Hello all,

I am a new member to this community, but have spent a lot of time scrolling forums and have found a ton of helpful information on here! Figured I ought to make a profile and ask the experts for some help!

I know this topic has been covered before, but I am just looking for some updated information/recommendations. I’ve been fishing for years, and have roughly 8-10 various combos both casting and spinning. I’ve realized a hole that needs to be filled for me is a proper crank bait rod. I do not throw crankbaits a whole lot, but it’s something I’d like to use more! More specifically shallow cranks and square bills, maybe lipless cranks under 1/2 oz or so? I don’t do a whole lot of deep cranking, and I feel like if needed my dobyns sa734c could work in a pinch (for now). Been doing research for a little bit and I’ve narrowed my options down to 3 rods, but I’m definitely open to any recommendations you may have! The three rods I have liked so far are the Megabass Levante Flatside Special, Daiwa Tatula Elite Randy Howell 7’0 ML, and dobyns kaden 705cb. I would appreciate some versatility, like being able to throw smaller topwaters or jerkbaits (even though I prefer spinning gear for those). I’d also like to keep the price under $250 or so, but am not afraid to consider even cheaper options. I have mostly dobyns and St. Croix rods. I also own a tatula elite rod (7’5 MHF) that I love, and a megabass orochi whipsnake which is my favorite Ned rig rod. So I do have a bit of brand loyalty but also am willing to branch out! As far as reels go I have both a Daiwa Tatula SV TW 7.1 as well as a Tatula 100 in 6.3 gear ratio to pair with the rod, feel free to touch on what you would use! I would love to hear thoughts on the three rods I listed or any recommendations for what you use for these techniques! Thanks!

For a $250 budget I'd just grab the Falcon Cara all 'round. It's 7', 1/4-3/4, MH/MF. I have the Bucco version and have toyed with getting the Cara. The bucoo is my rod for exactly what you describe- squarebills, lipless, and divers down to 10'. I fished it for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits to a half ounce for a while and have even used it for light texas rigs. The Cara version is what Jason Christie uses for the same as well.

On Amazon they have the Dobyns 734cb (Cranking rod) in the Kaden line for like $95-135 fairly often. Nice enough rod to do something you don't do a lot of but not hate life when you do it.

I love my Evergreen Combat Stick Shower Blows rod for shallow cranks, lipless, square bills. Basically every moving baits works well on it.

I vote for a Dobyns 5 power cb rod. But they don’t make the KD in a 705 so you’re either thinking of the KD 735 or the xp 705. Either works for what you want!

18 hours ago, webertime said:

On Amazon they have the Dobyns 734cb (Cranking rod) in the Kaden line for like $95-135 fairly often. Nice enough rod to do something you don't do a lot of but not hate life when you do it.

I love my Evergreen Combat Stick Shower Blows rod for shallow cranks, lipless, square bills. Basically every moving baits works well on it.

The Amazon deals on Dobyns seems to have stopped. I haven't seen any meaningful discounts for a couple months. Far fewer models available prime these days too.

I see that now. GSM has shifted the discounts to Phenix models. XG rod is $67

Buy a Bass Pro Shop Crankin’ Stick and the reel of your choice. For me it’s the BPS Platinum series reels. You won’t find a better cranking rod.

I would wait until the new Megabass Levante comes out. For $200 or possibly less, it should be a killer rod series at that price.

20 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I would wait until the new Megabass Levante comes out. For $200 or possibly less, it should be a killer rod series at that price.

Definitely picking one up when they release them I’ve been wanting to try a megabass rod

I fish like you do. I used a MF for years before investing in crankbait rods. I like fishing crankbaits/squarebills (mostly 3/8-1/2 oz.) but don't do a lot of it. Which is why I have some crankbait rods that haven't seen any use yet.

I hope to do more cranking this year so I can get some use out of these rods. I don't spend the kind of money you are looking to spend, but managed to pick up some used rods within my meager budget that cost that much or more when new.

If looking for major distance, take a look at the Tatula Elite. I'm sure there are others that also do quite well. I'm hoping the SLX MGL 71 I put on a Lew's Custom Pro 7'6" small crankbait rod is one of them. 😁

I think Megabass makes a superior moving bait rod so I would wait for the new Levante to come out.

I personally have a bunch of destroyers that I love for treble hook baits. Javelin, Otomat from the previous gen and a Z Crank Elseil P5.

I have a Phenix X-12 that is really good for smaller crankbaits. I fish some topwater with it, but I have other topwater/jerkbait rods better suited for that if I want to fish that way. I also have an X-13 for the slightly larger crankbaits and that covers a wide range of crankbaits and the weight is not obnoxious.

