A Complete Buyer’s Blueprint On The Best Rod and Reel Combo Crankbait Fishing On The Market Today
What are the best crankbait rod and reel combos and why? This article looks at the most well-known crankbait rod and reel combos in the US, what sets each apart.
For some, it makes sense to buy a rod and reel set especially if you are a beginner and really don’t know the small details that come along with pairing a specific style of rod with a specific style of reel.
Sometimes manufacturers will help out these new anglers by paring their products together that can help with the learning curve.
It really comes down to a handful of questions to help you determine whether or not you are going to purchase a rod and reel set or purchase it separately…
- How much fishing experience do you have?
- Do you have confidence that you can pair up the right rod to the right real?
- Are you going to use that combo for any other style of fishing?
Only you can answer those questions. If you are incredibly new, this rod and reel combo is a great starter set.
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In A Hurry?
If you don’t have much time to read the detailed reviews, simply use the links below to quickly find the best drifts socks for your boat on Amazon. You can be assured we only choose the best products…
Best Overall: Lew’s Mach Crush SLP Baitcast Combo
Best Budget: Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Editors Choice: Lew’s Mach 2 SLP Baitcast Combo
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 Crush SLP Baitcast Combo
But, why is the Lew's Mach Crush SLP Baitcast Combo so awesome?
This combo can do nearly everything and is well worth the investment.
For those who want a premium rod and reel combo the Lew’s Mach Crush is by far the best choice – here’s why…
Starting with the rod…
Let’s start out by saying this combination could easily be sold between $300-$400 and it would be worth every penny. Lew’s took their own best-selling products and created a combination set and passed the savings on to the customer.
Built with an IM8 blank the rod it is sensitive enough to detect even the most delicate of nibbles. Furthermore, the backbone of the rod can withstand the hardest striking bass.
The upgraded line guides are a good touch, which gives anglers peace of mind the guides will not fray and weaken your line.
"It will cast with pinpoint accuracy with just the flick of your wrist anywhere you aim it."
The reel itself is worth the price of this combo. It’s incredibly smooth casting due to the 10 bearings it houses.
There is word that Lew’s upgraded the magnetic breaks which is the reason it refuses to backlash.
The Win Dri-Tac handle knobs allow the reel to be comfortably operated, even if your hands are wet.
Lastly, the low profile design fit’s snug in your hand without any sharp edges poking in your hand.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’0”
- Power - Medium Heavy
- Tip Action - Fast
- Graphite Blank - IM8, one peice
- Guide Construction - Upgraded America Tackle Microwave Guides
- Upgraded Handle Grips - Yes, Dri-Tac handle grips by Winn Grips
- Upgraded Split Grips - Yes, Dri-Tac split grips by Winn Grips
- Line Weight - 10-20-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16-3/4-ounce
- Pieces - 1
- Reel Speed - 7.5:1
- Number Of Bearings - 9+1
- Model Number - MC1SH70MH
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
Best Budget
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
About Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Low Profile Reel and Fishing Rod Combo...
If you’re on budget and you want get into bass fishing with a baitcaster, you may want to consider the Abu Garcia Black Max Combo.
The Black Max combo has been the starting rod and reel combo for thousands of anglers.
The rod is not as sensitive as the Lew’s Crush, it’s still very strong and will take all sorts of abuse.
The reel is smooth and casts fairly well. It will backlash from time to time if you’re not careful.
The reel is also heaviest reel that was tested, but not so much to really notice a big difference.
The internal gears are also entry quality, so they are prone to lock up or grind if not cleaned and lubricated yearly.
The drag is ultra strong and can handle any bass, catfish, or other predator fish.
In summary: Although this is clearly an entry level rod and reel combo it still a good choice that is very dependable.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’1”
- Power - Medium Heavy
- Tip Action - Fast
- Graphite Blank - IM4
- Guide Construction - Standard guides
- Upgraded Split Grips - No, standard EVA foam grips
- Line Weight - 8-12-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/4-5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Reel Speed - 6.4:1
- Number Of Bearings - 4+1
- Model Number - BMAX3/701MH
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
Editors Choice Winner!
Lew's Mach 2 SLP Baitcast Combo
But, why is the Lew's Mach 2 SLP Baitcast Combo a great choice?
The Lew’s Mach II made the Editor’s Choice list because it offers most of the features of the Lew’s Crush, but without some of the bells and whistles.
The rod blank is the same IM8, however the line guides are the upgrades Zirconia guides.
The Win Dri Tac polymer grips gives you a nonslip surface for reeling in a bass with wet hands.
