A Complete Buyer’s Blueprint On The Best Crankbait Rod Under $100 On The Market Today
If you want to catch a lot of fish when crankbait fishing, you should get the tools best suited for the job, and that might mean getting a good crankbait fishing rod. But what if you’re on a budget? What to do then…
While it is possible to fish a crankbait with any fishing rod, crankbait rods are especially suited for the task. They’re typically longer than normal fishing rods and offer more of a parabolic bend, its designed to help you pull up big fish without the fear of the fish throwing out the small treble hooks.
With so many rods available, I’ve made a list of 10 of the best crankbait fishing rods you can find under a 100 bucks!
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Best Overall: Lew’s Mach 2 Crankbait Rod
Best Budget: 13 Fishing Defy Black Crankbait Casting Rod
Editors Choice: St Croix Bass X Freshwater Casting Rod
The Comparison Table
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Best Crankbait Rod & Reel Roundup
Best Overall
Best Budget
Editors Choice
Honorable Mentions
Why You Should Trust Us
My team and I used our experiences with the products and looked over hundreds of customer reviews, watched tons of video reviews, and analyzed what the professionals and experts had to say from popular sources like BassMaster Magazine.
We scrutinized the data from the product catalog pages of nearly a dozen manufacturers, and we even tried to interview some of the company representatives to talk shop and get their take.
Best All Around Winner!
Lew's Mach 2 Crankbait Rod
But, why is the Lew's Mach 2 Crankbait Rod so awesome?
This rod can do nearly everything and is well worth the investment.
The Lew’s Mach II made the Best Overall Award list because it offers most of the features of the Lew’s has to offer without all the bells and whistles you’ll find in rod that is priced.
For starters, the rod is amazingly made from an IM8 blank, which means it’s created from 8 layers of graphite. Furthermore, it’s much more sensitive than IM6 or IM7!
The line guides are the rugged stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts.
The Win Dri Tac polymer split grips gives you a nonslip surface for reeling in a fish even if your hands are wet.
Lew’s also included the G Clutch Handle System. What this means is the gives the rod a better reel seat and more contact to the rod…
This gives the angler more sensitivity to detect subtle bites and sits the reel closer to the rod for extended all-day use without wrist fatigue.
"It will cast with pinpoint accuracy with just the flick of your wrist anywhere you aim it."
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’3”
- Power - Medium Heavy
- Tip Action - Moderate-Fast
- Rod Construction - IM8 (equivalent to 44-Ton), one piece
- Guide Construction - Premium stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
- Upgraded Split Grips - Yes, Dri-Tac split grips by Winn Grips
- Upgraded Reel Seat - G Clutch Handle System
- Line Weight - 10-25-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/8-3/4-ounce
- Pieces - 1
- Model Number - M2CBR
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
Best Budget
13 Fishing Defy Black Crankbait Casting Rod
About the 13 Fishing Defy Black Crankbait Casting Rod...
If you’re on budget and you want get into bass fishing with a baitcaster, you may want to consider the 13 Fishing Defy Black Crankbait Rod.
It’s not surprising that 13 Fishing is elevating the entry level crankbait rod game by releasing this rod.
Defy Black Rod has a TON of features that’s only seen on rods for triple this price.
The backbone feels ultra strong and can handle any bass, catfish, or other predator fish. It seems like this rod very strong and will take all sorts of abuse.
The Defy Black rod felt the heaviest, it was also a little tip heavy. But in the end it wasn’t very noticeable.
Fortunately, 13 Fishing moved the Evolve Snaggle Tooth Hook Keeper in front of the the reel for their crankbait series of the Defy Black rod. This allows the rod to be easily stored and transported if you store the rod in a boat’s rod locker.
The high density EVA foam will feel good in your hand.
One of the big difference was this Deft Black did not as sensitive as the Lew’s Mach 2, probably due the construction.
In summary: This is clearly an entry level rod, but rest assured it’s still a good choice that is dependable and offers a lot of great features.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’4”
- Power - Medium Heavy
- Tip Action - Fast
- Rod Construction - IM6 (equivalent to 24-Ton), one piece
- Guide Construction - Stainless Steel Alconite Guides
- Upgraded Split Grips - High Density EVA Split Grip Handle
- Upgraded Reel Seat - No, standard reel seat
- Line Weight - 10-20-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16-3/4-ounce
- Pieces - 1
- Model Number - MC1SH70MH
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
Editors Choice Winner!
St Croix Bass X Freshwater Casting Rod
But, why is the St Croix Bass X Freshwater Casting Rod a great choice?
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Click Here to read all the REAL reviews from Amazon customers!
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’1”
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Fast
- Rod Construction - SCII, (equivalent to IM7 or 40-Ton), one peice
- Guide Construction - Premium stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
- Upgraded Split Grips - Yes, Premium hand tooled cork grips
- Upgraded Reel Seat - Fuji ECS reel
- Line Weight - 10-17-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/4-5/8-ounce
- Pieces - 1
- Model Number - BXC72MHM
- Warranty - 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Honorable Mentions...
