to handle a deep running crankbait (15-20ft)?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I don't know your budget but I'd think a MH/Fast would work.  Lighter may create issues setting the hook on a jig.

I use a MegaBass Diablo Spec R for deep cranks, it would work with jigs.  It isn't cheap though. 

I have never had a rod that would do a good job on a 1/2 oz jig and not be too stiff for crank baits.  If I were in your situation I would buy the rod to match what I would be doing most and get by with the other application.  However, someone may be familiar with a rod that I don’t know of which will do both jobs.  Good luck.  I hope you find it.

48 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

I have never had a rod that would do a good job on a 1/2 oz jig and not be too stiff for crank baits.  If I were in your situation I would buy the rod to match what I would be doing most and get by with the other application.  However, someone may be familiar with a rod that I don’t know of which will do both jobs.  Good luck.  I hope you find it.

I agree, the deep cranking rod needs some give to assist in keeping the trebles in and not ripping the crank out of the fishes mouth upon hook set , but that give is exactly what you don't want when setting the hook and keeping the fish on with the jig. I concur with jigman ,I would buy the rod to match what you would be doing most and get by with the other application.

So I am thinking a  - 7ft Heavy for the Jig (any tip advise?)

 

What about for the deep crank?  I fish a 7ft medium Duckett crankin rod  (Ghost I believe) for my square bills and mid level crankbaits

 

I use separate rods for these, but I have two rods that would manage in a pinch. First is the ALX Zolo Dragger. It's rated as fast, but it's moderate enough for cranks at times. The other is a Megabass F6-72X4 Destruction. I'm not sure there's anything that rod can't do, to be honest. 

1 hour ago, Cityangler7 said:

I agree, the deep cranking rod needs some give to assist in keeping the trebles in and not ripping the crank out of the fishes mouth upon hook set , but that give is exactly what you don't want when setting the hook and keeping the fish on with the jig. I concur with jigman ,I would buy the rod to match what you would be doing most and get by with the other application.

I don't find it to be as much of a problem when you're running 15-20 foot deep with probably a 50 yard cast on something that will dive that deep. Unless you're using braid, that's plenty of line to give you a buffer. 

To me, this is two separate rods but if I had a choice as to which rod would maybe do both.... St. Croix Avid 7' M Fast.

 

I like to use X-Fast rods for jigs and Moderate rods for cranks.  

Do you guys think I can get away with using a 7ft MH or 7ft MM rod and effectively fish 15-20 feet of water with a deep running crank bait?

I’ve been using an Abu Garcia Veritas 7’6” MH/MF Frog rod that I bought to use as a versatile rod on my kayak. It’s $120, rated for 3/8-1 1/4 oz and it’s designed for frogs so it has backbone but the mod-fast tip to help with the trebles. With a middle of the road gear ratio reel and braid to leader I think it works decent enough. 
 

since I’ve joined a club and started fishing tournaments I’m acquiring more specific gear and plan on buying a more sensitive jig rod and a cranking rod, and when I do, this Veritas is gonna be my S-Waver and A-Rig rod. 

Again here is to each his own.  My cranks are on 7' BPS Medium Carbonlites fast tip I bought on sale for $99.99. Jigs, plastics and other stuff I fish on 7' MH fast tip BPS Carbonlites I also bought on sale for $99.99.  They work just fine.

Take a look at the St Croix Bass X 7'1" MH fast action. I think it's a versatile rod that doesn't get talked about nearly as much as it should. 

The best rod I could think of would be a MH/F for jigs and cranks, but as others said that may work pretty well for jigs depending on the amount of weeds you throw it in or it may be a little too light but it's going to be a bit too stiff for crankbaits.