The reel also offers 10 bearings for buttery smooth casting. The reel can be easily adjusted making it very versatile for any bait used with it.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’0”
- Power - Medium Heavy
- Tip Action - Fast
- Graphite Blank - IM8, one peice
- Guide Construction - Upgraded aluminum oxide line guides
- Upgraded Handle Grips - No
- Upgraded Split Grips - Yes, Dri-Tac split grips by Winn Grips
- Line Weight - 10-20-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16-3/4-ounce
- Pieces - 1
- Reel Speed - 7.5:1
- Number Of Bearings - 9+1
- Model Number - MH2SHA70MH7'0" 1MH
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
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…
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Using KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod and Reel Combo for Bass Fishing
- Exceptional Spinning & Baitcasting Reels – Fish like a gladiator! KastKing Crixus fishing reels feature lightweight, carbon infused frames, CNC aluminum spools, powerful carbon drags and many more performance features. And in particular,the bearing of baitcasting combo used 7+1 double shielded stainless ball bearings.These are simply the best value in fishing.
- KastFlex IM6 Graphite Blanks - KastKing Crixus spinning and casting rods are designed to deliver incredible performance for any budget. Crixus powerful and sensitive IM6 Graphite 2-pc fishing rod blanks range in power ratings from light to medium heavy in 5’6” to 7’0” lengths.
- Golf Style Superpolymer Handle – Superpolymer handles are comfortable, durable and exceptionally slip resistant giving you maximum grip and control over your fishing rod in the wettest conditions.
- Stainless Steel Guides w/Zirconium Oxide Rings - Today’s serious anglers know that quality components make the fishing rod. KastKing uses only high-quality stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Oxide rings that deliver long, smooth casts and durable performance with fluorocarbon, monofilament or braided fishing lines
- Power Transition System (PTS) – All Crixus spinning and casting fishing poles are two-piece construction for easy transport and storage. The unique PTS technology will make the Crixus just feel like one-piece performance rods.
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Shakespeare Alpha Rod & Reel Combo
- SHAKESPEARE ALPHA BAITCAST COMBO: Make the Shakespeare Alpha Baitcasting Combo the first choice on your next outing. Designed for the everyday angler, it's a perfect option for all skill levels.
- 6', 2-PIECE FISHING ROD: Tubular fiberglass blank offers extra strength, while the 7 stainless steel guides help smoothly guide your line. Medium rod power.
- LOW PROFILE BAITCASTING REEL: Designed for Right/Left handed anglers. Features a dependable ball-bearing system for smooth operation. Made from graphite, the reel frame is lightweight and easy to cast all day long.
- GEAR RATIO OF 5.1:1: Baitcasting reel combo features a pre-spooled, durable graphite spool. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 115/10 90/12 80/14. Pre-Spooled yd/lb: 8lb | 3.6kg.
- MULTI DISC STAR DRAG helps tire the fish out so you can reel in the catch. Multi-stop anti reverse helps anglers fight the fish on their terms. Adjustable magnetic cast control provides fine-tuned casting.
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Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Baitcast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
- ABU GARCIA JORDAN LEE 7’ FISHING ROD AND REEL BAITCAST COMBO: Tested and approved by Jordan Lee.
- 10-20LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, FAST ACTION: The Jordan Lee Baitcast Combo is up for the next challenge. Lure rating of 3/8-3/4. The Power Disk drag system gives you smooth drag performance.
- RECOVERY RATE: Recover 29” | 74cm of line for every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 6.4:1. Lightweight and durable, graphite frame and sideplates with a machined aluminum spool. 1-piece, 24-ton graphite rod for increased sensitivity.
- SYNTHETIC STAR DRAG: Max: 18lb | 8.1kg. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 145/12. Braid Capacity 140/30. Winn advanced polymer dri-tac grips paired with a Split handle for Split handed anglers.
- 6 TOTAL BEARINGS: 5 stainless steel HPCR bearings plus 1 instant anti-reverse bearing provides smooth operation for any fishing experience. 7 durable guides are stainless steel, built to withstand tough fights.
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Sougayilang Fishing Baitcasting Combo + Fishing Bait Kit
- FISHING ROD: Extremely slim carbonized fiber made after high temperature carbonization.The sturdy aluminum frame is corrosion-resistant, with stainless steel rails and ergonomic cork handles for the best fishing experience.
- FISHING REEL: The Baitcasting Reel is Super Light, Smooth, Powerful. CNC machined ,Aluminum spool with high-tensile gear. Excellent line lay oscillation system. Ultra-thin streamline designed body.
- A COMBINATION FOR EVERYONE: Designed for the most popular fishing techniques, the perfect set for fishing gear entry.Ideal for game fish including freshwater fish like bass, walleye and trout.
- EASY AND PORTABLE: The fishing rod is designed in a knotted mode, made of carbon fiber, ultra-light weight, easy to carrysuitable for travel, 4-Piece Rod and easy to disassemble, you won't get tired of fishing.
- PERFECT GIFT: Sougayilang thinks this is a perfect gift.The fishing rod set uses bright blue to inspire you to fishing more. We Are Proud To Present You The Worry-free 1 Year after sale service! If you have any problems please Contact Us Firstly and our customer service will solve it for you soon.
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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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