As many of you know trying to cast small crankbaits on a bait-casting setup such as a Rapala Shadrap #5,Luck-E-Strike RC Series 1 or 2 Squarebill’s and even small Bomber Squarebill crankbaits etc. can be quite difficult due to their lighter weight. Many people just resort to using a spinning rod type of setup with 6 to 8lb line. I have found with using most spinning rod type setups you dont get the baits full action and its quite awkward. With that said I have a found a suitable solution for casting & fishing these type of light or smaller hardbaits on a bait casting setup.

Back in 2014 when I was living up in Washington State I purchased a bunch of G-Loomis bass rods from their E6X series,GL2 series, IMX series,GLX series,NRX series,crank bait rod series etc… At the time I was also looking for a couple of trout rods,one spinning rod setup and one casting rod setup. I decided to go with a G-Loomis E6X series model 9000C HSR (Hot Shot Rod 7’6 MAG-LIGHT – EX-FAST – 6-12 lb – 1/4-1/2 oz) for my casting setup. Upon using this rod with smaller type baits such as Luhr Jensen Hot Shot Crankbait’s I was impressed by the cast-ability and also the action I got out of the rod. The vibration I got out of the rod was insane and I just had to try it with some of my smaller crank-baits that I used for bass. I tested it out using a Okuma Helios bait caster and 8lb Berkley vanish fluorocarbon line with a small Bomber squarebill tied on.Again the action was great and it delivered,I never broke a single fish off. The rod handled the 8lb line very well with bass in the 2-4lb range. The only downside to the rod is the longer rod handle.The rod handle extends 13 and a half inches from behind the reel seat. However, what I have found is that it can be used to my advantage when casting with sorta a two handed sidearm baseball bat swing type of cast and get even far more distance with my casts. The more limber/soft action also helps with keeping the fish hooked when using smaller type treble hooks. In fact,I have yet to lose a fish on this rod,which can happen often when using a stiffer rod when using the small treble hooks that come on most smaller crankbaits. Another thing I also should add is,this rod also works great for throwing smaller type finesse baits such as Keitech 2.8’s paired with a 1/10oz jig-head. So needless to say I’ve been more than happy with the rod and it has delivered over the years and I just thought I would share with others who may looking for the same solution.
The crankbait is smaller than it appears if you look at the size of my thumb and compare it to the bait.

You can also see the size of the longer rod handle.

Thanks for reading & good luck fishing.