Rod is listed as a top water/jerkbait rod. I’d like to use it for shallow crankbaits. Squarebills mostly. IIt’s medium moderate fast. Buddy of mine has this rod for trade and I’m looking for a shorter crankbait rod. Anyone had experience with this rod? I already have an extra fast mojo bass jerkbait rod I love. This custom lite would be an off label use.

There's at least two schools of thought on the best action on jerkbait rods. One of them being the mod-fast camp and another being the extra fast camp. Being that I am of the latter persuasion, it wouldn't be my choice, but apparently the mod-fast action works for the jerkbait systems of other anglers. I would even say that any decent angler could adapt their technique or other aspects of their unique system to make it work.

I find that balance of a combo is important to me when jerkbait fishing because it takes a lot of effort to impart action to them when they're wanting a lot of movement to elicit a strike. I think I would rather fish a well balanced mod-fast combo than a combo with an extra fast action that had poor balance (tip heavy). Ideally, I prefer an extra fast action and excellent balance.

12 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

There's at least two schools of thought on the best action on jerkbait rods. One of them being the mod-fast camp and another being the extra fast camp. Being that I am of the latter persuasion, it wouldn't be my choice, but apparently the mod-fast action works for the jerkbait systems of other anglers. I would even say that any decent angler could adapt their technique or other aspects of their unique system to make it work.

I find that balance of a combo is important to me when jerkbait fishing because it takes a lot of effort to impart action to them when they're wanting a lot of movement to elicit a strike. I think I would rather fish a well balanced mod-fast combo than a combo with an extra fast action that had poor balance (tip heavy). Ideally, I prefer an extra fast action and excellent balance.

Excellent Analysis. I have a jerkbait rod I love already (extra fast) Look into this rod for square bills, lipless etc. something for shallow river crankbait fishing

1 minute ago, jitterbug127 said:

something for shallow river crankbait fishing

On that topic, I will sit back and listen to folks that are familiar with that type of fishing.

No experience with that rod but... what size cranks do you plan on tossing? If I looked up the correct rod it says 1/4-1/2 oz. for lure weight. I'm just wondering if it might be slightly under powered for a 1/2 oz. 1.5. Are you able to try it out since it's a buddies?

I have a 7 foot (composite?) rod that's labeled as a MH Fast worm rod, 1/4-3/4 lure weight. To me it fishes more like a Medium Moderate and throws 1/4-1/2 oz. squarebills like butter. It'll toss a 3/4 oz. bait but you can tell it's not ideal.

21 minutes ago, Kev-mo said:

No experience with that rod but... what size cranks do you plan on tossing? If I looked up the correct rod it says 1/4-1/2 oz. for lure weight. I'm just wondering if it might be slightly under powered for a 1/2 oz. 1.5. Are you able to try it out since it's a buddies?

I have a 7 foot (composite?) rod that's labeled as a MH Fast worm rod, 1/4-3/4 lure weight. To me it fishes more like a Medium Moderate and throws 1/4-1/2 oz. squarebills like butter. It'll toss a 3/4 oz. bait but you can tell it's not ideal.

I was looking to throw 1.5s and similar mostly.

I have a couple Lew's Custom rods, the older Custom Plus Pro and Custom Plus Speed Stick, both rated for 1/8-1/2oz. I think the one you are looking at 1/4-1/2oz will struggle to cast a 1/4oz small squarebill unless you have the right reel that can handle lighter baits, but not necessarily BFS. I have Daiwa SV105's on my rods, with a mod for fixed inductors, and they can throw 1/8oz, but 1/4oz will fly on them.

4 minutes ago, Junger said:

I have a couple Lew's Custom rods, the older Custom Plus Pro and Custom Plus Speed Stick, both rated for 1/8-1/2oz. I think the one you are looking at 1/4-1/2oz will struggle to cast a 1/4oz small squarebill unless you have the right reel that can handle lighter baits, but not necessarily BFS. I have Daiwa SV105's on my rods, with a mod for fixed inductors, and they can throw 1/8oz, but 1/4oz will fly on them.

I’ve got a few curado reels with the mgl spool. Should be good there. I’m curious how this Rods action will work for treble hook lures.

4 hours ago, jitterbug127 said:

I’ve got a few curado reels with the mgl spool. Should be good there. I’m curious how this Rods action will work for treble hook lures.

Should be fine, I use my 6'8 ML/F Lew's Custom for shallow cranks too, I just loosen the drag a little so I'm not ripping the trebles out.

Should be fine.