I just got into casting cranks a couple years ago and the rod I prefer is a Fenwick HMG 6′ 9″ MLF. Plenty of length for a long cast and the soft tip loads up well for hook sets and extra casting distance. Pair that with 10 pound pound braid and the reel of your choice and you’re set.
For walleye and bass crankbaits I prefer a mod action to help let the lure do its thing. All my rods are 7’ and up with full cork handle. I like having a longer rod to help with the hookset on the mod action blank. For some reason I don’t like the way split grips feel.
For muskies I have a 9’-2” extra-fast, full handle. I like the longer rod in this case so I don’t have to bend over as far to do figure eights.
Depends, what crank?
-J.
7’6″ med fast use the same rods for casting plastics
Depends, what crank?
-J.
No particular cranks in mind John ..just looking for a all round suggestions on rod specs
The slower the better. Many pros still use fiberglass cranking rods to get that rod action super slow. It helps prevent the fish from throwing the bait.
I’m with Munchy. The slower the better, but make sure you have the backbone to fight the fish. If you plan on running braided line, it is even more key for a slower rod as to not rip the hooks out on a set.
If you plan on running braided line, it is even more key for a slower rod as to not rip the hooks out on a set.
This would certainly not be a concern if you were throwing a 10″ Cisco kid or Depthraider for muskie. Doubt you’d even worry too much about rippin the lips out of a bass either. Kind of an open ended question by the OP.
I hesitated to post this since he asked…“Please explain answers”. 
Fast to maybe a little more toward the medium side of Fast for the tip. To me a little softer helps load it on the cast and helps with action.
Rest is personal preference.
Doubt you’d even worry too much about rippin the lips out of a bass either.
It’s not ripping the lips out that is of concern. It is worry about the fish using the crankbait as leverage to throw the hook. If You have a slower/softer rod it will stay loaded longer to allow tension on the fish if it makes a run or jump.
Also the slower rod gives the fish more time to get the bait in its mouth before you feel it and set the hook.
I use a 7′ medium heavy, moderate action. I like the slower action as it lets fish eat the bait for a little longer before it gets ripped out of its mouth. Mine is a split grip, but that’s secondary. I do like having a handle long enough to rest against my chest or belly while cranking. I use Suffix 832 braid in 30 pounds for the main line and then I tie a long, like 20 foot 8 pound seaguar red label leader to the main line with an FG knot.
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