Looking for a spinning rod that I can use for lighter cranks. Lures like floating Raps, Cricket Hoppers, small squarebill, etc, etc. Having a hard time finding a moderate fast action spinning rod. Maybe a moderate is more suitable. Looking for something in the 6' to 7' but don't really want anything longer than 7'. If you have some suggestions for fast action rods, I wouldn't be opposed to that. I have a Dobyn's crankbait casting rod that works well with cranks and an Okuma Celilo UL that works great for smaller cranks. Just looking for something to complete my spinning rod setups and want to move away from my baitcasting setup since I'm far more comfortable with spinning gear.

I got a Megabass XX Orochi Ronin 6'8" rod that is supposed to specialize in throwing jerkbaits but it works great for crankbaits too because of the deep flex.  I've been using it for throwing 1/4 ounce red eye shads more than anything else since I bought it.

3 minutes ago, Wprich said:

I got a Megabass XX Orochi Ronin 6'8" rod that is supposed to specialize in throwing jerkbaits but it works great for crankbaits too because of the deep flex.  I've been using it for throwing 1/4 ounce red eye shads more than anything else since I bought it.

Ouch. That price though. You don't have any issues keeping the fish hooked because of the fast action?

For lighter cranks as well as small jerks and poppers - I'm running an Okuma Reflexions A 7'0" ML/MF. It's done very well for me and is lure-rated to 5/8oz, so pretty hefty for a ML.

 

Unfortunately, the A-series has been replaced by the B-series and the equivalent is 7'2" - so direct from Okuma or from TW is out.

There are a few still out there.

https://www.tacklehaven.com/products/OKUMA-REFLEXIONS-RODS.html

https://www.fishermanswarehouse.com/product/okuma-reflexion-spinning-rods/127664

The model number is RZ-S-701MLA

 

4 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

For lighter cranks as well as small jerks and poppers - I'm running an Okuma Reflexions A 7'0" ML/MF. It's done very well for me and is lure-rated to 5/8oz, so pretty hefty for a ML.

 

Unfortunately, the A-series has been replaced by the B-series and the equivalent is 7'2" - so direct from Okuma or from TW is out.

There are a few still out there.

https://www.tacklehaven.com/products/OKUMA-REFLEXIONS-RODS.html

https://www.fishermanswarehouse.com/product/okuma-reflexion-spinning-rods/127664

The model number is RZ-S-701MLA

 

I was hoping for a medium power to help with fighting bigger fish. But I suppose a ML would do fine if the drag is set properly.

30 minutes ago, digitalvoid said:

Ouch. That price though. You don't have any issues keeping the fish hooked because of the fast action?

No they stay pretty hooked up I try to change my hooks on crankbaits and I think that helps also.  The action listed is fast but I think it's more toward moderate fast it has a pretty deep bend to it when flexed.

Cashion Finesse Crankbait series. 

  https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-CASHIONROD.html?from=basres

 

There was a medium power 3/16-5/8 also. Possibly out of production.            jj

 

 

Any of the St. Croix ML spinning rods will do the trick. St. croix is known for being very parabolic with an overpowered butt end. I use the Premier ML fast for this sort of application and it is plenty parabolic. Honestly any medium fast rods will work as well especially if you're willing to use stretchy lines like mono or seaguar invisx flurocarbon. 

Spinning rods are usually softer than their casting rod counterparts. As long as the spinning rod isn't XF you should be perfectly fine. 

Shimano use to make a rod in the Crucial lineup that was perfect for tiny cranks. It's a 6' 8 or 9 inch ML/F, supposed to be a dropshot rod but I caught a ton of fish on a #5 shad rap with that rod and it was almost underpowered for even that bait. They haven't been gone that long, might be able to find a used one out there somewhere. 

Fish these techniques on mostly 6'-10" - 7'-6" spinning rods in ML-M Fast action. 

A couple favorites....

-GLX 842S

-Megabass Addermine

-Shimano crucial 6-10 M F

-Daiwa's 7'-6" M/ML in any model you can find from Tatula to Steez

Phenix spinning rod have the right tip.  I haven't personally used it but I would think the 6'10 ML MF Maxim would work pretty well.

I have and still do use SC and Daiwa Tatula ML F for JBs Shad Raps and other small crankbaits and they work great.  Although both are great I would recommend the Tatula over the SC Premier or Avid even.  I guess I'm biased because I love just about everything about the Tatulas.  They have a good amount of tip to keep hooks pinned, good sensitivity for the price point, balanced, light, good locking nut and very comfortable handle.

Abu Garcia has a Winch spinning rod that a ML- moderate fast action.  And Abu's are usually a bit stouter than advertised, so I'd guess that ML fishes closer to a true medium than a true medium-light.  The big downside is it's only available in 7'2", so it's just a hair longer than your requirements.  

 

They also have a medium power Veritas Winch 7' spinning rod that's a moderate action.  But again, with their rating systems, that's going to be a bit closer to a medium-heavy than a true medium.  And the Veritas rods have those white EVA grips that will get, and stay dirty, if that matters to you.  Otherwise I really like them, especially for the money.