Looking to get a rod specifically for deep cranking. In particular, DD22s, DT16s, Mann's 20+ and some custom deep cranks.

http://www.americanrodsmiths.com/

Either the Tradition Series TRL76 or the Fritts DF76.

Lamiglas SR705R, designed by Skeet Reese, 2007 Angler Of The Year.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0037314120919a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=lamiglas+sr705r&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=lamiglas+sr705r&noImage=0

8-)

I have two and I like them both a lot:

Shimano Crucial 7' MH Crankbait series (TC4 Blank)- $130

Powell 706 CB 7' Cranking rod- $170

I use both for the big plugs.

Two different price points but both excellent quality.

SC

I have a rod Alpster made for me. The blank is a LAMIGLASS  GFP 84, it is a fiberglass/graphite hybrid . It is 7 ft / med hvy , and has the Guides Spiral Wrapped. This is my first experience with spiral wrapped, it is something else. When cranking deep and playing a fish the line stays off the blank, pretty cool. The trigger handle is nice and long b/c I like to toss with two hands. Whatever you get, try out this spiral wrapped thing, I am lovin it 8-)

I have a rod Alpster made for me. The blank is a LAMIGLASS GFP 84, it is a fiberglass/graphite hybrid . It is 7 ft / med hvy , and has the Guides Spiral Wrapped. This is my first experience with spiral wrapped, it is something else. When cranking deep and playing a fish the line stays off the blank, pretty cool. The trigger handle is nice and long b/c I like to toss with two hands. Whatever you get, try out this spiral wrapped thing, I am lovin it 8-)

Don't want to hijack, but.... Muddy, how does that thing cast? Does it effect distance? but I guess if your throwing large cranks, it wouldn't hinder much? just curious

Guys, when you're throwing deep cranks, you want a rod that is long.  You need all the distance you can get so as to keep that crank in the strike zone longer.

Throwing DD22's or any other deep diver with a 7' rod will wear you out in less than an hour, never mind throwing them all day.

Guys, when you're throwing deep cranks, you want a rod that is long. You need all the distance you can get so as to keep that crank in the strike zone longer.

Throwing DD22's or any other deep diver with a 7' rod will wear you out in less than an hour, never mind throwing them all day.

I fish DD22's all Summer on Ky and Barkley with a 7'0 rod and have no problem casting the bait a mile and keeping it on the ledge in the right depth. I use 10lb test P-line and KVD Line Conditioner, and and I can fling it farther than I need to. The line diameter has as much to do with the running depth as anything. Plus the tip action on the rod really makes a difference in casting distance.

If you get a quality, light weight, graphite or composite rod with the right tip action and a parabolic bend, a 7' rod is plenty long IMHO.

Most of the 7'5" and 8' Cranking rods I've seen are Fiberglass and heavier than what I'm comfortable fishing with for hours.

I had a Berkley 7' Fiberglass CB rod, and it was so heavy that I couldn't fish it for more than an hour or so.

Later-

SC

All I can say is that the SR 705 blows away any cranking rod that I have used for this application. You can cast DD22 a mile and the rod has more backbone than I ever needed.

These are all great CB rods you see here, but the rod is only a small part of the equation.  

A friend of mines uses a 7' 11" rod for his deep cranking. His logic is farther the cast deeper the bait runs.  I however find a 7' MH Falcon Cara is great for deep cranking.

I have been looking a little towards the Falcon Cara T7 Reaction Deep Runner. I was looking for a rod over 7' for the same purposes that Burley mentioned. Not really wanting a 7'6" though. The Deep Runner is a 7'3" MH power Mod Slow action rod at a good price point. Still haven't made up my mind though. Thanks for the input so far guys  

Just to throw another one in the mix, I love my 7ft TD-S crankbait rod.  Paired it with a Lew's Speed Spool and just love it!

I'm using a custom rod built by Reel Mechanic on a St Croix Legend Tournament Bass Magnum Cranker blank. This is a 7'10" rod rated for 1[ch8260]2 - 1 3[ch8260]8 oz. baits and 12-25 pound line. This is a great deep crank rod! The new split grip version as it comes from the factory is very nice but Reel Mechanic's custom is fabulous.

These are all great CB rods you see here, but the rod is only a small part of the equation.

What reel do you suggest?  (Please say C3, please say C3.... I am a bit on the cheap side...)