River Crankin Stick

[River Cranker]

I am in the market for a new cranking rod for West Michigan River Smallies...

I seen the Lew's Custom Speed Sticks series online, was considering the Crankbait 1 model, anyone have any experience with these?

Never used a Lew's product before, I know they have been around a long time though.

[Skulley]

I have several Lew's Models of the David Fritts models.  I love them for cranking.  I've got lengths from 6ft to 7ft 6in.  All fiberglass.  The shorter ones I use for small cranks and the bigger the crank and running depth the longer the rod.  As I said I have several between the lengths I mentioned. 


BD                     

[River Cranker]

I fished it today for the first time, I thought it was going to be way too stiff, but I really liked it once I actually used it, very powerful, sensitive and allowed you to have a lot of control over a Bandit 200 or 300 series crank.

I do not really understand why they rate it a Medium Power, but then give it a line rating of 15-30 pounds, I would not rate it for 30 pounds, more like 10-20 or so.

Out of 8 takers in a couple hours, not a single fish came unbuttoned so that said a lot for the rod to me. Actually landed this ole girl on my very first cast with the rod, so it has good mojo. This was my first Lew's rod, will not be my last.