If you had to pick a rod and reel combo for baits like shallow crankbaits, jerk baits, and poppers while staying around 250 dollars what would you pick and why?

I am using a 6'10 MH, extra fast Lews Laser SG I think it is, with a Shimano SLX 7.2:1

 

Once dialed in, it flings my 3/8 and lower cranks out there no problem. I am a huge fan of the SLX's especially the SLX DC. 

 

What is best is going to be dependent on where your fishing, and the size of the population. I would not use my setup on Toho, or Sam Rayburn for example. However it works for me here in Indiana. 

8 minutes ago, InfantryMP said:

I am using a 6'10 MH, extra fast Lews Laser SG I think it is, with a Shimano SLX 7.2:1

 

Once dialed in, it flings my 3/8 and lower cranks out there no problem. I am a huge fan of the SLX's especially the SLX DC. 

 

What is best is going to be dependent on where your fishing, and the size of the population. I would not use my setup on Toho, or Sam Rayburn for example. However it works for me here in Indiana. 

I live in the middle of the Bay Area, not much giant lake fishing for me ?

1 minute ago, trout123 said:

I live in the middle of the Bay Area, not much giant lake fishing for me ?

 

I also have this combo, that I use for lipless and heavier cranks. It would be at the top of your budget I think. I have the 7'2 MH version of this combo. 

 

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/team-lews-custom-black-speed-spool-baitcast-combo?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Shop|Generic|AllProducts|High|SSCCatchAll&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo-aCBhC-ARIsAAkNQisu3tAG-Oxbsls2OajWfseengBZQJNg_M-RJDvX7954U9TWCuzo_tQaAolSEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

For that price I’d pick up a st croix bass x 7’2” mph moderate action. I think that a moderate rod is really important for keeping fish pinned on treble hooks. Pair it with a shimano slx xt and you’ve got a great crank setup.

I use the Daiwa Tatula 7' M power Regular action "shallow cranking" rod for those applications paired with a Tatula SV. It has been a great combo for jerkbaits and small squarebills so far. 

On 3/23/2021 at 7:53 PM, walleyecrazy said:

I use the Daiwa Tatula 7' M power Regular action "shallow cranking" rod for those applications paired with a Tatula SV. It has been a great combo for jerkbaits and small squarebills so far. 

Shallow cranking sounds perfect for me right now, i fish almost exclusively from shore right now.