Best Crankbait Rods in 2023 – Dozens Tested, Few Selected

One of the most fun yet challenging fishing techniques is crankbait fishing. Crankbait rods are special rods with a moderate action and a medium or medium-heavy power rating.

Because crankbait rods are not easy to find, finding the perfect crankbait rod could be a little challenging. Multiple factors can determine whether a crankbait fishing rod is durable enough to withstand the demanding nature of crankbait fishing or not.

Given the above, I’ve decided to create this list of the best crankbait rods in 2021, with both their pros and cons taken into consideration.

So, without further ado, here’s the full list.

List of the Best Crankbait Rods:

• Dobyns Rods Fury Series – Best Overall
• Fenwick Elite Tech – Best for Bass Crankbaits
• Lew’s Fishing David Fritts – Best Cheap Crankbait Rod
• Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept – Best for Lipless Crankbait
• Lew’s Fishing TP-1 Speed Stick – Best Lightweight Crankbait Rod
• Abu Garcia IKE Signature Power – Best Value for the Money
• St. Croix Premier – Best Crankbait Rod Under $150

Out Top Picks:

Rod	Style	Blank’s Material
Dobyns Rods Fury Series	Casting	High-modulus graphite
Fenwick Elite Tech	Casting	Graphite
Lew’s Fishing David Fritts	Crankbait	42-million modulus graphite and glass composite
Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept	Casting	30-ton graphite
Lew’s Fishing TP-1 Speed Stick	Casting	IM8 graphite
Abu Garcia IKE Signature Power	Casting	36-ton graphite
St. Croix Premier	Crankbait	SCII graphite

The 7 Best Crankbait Rods in 2021

1. Dobyns Rods Fury Series – Best Overall

My top pick for the best crankbait rod is the Dobyns Rods’ Fury Series.

I strongly recommend this rod to be used for crankbait, even though it is originally a casting rod. It’s not too pricey; in fact, it has a great value for the money.

The rod’s casting models come in lengths starting at 6’6” to 7’ with power ratings of medium-heavy and heavy and actions of fast or moderate fast.

However, I mostly recommend the 7’ model with medium-heavy power rating and moderate fast action for crankbait as those specs are considered to be the perfect measurements for crankbait.

Moreover, the rod is made from high-modulus graphite, which is a lightweight material that also offers high sensitivity and durability. Its guides are secured with kevlar-wrapped that ensure their high quality.

Dobyns Rods Fury Series also comes with an AA-grade cork handle that is comfortable to hold for extended periods of time and a lightweight Fuji reel seat.

Pros:

• Good value for the money
• High-quality materials
• High sensitivity
• Comfortable cork grip

Cons:

• Not all models can be used for crankbaits

Final Verdict

My favorite crankbait rod is, without a doubt, Dobyns Rods’ Fury Series. The rod comes with high-quality materials that ensure its long lifespan.

In addition, it’s sensitive, lightweight, and comfortable to hold for as long as you want. Lastly, the rod’s price point is very reasonable, considering how high-quality it actually is.

2. Fenwick Elite Tech – Best for Bass Crankbaits

My runner-up for the best crankbait rod is the Elite Tech, which is originally a bass rod.

Bass are the most popular target of crankbaits, which makes this rod the best bass crankbait rod that you can possibly find.

The casting rod comes in a wide selection of models with lengths starting at 6’6” to 7’11”

with power ratings of medium to extra-heavy. However, for bass crankbait, I recommend staying around the medium and medium-heavy ratings.

The rod also comes with actions starting at moderate to extra-fast, but for crankbait, the moderate models should be your best bet.

Moreover, the rod is made from graphite, which is a lightweight material that also provides the rod with high durability and sensitivity.

Besides, it comes with titanium guides. Titanium is a lightweight and strong material, which means that you don’t have to worry about the guides breaking.

For comfort, the rod comes with EVA and TAV grips that eliminate wrist fatigue for good. In addition, the rod comes with a unique hidden handle design for the reel seat, adding to the rod’s comfort.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable to hold
• High sensitivity
• Lifetime warranty
• Hidden handle reel seat design

Cons:

• A little pricey

Final Verdict

Because Fenwick’s Elite Tech is originally designed to be a bass rod, it has the perfect features that you need in a crankbait rod. It is lightweight, durable, and comfortable to hold.

Moreover, it comes in a huge variety of models with different lengths and power ratings to guarantee that you’ll find the perfect rod for you.

Are you only looking to fish Bass? Then definitely check out my guide to the best Bass Fishing Rods here. You should also take a minute to check these Bass Fishing reels.

3. Lew’s Fishing David Fritts – Best Cheap Crankbait Rod

For my budget-pick of the best crankbait rods, I strongly recommend Lew’s Fishing’s David Fritts rod. This rod is a lot cheaper than most crankbait rods, but without sacrificing high-quality.

