Hi guys, building up a rod to throw small crankbaits from 40 mm to 70 mm, for bream in Australia. I'll be using 4lb fluoro so I would like a moderate action to protect the line and not rip out poor hook sets. It's over sand flats so a long length is better for cast distance.I was wondering if any of you have used the St Croix 3S80MLM2 for this purpose instead of fly and float. Otherwise I was thinking Phenix Elixir 761-2 or MHX S871-2. Any ideas or recommendations?

I don't mind this rod bending to the grip on a 2lb fish, bream fight pretty hard!

Cheers guys,

Nick

Get the blank's overall power right and I don't think to action is that important, could open up your options some.

Take a look at the lightest of the Bushido crankbait rods. I'm not sure of your exact preferences, but it is an excellent, very light and sensitive, crankbait blank. Its CCS numbers almost match the old light crank blank by G Loomis, the blend, just a tad more power. If you want the numbers in helping you make a decision, let me know.

Sorry for the double post.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/16/2016 11:24AM by Spencer Phipps.

This is the blank I mentioned: CB68/6-12
6'8" Popping / Crankbait 6-12 lb.
6'8"
1
6-12
1/4-5/8
0.415
4.5
1.37
Mod-Fast
Medium

I would characterize it as medium-light power. The info below is on a new blank they are offering, calling it a spin jig, but it looks like it may work fine for you:
SJ72/4-8
7'2" Spinning Jig 4-8 lb.
7'2"
1
4-8
1/8-1/2
0.415
4.5
1.50
Fast
Light

I'm assuming you're after a 2 piece blank. I'd look at the Mhx P842-2 popping blank. Fast tip with a deep progressive bend under load so you don't pull any hooks during the fight. Most crankbait blanks that light designated moderate or moderate fast are noodles. This particular blank will load up really nice with those small baits , and the fast tip will come in handy should you decide to work some jerkbaits.

I think crank bait was the wrong word. We'd usually just call them hardbodies, but they definitely weigh around the 1/8 - 1/4 ounces not heavier. This sort of lure. [www.yamaria.co.jp]

Definitely needs to be two piece unfortunately, and 7'6 or over definitely helps. Sorry for the really average description!

Nick,
You might look at a 5 or 6 weight fly rod blank for lures in that weight range.
Available in 8 foot and longer. The action will be more progressive and will be good sport for fish that size.

Gene