Here’s a list of the ones who didn’t make the Winner’s Circle they still should be strongly considered because they’re still damn good products. Take a look below…
Lew's Fishing David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Speed Stick Series Rod
Crankbait Rod Under $100 - Check out the Lew's Fishing David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Speed Stick Series Rod
- Graphite reel seat with cushioned stainless steel hood
- Premium cork handle with high density EVA butt cap
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Lew's Oringal Mach Crankbait Rod
Crankbait Rod Under 100 Bucks - Check out the Lew's Oringal Mach Crankbait Rod
- HIGH-STRENGTH ROD CONSTRUCTION: Anglers need a rod that can hold up to the tough fights and conditions they face on the water. The Mach Rod Gen 2 is manufactured with stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts and a premium IM7 graphite blank so that it will last
- ON THE WATER PERFORMANCE: In those important moments out on the water anglers need their equipment to stay secure. The Mach Rod boasts a Lew’s exclusive SoftTouch graphite skeletal reel seat, so the reel will also sit flush to the rod and never loosen up
- QUALITY CRAFTMANSHIP: Small details matter in the grand scheme of things. That is why this rod offers a patented “No Foul” hook keeper that keeps your lures in a safe place and out of a mess when in storage
- SUPERIOR COMFORT: No one wants to be uncomfortable. Especially on the water. The Mach Rod features Winn Dri-Tac split grip handles so each use feels great and helps anglers through those long days in the boat
- ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY: Anglers who hit the water with the Mach Rod Gen 2 will fish with the confidence that their rod is backed by a warranty and supported by the dedicated Customer Service team at Lew’s
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Lew's Mach Inshore Speed Stick 6'9" Medium Casting Rod
Crankbait Rod Under $100 - Check out the Lew's Mach Inshore Speed Stick
- 1-piece IM6 graphite blank with carbon nanotube technology
- American tackle air wave guide system
- Lew's exclusive custom skeletal reel seat for maximum sensitivity
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Shimano Clarus Casting Fishing Rods
Shimano Clarus Casting Fishing Rods
- CLARUS 72 ML CST E
- CLARUS 72 ML CST E
- CLARUS 72 ML CST E
- CLARUS 72 ML CST E
- CLARUS 72 ML CST E
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St. Croix Rods Triumph Casting Rod
Crankbait Rod Under $100 - Check out the St. Croix Rods Triumph Casting Rod
Click Here to read all the REAL reviews from Amazon customers!
- PREMIUM SCII CARBON FIBER MATERIAL: Proprietary carbon fiber composition with an increased strain rate, higher flexural strength, and refined resin yielding the strongest, lightest, and most sensitive SCII to date
- GUIDES: Hard aluminum-oxide guides with stainless steel black frames
- FEATURES: Nylon reel seat, nylon primary nut material & stainless steel secondary nut material. Premium cork handle for comfortable handling and a cork composite butt cap
- SPECIFICATIONS: Length – 7’; Power – M; Action – Fast; Line Weight (lb.) – 10-17; Lure Weight (oz.) – 1/4-3/4; Pieces – 1; Handle – 2
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
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Duckett Green Ghost Series Casting Rods
Crankbait Rod Under 100 Bucks - Check out the Duckett Green Ghost Series Casting Rods
- Sensi-touchTM blanks- made from the highest quality multi modulus pre-pregs.
- Elevated Double foot stripper and first running guide for added strength and smoother transition for longer casts.
- Halo-SandedTM – for a stronger, lighter rod with great sensitivity.
- New EVA style grip and butt with a hexagon pattern that maintains traction in any weather conditions.
- 316 stainless groove resistant industrial grade hard chrome inserts.
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Fenwick HMG Casting Rod (hmg70m-fc)
Crankbait Rod Under $100 - Check out the Fenwick HMG Casting Rod
- AAA cork full grip handle
- Sea-guide soft touch alien reel seat with positive lock design provides a secure platform for all reels
- Carbon bound blanks are spiraled with carbon thread creating unparalleled strength and precise action
- Fuji guides with stainless steel deep pressed frames with aconite inserts
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
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Ugly Stik Carbon Casting Fishing Rod
Crankbait Rod Under 100 Bucks - Check out the Ugly Stik Carbon Casting Fishing Rod
- UGLY STIK 7’ CARBON CASTING ROD: The lightest Ugly Stik ever! A 100% graphite rod blank for a lightweight rod with crisp actions and increased sensitivity, while maintaining the legendary toughness of Ugly Stik.
- 8-17LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM POWER, FAST ACTION: Still 50% stronger than traditional fishing rods, now 30% lighter weight. Lure rating of 1/4-5/8 oz. One piece fishing rod features solid graphite tip design for increased sensitivity.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from 24-ton graphite. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world. Ugly Stik Fishing Rods are covered by a 7 year warranty you won't find anywhere else.