Besides, the crankbait rod comes in a wide variety of models, starting at 6’8” all the way to an impressive 9’ in length. In addition, it comes in power ratings ranging from medium to heavy, which guarantees that you’ll find the perfect crankbait rod for your fishing techniques.

In addition, all the models come in a moderate action, which is perfect for crankbaits in general. However, the 9’ model  comes in a moderate-fast action, which is still acceptable for crankbaits. It is a crankbait fishing rod, after all.

As for the materials used, the rod is made from a 42-million modulus graphite and glass composite, which has the best of both worlds. The graphite provides the rod with lightweight and flexibility, while the glass offers durability.

The rod’s guides are made from stainless steel, which is the most common material for guides.

Moreover,  the handle is a cork handle with EVA end caps, which also combine the best of both worlds. In other words, both cork and Eva lovers will be satisfied. In addition, the reel seat is made from graphite with stainless steel hoods, which helps with maintaining the rod’s lightweight.

Pros:

• Flexible
• Comfortable to hold
• Affordable price
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Guides are too harsh on the line

Final Verdict

My budget-pick is the Lew’s Fishing David Fritts. Besides being a cheap rod, it is also quite durable, sensitive, and flexible, which is the perfect combination for any crankbait rod.

The rod comes with a unique handle that is a cork grip with EVA end caps, which provides the fishing experience with unmatched comfort.

4. Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept – Best for Lipless Crankbait

In fourth place is the Okuma Scott Martin, which is another bass fishing rods. The Scott Martin Tournament is one of the most popular crankbait rods, and I can’t help but agree.

I strongly recommend Scott Martin for lipless crankbait because lipless crankbaits require a durable rod that can withstand the bass’ fights with no issues.

Also, when lipless crankbait fishing, I’d recommend you go for a rod around 7’ or more so you’d have a longer casting distance covered.

Taking the previous factors into consideration, Martin Scott is the best lipless crankbait rod because it comes in lengths starting at 6’6” to 7’11” in the casting models, which is long enough for lipless crankbait.

Moreover, the rod comes in power ratings ranging from medium to extra-heavy. However, for lipless crankbait, a medium or medium-heavy power rating should be your best bet. In addition, it comes in moderate and fast actions.

As for construction, the rod is made from 30-ton carbon, which is known for being a lightweight material. In addition, it comes with aluminum oxide guides, an EVA grip, and a C-40X carbon reel seat, which together make the rod comfortable to hold.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• High durability
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• A little pricey
• Poor shipping packaging

Final Verdict

Given that lipless crankbait fishing is one of the most challenging fishing techniques, you’d need the best rod possible to keep up with the challenge. 

The Scott Martin is truly an elite lipless crankbait rod. It is durable, lightweight, and comfortable to hold. Besides, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

5. Lew’s Fishing TP-1 Speed Stick – Best Lightweight Crankbait Rod

Lew’s Fishing is offering yet another rod that I believe is one of the best crankbait rods on the market.

The tournament rod comes in length options starting at 5’9” to 7’6” with power ratings from medium-light to heavy and moderate and fast actions.

However, for crankbait fishing, I strongly recommend the 7’3” model that comes with a medium-heavy power rating and a moderate action.

Because the rod is originally made for tournaments, you should rest assured that it is high-quality and durable. The rod is made from premium IM8 graphite, which contributes to the rod’s exceptional lightweight.

Moreover, the guides are American Tackle Microwave Guide System, which is an impressive guide system with extended casting distance and accuracy. The rod also comes with a split Dri-Tac grip that is comfortable to hold.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Lightweight
• High-quality guides

Cons:

• Poor shipping packaging

Final Verdict

TP-1 Speed Stick is one of the most lightweight crankbait rods that you can find. In addition, it is made from high-quality materials like the blank’s premium IM8 graphite and the unique guide system.

For crankbait fishing, I strongly recommend the 7’3” model with a medium-heavy power rating and a moderate action.

6. Abu Garcia IKE Signature Power – Best Value for the Money

Abu Garcia is another popular name in the fishing industry. When it comes to crankbait, the IKE is one of the best crankbait rods because it offers a great value for the money.

For crankbait fishing, I strongly recommend one of the 7’ models even though the rod offers up to 8’ in length. The 7’ models come in medium and medium-heavy power ratings and fast action, while the 8’ models come in a heavy power rating and moderate-fast action.

However, the fast action might be too high for some people, so you could always go for the 8’ model. Just beware that the heavy power rating might be too high.

The casting rod is made from 36-ton graphite that is known for offering balance and lightweight to the rod. Moreover, the rod comes with stainless steel guides, an EVA grip, and a Fuji reel seat.

