I'm looking for a blank to build a deep crankbait casting rod for bass. Looking to throw baits like a rapala DT14-16, but probably not huge baits like the xd8 or 10. I prefer a graphite blank and would like the blank to be as light in weight as possible while still handling the above baits. Somewhere between 7' and 7'6" I am fine with adjusting length if I need to. The Bushido blanks have caught my eye, but not sure if the CB72/10-20 or CB72/12-25 would be better suited to these baits. I want to have enough power for the intermediate-deep lures above, but don't want a club for giant lures. Thanks for any thoughts on these blanks or any other suggestions you may have.

Peter

I can 't comment on the Bushido blanks, but you could take a look at the Rainshadow Revelation crankbait blanks. I built a rod on an RX-7 (Revelation is the updated series) CB66MH blank that I use for throwing 1.5 and 2.0 squarebills, and it's great. They're all graphite so sensitivity is good. They're light and the medium heavy and heavy power blanks have a mod fast action, which I prefer.

For the baits you're speaking of I'd probably be looking at the REVCB70H, or the REVCB76H. I'm pretty sure you'd be very happy with either one.

I prefer and use Batson's (RX 8 popping blanks) for cranking!
For every thing from square bills to deep diving cranks

They have more of a parabolic action, providing some forgiveness for treble hooked baits.
While maintaining the sensitivity and lighter weights of higher grade graphite

I’ve only heard good things about the bushido blanks but haven’t used one yet. If I had to choose between the 7’2” MH or the H i’d pick the MH for DD16’s. These cranks weigh in at 3/4oz and according to the blank ratings either would handle the lure with ease. Choosing the MH for me would reduce some weight and probably have slightly more “whip” to the tip for launching baits further. The softer tip would also allow the bait to move more erratically on the retrieve allowing it to bounce off objects and have some give to it when the lure hits rock and/or sticks on the lake bottom in-turn keeping the bait from hanging up... as often.

One thing I like on longer rods (7’6”+) is for the handle to be long enough to sit between my bicep and ribs so that I can rest it on the retrieve. I wouldn’t think a 7’2” rod would need this as much as a 7’8” rod. For me, a 12” rear grip is the minimum.

Hope this help!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2021 10:05PM by Michael Tarr.

I throw the DT14s and 16s on the cb78/10-20. It's got the perfect parabolic bend when they eat it and has enough back bone to launch a 6xd as well. With he bushidos you can cut them down to the 7'6 if you need to, but i think its perfect at that length. I do know some guys are using the MB78/12-20 for baits up too a DT-22, i bet if you cut that one down to the 7'6" it would be pretty close as well.

-Alex Funke

The Bushido blanks are outstanding! While I have not fished your specific application (not a Bass fisherman) I have several rods built on Bushido blanks and have absolutely no issues with them. I also love the Amereican Tackle Matrix blanks, with their reinforced butt sections. Can't go wrong with either one!

For deep cranking I use the Bushido CB78/10-20. If you are wanting a shorter blank I would recommend the CB72/10-20. You can’t go wrong with either blanks.

The Bushido CB78/10-20 is perfect for my lipless crank baits and my deep diving cranks. I feel like this rod can still sling lighter baits and sill pop it out of the grass without so much effort. I find my self reaching for my CB78/10-20 more and more often for my cranking applications.

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I will giving the the CB78/10-20 a try. Appreciate the rainshadow advice as well, I've built several rods on their blanks and agree that they are very high quality. Guess I will give a different brand a try, and if the Bushido doesn't do what I will have to build something else. Oh darn.

You will not be disappointed with the Bushido. I built one for this very purpose and it's flawless. So much fun!