- 8 DURABLE GUIDES: Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent corrosion resistance, durability and eliminate insert pop-outs during rough treatment.
- REEL SEAT: Fuji reel seats offer added comfort and a premium feel. Type-B WINN/EVA rod handle is extra comfortable, lightweight and slip-resistant, so you can hold on when fishing gets tough.
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Favorite Defender Casting Fishing Rods
Crankbait Rod Under $100 - Check out the Favorite Defender Casting Fishing Rods
- Favorite Fishing: The future of fishing, using only the most advanced technologies and materials, in rods, reels, line and apparel
- Favorite Defender Casting Rod | 7'0" Fishing Rod with Medium/Heavy Power and Fast Action
- Suggested Line Test for this Rod: 12-20 Lb
- Rod blank goes through a layering process where the carbon of different modulus and different fiber directions are layered on top of one another to create next-level action, lower weight and all around durability
- Fuji SiC guides provide enhanced casting distance and line management | Fitted with super-soft EVA split grip handles for extended comfort | Patriotic inspired design | IM24T Carbon blank
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KastKing Royale Select Casting Rod
Crankbait Rod Under $100 - Check out the KastKing Royale Select Casting Rod
- SENSITIVE & STRONG KastKing KastFlex fishing rod blanks. All Royale Select fishing rods are constructed with Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex technology blanks giving each casting rod and spinning rod incredible performance, sensitivity and power
- FUJI FISHING LINE GUIDES for superior casting distance, and accuracy while dissipating heat more efficiently. Fishing reel seats are made of high-strength nylon for a solid base, all-day comfort
- ONE PIECE bass technique lengths & actions are designed with bass fishing anglers in mind and helps you be more successful no matter which technique you use from flippin' rods to drop shot drop shot rods, or Texas Rigging, or swimbait rods
- 2-PIECE FISHING RODS PERFORM LIKE 1-PIECE RODS KastKing Power Transition System amazing spigot joints transition power smoothly throughout the fishing rod blank. Specialized computer controlled wraps keeps power flowing from fishing rod tip to handle
- OUTSTANDING QUALITY KastKing fishing rods deliver quality from design to the finished product. Fish with peace of mind with KastKing baitcaster rods and spinning rods. Use a KastKing fishing pole on your next bass fishing or trout fishing trip
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Cadence CR7B Casting Rod
Crankbait Rod Under $100 - Check out the Cadence CR7B Casting Rod
- Amazing Quality Graphite Blank: All CR7B 1-piece rods are constructed with 40-ton graphite blanks with carbon-wrapped veils. It's light weight yet providing great power, strength, durability, and sensitivity
- Ergonomic Design: Fuji reel seat and premium grade cork and EVA handles offers the firm, comfortable handhold you need to overcome hard-fighting fish
- Smooth Power: Stainless steel guides with SiC inserts makes it more smooth, avoids line sticking in the guides, minimizes friction while also enhancing sensitivity by transferring vibrations from the line through the guide to the rod and to your hand
- Never Worry about Customer Service: What you can get from Cadence products is not only the best cost-effective fishing gear but also the customer service that makes you most at ease
- Multipurpose: You'll find CR7B fishing poles perfect for almost any saltwater or freshwater fishing condition whether you're trout fishing, bass fishing, kayak fishing, or surf fishing
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DIY - BUILD YOUR OWN CRANKBAIT ROD
If you don’t want to buy a premium crankbait rod and reel set, but rather think it’s the best idea to build your own rod, then check out this YouTube video.
How to Build Your Own Custom Fishing Rod
So before you even think of making your own fishing rod you have to understand how they are made and what qualities they should carry. You have to ensure you are getting the best quality components to get you the best result, otherwise you’re just wasting your time.
Here is a company that can get you started in the right direction, Jann’s NetCraft.
Other Crankbait Fishing Articles For You...
- What is a Crankbait? [A Complete Beginners Guide with Pictures]
- How To Fish A Crankbait [17 Essential Secrets To Catching Bass With A Crankbait]
- 15 Surefire Ways To Know Exactly What Crankbait Color Works Best… Even If You Have Little-to-no Fishing Experience!
- 15 Surefire Ways To Know Exactly What Crankbait Color Works Best… Even If You Have Little-to-no Fishing Experience!
- Best Crankbait For Shallow Water [12 Baits You Need In Your Tackle Box]
- Best Deep Diving Crankbait [Our Top 20 Baits For ANY Budget]
- Best Jerkbaits for Bass 2023: Top Picks the Pros Refuse to Talk About
- Buyer's Guide To Choosing LIPLESS Crankbaits - Bass Are TERRIFIED!
- Are Crankbaits Good In The Fall? [Little Known Ways to Get More Bites]
- How To Catch 10x Deep Water Bass Using This Little Known Lipless Crankbait Modification
- Where To Buy A Crankbait Rod and Reel Combo (And Get The Best Prices!)
- Best Crankbait Rods Under $100? (And Which I’d Buy On A Budget!)
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