Can I pair a 100-150 sized casting reel with a 7-7’2” rod for cranking or does it need to be shorter?

[Ohioguy25]

I am putting together a cranking combo and want it to be able to cast 5/16-5/8 oz cranks as effortlessly as possible. I’m told the smaller the real the better to achieve this. 
 

I plan on buying a 7-7’2” carbon cranking rod, just wondering if those reel sizes would be too small?

[MickD]

I don't know where all this attention to matching reels to rods came from , but it's IMO highly over-rated as an important consideration.  Within common sense, within reason, you can put any reel with any rod.  If balance is important to you, then check it out.  It's also a fact that all reels are not sized the same, meaning not all 100 size casting reels are the same size or weight; not all 2500 spinning reels are the same size or weight.  

 

My direct answser to your question would be :  No

[Ohioguy25]

20 minutes ago, MickD said:

I don't know where all this attention to matching reels to rods came from , but it's IMO highly over-rated as an important consideration.  Within common sense, within reason, you can put any reel with any rod.  If balance is important to you, then check it out.  It's also a fact that all reels are not sized the same, meaning not all 100 size casting reels are the same size or weight; not all 2500 spinning reels are the same size or weight.  

 

My direct answser to your question would be :  No

No as in 100-150 wouldn’t be too small?

[new2BC4bass]

3 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

No as in 100-150 wouldn’t be too small?

No.  Will work fine.  

[VolFan]

No it probably wouldn’t be too small. Just don’t mix Daiwa and Shimano or vice versa…

[Eric 26]

I have 2 cranking sticks from bps and use or have used various reels which carry anywhere between 120-150 yards of 10 pound monofilament. But I have also used a Tatula 80 on the above rods and had no issues with any of them. If you really feel the need for maximum casting distances or really heavy monofilament then I guess I’d understand wanting say a Tatula 150 or 200 or even a Lews BB1 but I don’t personally see the need for it in my situation.

Edited January 6 by Eric 26
Added content

[MickD]

16 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

No as in 100-150 wouldn’t be too small?

Would not be too small.  You asked a direct question that could be answered yes or no.  I answered no. 

[Fishingmickey]

Hi Ohio,

     That's a pretty light spec. on your crankbait weights. meaning smaller-ish crank baits with smaller treble hooks. Likely size 4 or size 6 small.  You might even want to go to a 7'5" Med power Moderate action. rod for longer casting distance and a more parabolic bend. Your fine on reel size.

FM

 

[Ohioguy25]

15 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

Hi Ohio,

     That's a pretty light spec. on your crankbait weights. meaning smaller-ish crank baits with smaller treble hooks. Likely size 4 or size 6 small.  You might even want to go to a 7'5" Med power Moderate action. rod for longer casting distance and a more parabolic bend. Your fine on reel size.

FM

 

Ahh so def stick w at least a 7’2” medium, what about between moderate & mod fast?

[Fishingmickey]

Tomato - tomotto, A medium rod is going to be the right action for the size lure your wanting to throw and more bendy. Moderate, moderate fast just is what is in that manufacturers mind and will vary between manufacturers.  It's not like your trying to rip lipless crank baits out of hydrilla and want a stiffer rod.

     You could go medium power, fast action with monofilament or fluoro that stretches some. The medium power and longer rod will be softer and bend more then a M or MH at a 7' length.  It really boils down to the individual's fishing preference.

FM

[Eric 26]

So after rereading this thread I was going to edit my post but figured I’ll start a new one. One of my aforementioned rods is a 7’-0” medium light powered fast action even though it’s very moderate action rod. It’s rated for lures 1/16th-1/2 ounce and it pretty much only saw either a 1.5 square bill at 3/8 ounce or a 1/8 ounce inline spinner but both of those lures were thrown with the same reel that I finally settled on with 10 pound big game monofilament. My point is if you’re looking to throw light lures get a moderate fast rod and put a reel on there you’ll enjoy.

[papajoe222]

7 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

I am putting together a cranking combo and want it to be able to cast 5/16-5/8 oz cranks as effortlessly as possible. I’m told the smaller the real the better to achieve this.

The rod has much more to do with this than the reel. I assume that you're going short (vs.7'6"-8'0") is for a reason.  If you can find a rod with those specs, you should be okay with most baitcasters. As long as you can set the cast control knob to match the lure, you'll be fine.

[Ohioguy25]

5 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

If you can find a rod with those specs, you should be okay with most baitcasters.

Which specs?

[FrnkNsteen]

I don't worry too much about matching reels to rods, other than the shape of some reels feel better in certain reel seats, and some balance better than others depending on balance if the rod and weight of the reel 

 

The only other thing I consider when looking at matching up reels for certain techniques is gear ratios.

 

In the end, I also think any 100 - 150 size reel would work fine as long as it is comfortable for you to use.

[MickD]

2 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Which specs?