I've got the Kaden 735cb and it is ideal for squarebills and lipless crankbaits. You can also get away with something like a 5xd on it although I prefer the 706cb or the 736cb glass for deeper crankbaits. But for squarebills and lipless cranks that one is a great choice. Not as expensive as the champ line but the quality is just about the same and I've found that's really all I need for a crankbait rod.

On the other hand if you want something a little more versatile then you might consider the Champ XP 705cb. That one also does very good with squarebills and lipless cranks but would also be better if you want to throw something like a hard jerkbait or a topwater walking bait. I also own that one and actually have two different reels for it (one for topwater and one with fluorocarbon on it for crankbaits).

So basically if you want a longer rod that can be used to make long casts with squarebills and lipless cranks I'd opt for the Kaden. If you want to throw those but also think you might want to get into some other lures like the ones I mentioned I'd get the Champ XP. Both are crankbait rods and the only major difference between the two is the length on the Kaden which makes it better for distance casts but makes the 705cb a bit better in terms of versatility.

I own all of the rods mentioned , The one I never cared for is the FSS, it's too tight for my liking and MB left me holding the bag for 4 of the first gen Levante's they recalled. From what I'm hearing the new ones won't be out until next fall. It's a personal thing but you won't see me in line to get one.

The Howell rod is pretty soft and it does make a good 1.5 rod and jerkbait rod even yellow magics but It wouldn't be my first choice for diving baits.

Dobyns makes a fantastic crankbait rod. I have the 705cb in Fury and champion xp. Honestly ,I like the fury the best. Sometimes lesser quality graphite is your friend. You can use it for topwater and jerkbaits too.

I'll dove tail off of cast by fly on the all'round. It will handle a deep little N as well as warts and Rk crawlers. I have a spinnerbait tied on mine at the moment.

13 hours ago, Big Hands said:

I have a Phenix X-12 that is really good for smaller crankbaits. I fish some topwater with it, but I have other topwater/jerkbait rods better suited for that if I want to fish that way. I also have an X-13 for the slightly larger crankbaits and that covers a wide range of crankbaits and the weight is not obnoxious.

An older X10 is one I'll be trying. I fish shallow lakes here. Actually I haven't fished a deep lake since moving out of NY state over 40 years ago.

I agree with rangerjockey. An older IM6 Hurricane Redbone was the rod I used for shallow crankbaits/squarebills when I visited Florida. Really liked it. Rated 3/8-3/4 oz. but bombed a 3/8 oz. crankbait. Unfortunately it was stolen. I checked after that but that rod was no longer available. ☹️

EDIT: Anyone using the Ark Sniper Grinder?

On 2/24/2026 at 9:52 AM, webertime said:

I see that now. GSM has shifted the discounts to Phenix models. XG rod is $67

Were you finding the XG model on amazon for $67?

9 hours ago, JigMaster4 said:

Were you finding the XG model on amazon for $67?

Around Christmas into the Feb dobyns and Phenix stuff was randomly super discounted. MBX for $100, certain Kaden models under 100. The XG was 67 in that time. Keep checking bc they are still doing it, just not as often.

Kaden 735CB is a versatile rod and will fill in as a bladed jig rod. The Lavante Flatside is a winner for sure.

On 2/25/2026 at 5:57 AM, Brian11719 said:

I've got the Kaden 735cb and it is ideal for squarebills and lipless crankbaits. You can also get away with something like a 5xd on it although I prefer the 706cb or the 736cb glass for deeper crankbaits. But for squarebills and lipless cranks that one is a great choice. Not as expensive as the champ line but the quality is just about the same and I've found that's really all I need for a crankbait rod.

On the other hand if you want something a little more versatile then you might consider the Champ XP 705cb. That one also does very good with squarebills and lipless cranks but would also be better if you want to throw something like a hard jerkbait or a topwater walking bait. I also own that one and actually have two different reels for it (one for topwater and one with fluorocarbon on it for crankbaits).

So basically if you want a longer rod that can be used to make long casts with squarebills and lipless cranks I'd opt for the Kaden. If you want to throw those but also think you might want to get into some other lures like the ones I mentioned I'd get the Champ XP. Both are crankbait rods and the only major difference between the two is the length on the Kaden which makes it better for distance casts but makes the 705cb a bit better in terms of versatility.

Legit spot on! And the 734cb Kaden is great for small squarebills, light traps and lighter jerkbaits if you don’t mind the length

I have a couple of spinning St Croix MoJo rods that are glass for crank baits, that I use a lot. I have them paired with Pflueger Presidential reels with a 5.41 retrieval.

The 2nd rod I got.I pick it up off of market place cheap. The guy had a bait casting reel on the spinning rod. 😜

He said it never casted good at all….wonder why 😄

I’m casting square bills for the most part and getting good distance.

I picked up a Zodias 7'2" Mh Glass rod that has been very nice for cranks. Loads up well and is light and durable.