Building a 7' bait casting crankbait rod for 1/4 - 5/8 oz. crankbaits mostly and occaisionally a 3/4 oz.,
Will use 8 - 14 lb. test flourocaron mostly, fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass.
I plan to use a #7 df, #6 df and #4 micros with a 4.5 tip.

Looking at the 3C70MM and the 2C70MM, anyone built on these?

I'm kind of leaning towards the 2C... SCII (IM6 vs. IM7) blank.

I just bought a Castaway XP3 843 (8-17 line, 3/8 - 5/8 oz.) and I wil build it up first.
Right now it seems a bit "stiff".

Depends entirely on what size lure you fish the most. If you're really gonna' throw 1/4 to 3/8 oz. baits, then the 70MM is a gem. I own and fish the 3C66MM with those smallish cranks, and it is a true pleasure to fish. You'll love it.

If, however, you're actually going to fish 3/8 to 5/8 oz lures most of the time, then the 70MM is not nearly powerful enough, IMO. You need to step up to the 3C70MHM. It too is an awesome rod, and I use mine mostly for 1/2-3/4 oz. traps and DD22s.

The real answer to this question is to buy the 3C70MM AND the 3C70MHM, build them up exactly the same, and have the perfect rod(s) for every cranking application. But, if I had to choose one, I'd go with the 3C70MHM, just because I can throw a 1/4 or 5/16 oz. bait on the 3C70MHM, when I need to. But, I really can't throw a 1/2 oz. bait on my 3C66MM, at least not without some trepidation.

Not to change the subject on you but have you given any thought to the MHX CB845?
That blank will do you an awesome job and will cover the full range of both line and lure weights you have listed. While crank baits aren't something I use much in the salt water world, I've got this blank and it is a true fish getter. Plus at that price, you could probably build 2 for the same money as one or dang close to it.
Feel free to e-mail me and we can discuss this further.

Matthew I have to totally agree on the MHX although the CB843 is closer, I feel, to what he is looking for in line weight and action. Not only is the cost lower but the warranty is lifetime on a MHX.
You won't be dissappointed.

Tom

1C70MM is what I fish. I am partial to glass for crankbaits. You can put a LOT of pressure on these blanks when needed AND the action is ideal. I know it is "old school" not to be using graphite, but I really enjoy grabbing glass when appropriate.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/14/2011 06:06AM by Jim Gamble.

Steven,
You'll be surprised at what that Castaway will do. With all micros (#4 all the way) and a Shimano Curado reel, that is absolutely the sweetest outfit made for throwin crankbaits as light as 1/4 oz. I've yet to throw a 3/4 oz on mine but the nice thing about it is that it's also good for chunkin small to medium buzzbaits a country mile when you need to start your retrieve way on the other side of the target. When the crankbait bite is off you don't have to stow it, you can use it for buzzin. The 3C6MM is also a good blank for throwin crankbaits like the Bandit 200 series - just loads up on a strike - the guys I've built it for love it for shorter range castin (25 yards). But, for the money and durability, I like the Castaway XP3 843.

Tom Wewerka Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Matthew I have to totally agree on the MHX
> although the CB843 is closer, I feel, to what he
> is looking for in line weight and action. Not
> only is the cost lower but the warranty is
> lifetime on a MHX.
> You won't be dissappointed.
>
> Tom


You're right Tom. Since I looked at it again, That'd be my choice. I guess being up almost 24 hrs gets my eyes a little crossed.

Build that castaway 843 first... you will very happy...traps or cranks...I would not be caught up in the im6 / im7 debate intill I finished the build on the castaway blank

Thanks for all your opinions.
I am going to build up the Castaway and fish it before I go buying anything else.
It's gotten a lot of good reviews here on the board.

Greg that is exactly what I plan to do, use #4's and I''ll be using the new Curado I just bought.

Steven Garvey Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Greg that is exactly what I plan to do, use #4's
> and I''ll be using the new Curado I just bought.


Which Curado? I've tried the 50 but it wasn't what I thought it'd be so I went back to the 200E7.

Yes, Matthew the 200E7.
I debated on the 200E5 as I've heard a lower gear ratio is better
for crankbaits but the E7 seemed better suited for all around use.

Steven Garvey Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes, Matthew the 200E7.
> I debated on the 200E5 as I've heard a lower gear
> ratio is better
> for crankbaits but the E7 seemed better suited
> for all around use.


I love mine but if I had started with the 50, the 200 would probably feel funny to me too.