The most important spec is the recommended lure weight.  It most closely matches the power, and the power needs to be right in order to load properly on the cast.  Longer rod lengths usually make longer casts, but the down sides are  most likely weight, balance, and accuracy.  You need to gain experience that will guide you to buy what best matches your intended use, lures, and preferences.  But if you follow one recommdation for a MH power, and intend to cast a 5/16 oz lure with it, I think you will be disappointed.  But you will have gained some valuable experience.

[new2BC4bass]

You have to take actions listed with a grain of salt.  I have a composite crankbait rod and a Ledge/Small Crankbait (says so right on the rod) graphite rod that both say Fast on them.  I have Moderate, Medium and Mod/Fast crankbait rods.

 

Do you think a Fast action crankbait rod has the same action as a Fast action jig/worm rod?  I wouldn't fish a jig on my MF crankbait rod, but would on my MR (Regular) OG Tatula rod if it was the only option I had with me.

[Ohioguy25]

55 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

You have to take actions listed with a grain of salt.  I have a composite crankbait rod and a Ledge/Small Crankbait (says so right on the rod) graphite rod that both say Fast on them.  I have Moderate, Medium and Mod/Fast crankbait rods.

 

Do you think a Fast action crankbait rod has the same action as a Fast action jig/worm rod?  I wouldn't fish a jig on my MF crankbait rod, but would on my MR (Regular) OG Tatula rod if it was the only option I had with me.

Interesting, so I should probably go with the moderate fast?

[new2BC4bass]

That's an impossible question for me to answer.  What rod(s) are you looking at buying?

 

My previous post was to point out that crankbait rods have different actions listed, yet fish crankbaits just fine because that is what the rods were designed for.  Yes, a Moderate Fast will work, but so will a Fast action rod as long as it was designed for crankbaits.

 

My Lew's Custom Pro Speed Stick is a 7'6" MF graphite rod rated 1/4-5/8 oz.  It is the Ledge/Small Crankbait rod I mentioned previously.  My Phenix X10 is a composite 7' Moderate Fast rod rated 1/4-1 oz.  Quote from TW, "the Phenix Crankbait Series is constructed with high modulus graphite and carbon fibers, flowing seamlessly into a fiberglass tip."

 

Go to TackleWarehouse website and search for 'crankbait casting rods'.  There will be 3 pages of just casting crankbait rods.  At least that is what showed up when I searched.  A couple are on sale.  See which ones interest you.  Check Google for reviews on the rods.  TW normally has user reviews as well.

[papajoe222]

On 1/7/2025 at 3:51 AM, Ohioguy25 said:

Which specs?

I plan on buying a 7-7’2” carbon cranking rod, able to cast 5/16-5/8 oz

I'd recommend a MH/Mod.Fast Unless you'll be using braid, in which case go with a moderate action.

[Bandersnatch]

Do what you’d like! There are no rules, includes those people saying you need a take of a reel to fish heavy cover. Do what you’d like 

[Ohioguy25]

16 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

I plan on buying a 7-7’2” carbon cranking rod, able to cast 5/16-5/8 oz

I'd recommend a MH/Mod.Fast Unless you'll be using braid, in which case go with a moderate action.

I’m currently using a MHMF, it is very difficult to throw 3/8-1/2 oz 1.5 sized cranks on. Have you tried this? I plan on going Medium. 

[papajoe222]

10 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

I’m currently using a MHMF, it is very difficult to throw 3/8-1/2 oz 1.5 sized cranks on. Have you tried this? I plan on going Medium. 

Do what you think you'll be most comfortable with. I have two St. Croix cranking rods in MH/MF. They're rated for 3/8-1oz.and for anything over 3/8oz. they are the ones I use. I have no difficulty making 30-40yrd casts with them and I have a bum shoulder.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

You could go down to a 70 if you wanted too without any issues.  I prefer throwing cranks to 5/8 on a 100 MGL or smaller spool.  I use a 7'1 Med power F action for most of my shallow cranks.  Once you get over 7' with a med power, it doesn't take much pressure to get a bend in the rod, but you still get that fast recovery, which I really like for deflections.  

[Big Hands]

I have three mod-fast cranking rods that are 7'4", 7'6" and 7'6". I wouldn't change the length if I could. The 7'4" is a little beefier and I use a Curado 200K on it, and smaller reels on the other two. To me, 100 and 150 size baitcasters are generally interchangeable as far as sizing goes.

 

My jerkbait rod is 6'10", but I don't really consider that a crankbait rod per se.

[Ohioguy25]

6 hours ago, Big Hands said:

I have three mod-fast cranking rods that are 7'4", 7'6" and 7'6". I wouldn't change the length if I could. The 7'4" is a little beefier and I use a Curado 200K on it, and smaller reels on the other two. To me, 100 and 150 size baitcasters are generally interchangeable as far as sizing goes.

 

My jerkbait rod is 6'10", but I don't really consider that a crankbait rod per se.

Expride?