I've got a St. Croix 6'6" Premier MF that I really like.  I'm getting ready to buy another one for smaller crankbaits (Norman Deep Little N's for example) and jerkbaits (Rogues).  I want one that will be a little more sensitive than the one I have.

I've been to St. Croix's website and used their rod selector.  It lists a 6'6" MM fiberglass crankbait rod that is their preferred rod for crankbaits in the 6'6" Premier catagory.  It also lists a 6'6" MLF Premier casting rod (graphite).  

I've had a Bass Pro Crankin' Stick in the past (which was fiberglass) and I didn't really like it.  So I'm hesitant to go with fiberglass again.  They also have the same choices in the 7' rods but I'm not sure I want another 7' in my rod box.

Thought I'd see what opinions and info were out there on this.  Thanks!

Its really a personal preference to use fiberglass or graphite on crank bait rods.

A lot of guy like the fiberglass, because it gives more and the fish has a harder time throwing the hooks when the rod gives some.

Use both kind of rods for cranks. I know that when I am fishing for SM I like the fiberglass better. since they like to dig & head shake more than a LM.

If I am fishing a shallow CB, like a Baby 1-, I use a graphite rod.

Its all personal preference, but if you don't like the fiberglass rod you have now, then I would get the graphite. The graphite is also going to be more sensitive than a fiberglass rod.

I'd for sure go with graphite, no hesitation!  But I would get a MM or MHM in graphite (PC66MM).  I have a MHM graphite and it will cast the little stuff very well (PC70MHM).  And they are way lighter than glass!!

I have the 6' 6" MLF SCIII blank (Avid) that I built up as a spinning rod, I think it's too light for what you want to use it for.

I'm not a fan of glass either way but I can only see using it for big, deep diving cranks where the extra weight can cushion some of the resistance.

I have the same rod (6'6" Premier MF, graphite) and like it for the medium size cranks and buzzbaits.  I also have a MHM (Moderate action) in the same length that I prefer for smaller crankbaits like Shad Rap 5's and Bandit 100's.  Even though this is a medium heavy rod it casts smaller baits very well and has enough give to keep small trebles buttoned up.

Can't understand why no one ever looks at the AC68MXF for these baits. I have built 4 rods on this blank, 3 last season and they have served the customers well. 1 new and hasn't been fished yet.

Tight Lines!!!  

Can't understand why no one ever looks at the AC68MXF for these baits. I have built 4 rods on this blank, 3 last season and they have served the customers well. 1 new and hasn't been fished yet.

Tight Lines!!!

I use the st croix tournament bass TBC68MXF.  It is by no mens my most expensive rod, but easily one of my favorites.  It handles topwaters beutifully, minnow jerk baits, cranks, spinnerbaits, and senko's.

Only pegged "mat busters" are not suited to this amazing rod.

My "all-around" baitcaster is the St. Croix Avid AC66MF. This is an excellent rod for medium weight treble hook lures. Although the rod action is rated "fast," the tip is soft. This is a very comfortable rod to fish.

For heavier baits and deep divers, I prefer glass.

Avid

St Croix TBC68MXF:  What is the biggest spinnerbait you throw with it?  Will that rod handle a 1/2 oz spinnerbait?

My "all-around" baitcaster is the St. Croix Avid AC66MF. This is an excellent rod for medium weight treble hook lures. Although the rod action is rated "fast," the tip is soft. This is a very comfortable rod to fish.

For heavier baits and deep divers, I prefer glass.

i have the same rod & i couldnt agree more

Can't understand why no one ever looks at the AC68MXF for these baits

i was about to say the same thing, i have othe AC68MXF and love it  

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong - but St. Croix basically offers three different types of rods (in the Premier catagory) for what I'm looking for.  A graphite rod, a grahite rod designed for crankbaits, and a fiberglass rod designed for crankbaits (as well as different lengths and actions for each).

If that is right - someone explain what is the difference in the two types of graphite rods.  Is it just in the action and tip or is there more to it?

Thanks

I don't wanna hi-jack your thread, Mid-MO, but I have a Premier fiberglass. This rd is unbeatable for deep cranks. But I don't like it for shallow crankin'. I am looking at a G Loomis crankbait rod, can't remembr the number, for this technique and topwater. I guess my point is that the fiberglass rods are only good for big deep cranks.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong - but St. Croix basically offers three different types of rods (in the Premier catagory) for what I'm looking for. A graphite rod, a grahite rod designed for crankbaits, and a fiberglass rod designed for crankbaits (as well as different lengths and actions for each).

If that is right - someone explain what is the difference in the two types of graphite rods. Is it just in the action and tip or is there more to it?

Thanks

Yes.  The crankbait rods are just a moderate or mod-fast (no catalog in front of me) and the "regular" graphite is fast action.  The mod and mod-fast will bend more through the mid section and feel "softer."  Most people like this for crankbaits, it is easier on you if you fish them much and it is harder for a fish to throw the treble hooks as the softer rod 'gives' more during of head shaking and jumps.

Thanks for the information - exactly the type of stuff I'm wanting.

Is there going to be a big difference in sensitivity in the two rods due to the fast or moderate action or is that just mainly going to affect the bend in the middle part of the rod?

I'd love to be able to test each rod out before I buy it - but I don't think Bass Pro in Springfield has anywhere you can do that.  

You don't need sensitivity in a crankbait rod... but still the graphite version is WAY more sensitive than the glass rod.  I'm sure an argument could be made for a fast action "feeling" a little more sensitive than the mod. (graphite to graphite)  I really think the sensitivity is the same or close since the same material is used to make the mod rods, it's just a different taper and wall thickness that give it the different feel...  But the different feel is not (most likely not) the transmission of vibrations, it's the effect of levered tip vs. body of the rod.    

I have to agree that it is more personal preference. I personally use a AC70MM (Crankbait Rod) for my smaller presentations Shad Rap#5's ect. and have a AC70MHM (Crankbait Rod) for my Shad Rap#7's and some of my deep divers.

I also use a PC60MF for jerk baits and some close in work and love its action.

I will be buying a AC68MXF in the next month or so and will just add it to my arsenal.

Thanks again for the info.  

As for the sensitivity - I am just trying to find the best thing that is going to let me feel as many deflections off of cover, bottom, etc as I can.  The idea that it is made from the same material and therefore probably doesn't change much from one rod to the other makes a lot of sense.

I have to agree that it is more personal preference. I personally use a AC70MM (Crankbait Rod) for my smaller presentations Shad Rap#5's ect. and have a AC70MHM (Crankbait Rod) for my Shad Rap#7's and some of my deep divers.

Those are the exact rods I will be using this year.

B

I have one rod that I use for all my cranks. It's a St Croix AC66MHM, it might not be the best rod for each of my cranks but works well with all sizes. I have made up my mind that I don't need to have a rod for each lure type. I have 4 bait casting rods and 1 spinning outfit that covers all my Bass fishing needs.

Sorry Bait Monkey!