All the materials used in the manufacturing of this rod are high-quality materials that are worth investing your money into. The rod is guaranteed to last for years while remaining as good as new.

Pros:

• Good value for the money
• High-quality materials
• Balanced
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Top eyelet is a little weak

Final Verdict

Investing a few extra dollars in a high-quality fishing rod could save you a lot of money in the long run. A durable fishing rod should last you years and years and stay fully intact.

The crankbait fishing rod that offers the best value for the money, in my opinion, is Abu Garcia’s IKE Signature Power. It is durable, lightweight, and balanced. In addition, it’s made from high-quality materials that can take a beating.

7. St. Croix Premier – Best Crankbait Rod Under $150

The seventh best crankbait rod is the St. Croix Premier. If you know anything about St. Croix, you’d know that their products are usually premium-quality rods that are known for being bulletproof.

Premier crankbait rod comes in lengths starting at 6’6” to 7’, which is considered the perfect range for crankbait fishing. It also comes in power ratings of medium and medium-heavy with moderate action.

The rod is made from premium-quality SCII graphite that is lightweight and sensitive. It also comes with hard aluminum-oxide guides for accuracy when casting, and a premium-grade cork grip that is known for being comfortable to hold.

Lastly, it also comes with a Fuji reel seat that is known for being lightweight.

Pros:

• Comfortable to hold
• Lightweight
• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Poor packaging

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for the best crankbait rod under $150, look no further. 

It is a lightweight rod that is made from SCII graphite and aluminum oxide guides that guarantee the long lifespan. 

How to Pick a Crankbait Rod

1. Power Rating

Having a higher power rating means that you’ll be able to catch bigger fish. However, that doesn’t mean that you should go for the highest power rating possible and call it a day. When the power rating is too high, you won’t be able to feel the fish’s bite.

For crankbait fishing, I strongly recommend going for a medium to a medium-heavy power rating so that your rod withstands the fish without losing its sensitivity.

2. Length

Choosing the perfect length for your crankbait rod depends on you and what you prefer.

Generally, shorter rods that are around 6’ to 7’ are easier to handle, and they’re more accurate, which makes them your best bet if you’re aiming for smaller fish. While long rods that are over 7’ usually have a high power rating, and they provide you with a longer casting distance.

3. Action

The rod’s action is one of the most crucial factors when choosing a crankbait rod.

Crankbait rods should have a moderate or moderate-fast action in order to not pull at the bait before the fish has even taken the whole bait into its mouth.

I strongly recommend against going for an action that’s higher than fast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do You Really Need a Crankbait Specific Rod?

Not necessarily. While I would say that crankbait specific rods make the fishing experience much easier, you can also use other styles for crankbait fishing.

For example, throughout this article, I’ve mentioned a few casting rods that can be used for crankbaits. As long as the rod has the right power rating, action, and length, it should be good to go.

Why Does a Crankbait Need a Special Rod?

Crankbait is quite a unique technique that not all rods can keep up with. Crankbait rods need to have a slower action (more flexibility) to prevent pulling the bait out of the fish’s mouth too soon.

In addition, the slower action of crankbait rods allow the fish you are targeting to entirely take the bait in its mouth. It starts pulling back only after this happens, guaranteeing a perfect hookset. 

How Long Should a Crankbait Rod be?

Longer rods around 7’ to 8’ provide you with more power in order to withstand bigger fish’s fights. They also provide the angler with a longer casting distance.

On the other hand, a short rod around 6’ to 7’ provides the angler with more accuracy, which is a better choice if you’re aiming for smaller fish.

What Fish can Crankbaits Catch?

That depends on the type of crankbait itself. Crankbaits are designed for shallow, medium, or deep waters.

Crankbaits, in general, can be used to catch any fish that feeds on smaller fish. The most popular fish is the bass. Make sure to check out my Bass Fishing Guide here.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect crankbait rods is not as easy as walking into a store and picking the first rod you see. There are a few factors that you need to take into consideration, especially that crankbait is a unique fishing style that not all rods are suitable for.

My top pick for the best crankbait fishing rod is the Dobyns Rods Fury Series, which is a casting rod that comes in medium-heavy and heavy power ratings and fast and moderate-fast actions. It is a durable rod that is also lightweight and not too expensive. I couldn’t ask for a better rod.

In second place is the Fenwick Elite Tech, which is a bass rod. The Elite Tech is very comfortable to hold because it is made from high-quality lightweight materials. It is a rod that is truly worth your investment.

As for my budget-pick, it is the Lew’s Fishing David Fritts. In addition to being quite affordable, it is a durable and flexible rod that is perfect for crankbait fishing on a budget. 

Lastly, if you’re looking for the best rod for lipless crankbait, I strongly recommend the Okuma Scott Martin.