This is a really open-ended question, but I will try to answer it to the best of my knowledge. I will explain why I say that later in this article, but for now let me explain what I feel the best squarebill crankbait rod is.
Best Squarebill Crankbait Rod – Glass Composite
The short answer to this question is that I fish an Abu Garcia 7’ medium Ike Delay Series rod for most of my mid-size crankbait fishing. This includes the squarebill where casting accuracy is a must. With most of my crankbait fishing, I fish a moderate action composite rod, these rods load deeper into the blank and allow for the fish to get the bait in its mouth before it gets jerked away.
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Another benefit of the delay or moderate action crankbait rods is that they load deep into the blank and this prevents the small crankbait hooks from pulling out, or the bass from throwing the bait when it jumps. As soon as there is slack in the line when a fish jumps they have the leverage to throw the bait.
Best Squarebill Crankbait Rod – Less Reactive
An item that was briefly touched on above is that because these glass and composite blend rods are less reactive, they allow the fish to get the bait in their mouth before you really set the hook and potentially pull the crankbait away before they got it.
There are a few situations where I will use a medium-power graphite or carbon rod, but those are limited. This is typically when I am throwing a mag-sized squarebill with big hooks that won’t rip out of the fish’s mouth as easily.
Best Squarebill Crankbait Rod – When to Use Something Else
Another time that I will make the switch is when I am fishing a lipless crankbait and hopping it off the bottom. I want more reaction so I will fish a less moderate rod. I realize that this is just my personal preference and that this is a squarebill crankbait article, but I just wanted to add that tidbit if you find yourself using your composite rod for all of your crankbait fishing.
One last word of advice… If you are looking for an all-around rod for more than just crankbait, and possibly chatterbait fishing, then I wouldn’t advise a composite crankbait rod. They are less reactive by design and make a lousy bottom bait rod. If you are looking for one baitcasting rod to do it all then get a medium or medium heavy action graphite or carbon rod.
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If you do get a regular casting rod because of the advice above lower your drag and try to keep the rod low if the fish looks like it’s going to jump. You will lose some fish, but for texas rigs and such, you need a more sensitive rod and one that will react quickly on a hookset.
Best Squarebill Crankbait Rod – Lots of Options
When it comes to crankbait rods, I am not brand specific. I really like the Ike Series rod that I have, but I also have a 13 Fishing Fate Black 7’3” moderate action rod to throw deeper diving cranks where a longer casting distance is required. St. Croix makes an awesome glass cranking rod too and so do most manufacturers.
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In my opinion, most glass composite crankbait rods could be the best for a squarebill crankbait. I would suggest that you don’t need to break the bank on a crankbait rod. Spend your money on the bottom contact bait rods like your Texas and Tokyo rigs where the added sensitivity is needed.
To Your Fishing Success,
Jonathan Burke