I mentioned on the Facebook page that I had picked up a new rod to try, a Denali Rosewood crankbait rod, model 843CB. This is a 7' MH rated rod designed for 12=17# test line and 3/8 - 1 oz. baits, and retails for $189. The first thing I did was to get some measurements on the rod, and based on those, I couldn't wait to try it out, yet I wanted to wait until I had a chance to use the rod for a little while before posting my thoughts. I have now used it enough, and caught enough fish to do so.
The rod weighed in at about 4.9 oz., and calculated out to about 17" of rod per ounce, placing it in what I would call my upper middle class compared to other rods I own. What really caught my attention though were the numbers around the balance point of the rod. The best balanced rod I own is a Loomis MBR843C IMX, and this rod had a nearly identical balance ratio to that one. After learning that, I really couldn't wait to get out and throw it.
Over the past few weeks, I've now caught close to 150 bass with the rod, throwing a wide assortment of baits including suspending jerkbaits, square bills, chatterbaits, and lipless rattlebaits (check out the teeth marks on that Rapala Rippin Rap). Every time I tried one bait, I wanted to see how well it handled the next. And what I have found out is that this rod has quickly become a favorite because of it's versatility. I haven't even got to deep crank with it yet, but can't wait for that either.
The thing that I personally dislike about most "cranking rods" is that they are too whippy. You need to have a nice tip, but you also need to have some good backbone, IMO. You actually want a little stiffness in the overall blank, or at least I do. Unlike many solid glass rods, this rod seems to have it - not too many do. The rod also did a fine job of handling a 15 pound hybrid striped bass I landed on a 1/2-oz. suspending Rogue on its maiden voyage, a fight much tougher than most any largemouth you're likely to catch.
It definitely matches well with its heavier weight rating, as lighter baits like the 100 series Bandit were a bit too light to be comfortably thrown with this rod. Yes, you can do it, but not what this rod is designed for from what I can tell. If you like the smaller cranks like that, you probably should try the lighter 842CB model. However, if you like the SK KVDs or LC RC line of baits that start closer to 1/2 oz., this rod handles them great. Same with similarly weighted suspending jerkbaits and rattle baits.
There are still a couple more baits I'm wanting to try throwing with this outfit, but I'm already contemplating purchasing another because of what I've already seen out on the water - it's been that good. Those that know me know that you won't find me dropping $500 on an NRX or MegaBass rod, as I simply can't justify that kind of expense for the way I fish. I'm always looking out for solid, yet versatile pieces of equipment that won't break the bank. The fish can't tell whether you paid $50 or $250, and you can find both good and bad rods and reels through that entire price range. I'm not out there to impress anyone, I'm out there to catch fish - lots of them, and I feel perfectly comfortable recommending this rod for those that may be in the market for a very versatile moving bait rod to add to their arsenal.