Small Craankbait Spinning Rod

[Flippin]

I am looking to purchase a spinning rod that can throw a small crankbait and also throw a shakey head. I was considering the Shimano 6'6" Compre (Med). I know you guys have opinions and I am ready hear them.

[Troy Gregg]

Flippin,

I know you are going to get alot of opinions on what you should buy.... but I can vouch for the Compre med action spinning rod.

It really depends on how small of a crank you are wanting to throw, but I know the rod handles a crankbait really well... alot better than most would give a spinning rod credit for. I have thrown wiggle warts with no trouble at all. It will handle small and medium jerkbaits really well. I now use this particular rod almost exclusivly for trout anymore.. throwing jigs and cranks.

However, there are those days on the rock when dropshot, shakey head, and split shot rigs are needed exclusively. This is one of my go to rods for any of these set ups as well. It makes an excellent worm and jig rod (small jigs of course) and this includes shakey heads.

The rod's versatility is its highest point for myself. but it has all the features of a great rod. It is super sensitive, durable, versatile, and affordable. It is really tough to find a rod of this magnitude for $100 bucks or less. Plus it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Hope this helps you out

Troy

[hoglaw]

Seems to me that that shakey-heading and throwing a "small" crankbait are dead-opposite applications. For a small crankbait, I'd want a 7ft. medium speed medium-light action rod. For the shakey head, I'd want fast or extra fast action in a medium to medium heavy, but those are just my preferences. If a rod is "versatile" that just means you're sacrificing performance on both ends.

Of course, we're also missing how and where you intend to fish these rods. Are you talking about throwing rebel crankbaits for trout? Rapala jerkbaits for bass on open water or little creeks? I think the rod is the most important piece of equipment, and even though you can get by with an inexpensive one, I'd make sure it's tailored to your exact applications. I think this is especially true in lightweight rods.

[Flippin]

Troy,

Thanks for your input that helps a lot. The only 2 ways I have found to find out how good a rod is to get others opinion or test it out myself. I cant tell much about a rod in the store.

Hoglaw,

I was looking for rod that can throw something that has the flexiblity to throw something like a wiggle wart a mile but not wear me out on the retreive. If it will do accomplish that I figure is should work with a shakey head application.

[Troy Gregg]

Troy,

Thanks for your input that helps a lot. The only 2 ways I have found to find out how good a rod is to get others opinion or test it out myself. I cant tell much about a rod in the store.

Hoglaw,

I was looking for rod that can throw something that has the flexiblity to throw something like a wiggle wart a mile but not wear me out on the retreive. If it will do accomplish that I figure is should work with a shakey head application.

Flippin... the rod will do everything that you ask of it... Like Hoglaw said, it may not be the BEST at either application but it excels in both. just be sure to put a good reel on it and it will perform as well as I think you are expecting. .... if you get it and you're unhappy, I'll buy it from ya

[Flippin]

I am putting a Shimano Symmetre reel on the rod. I am a big fan of Symmetre spinning reels.

What I was trying to do was compare the Compre to the Falcon Lowrider (Shakey Head Model). Would love to hear input from others that have experience with the rods.

[rps]

The rods I fish that are not my own making are Falcons. Great rods for the money. Unfortunately, I don't have a clue if the lowrider shakey head rod is what you need.

[RSBreth]

Shaky heads do need a little more "backbone" in the rod (to set the hook through the lure) than a small crank. I throw smaller cranks on a 7' med/light Bionic Blade (Bass Pro brand) spinning rig. Very soft tip. I use a 7' medium or even a 6'6" med/heavy for throwing Shaky heads around docks. A little different.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think the Compre's are a good rod, but my first choice would be a Falcon. in fact I think they have a rod designed for shaky heads. The St Croix Bass Mojo might be worth a look also.

[fishinwrench]

I think the Compre's are a good rod, but my first choice would be a Falcon. in fact I think they have a rod designed for shaky heads. The St Croix Bass Mojo might be worth a look also.

Oh Man, I dunno. I'm a St.Croix fanatic all the way.....so it's hard for me to bash'em.

But IMO the MoJo models I've checked out are about as close to tomato stakes as anything (at that price) that I've ever laid hands on. Talk about a dead lifeless blank. There will be plenty of MoJo's on Ebay real cheap by this time next year I'll bet.