Discover the rod specially designed for crankbait fishing. Explore its features and learn how to use it to attract and catch predatory fish with crankbait lures.
NFC CB 704: the Crankbait rod that makes you smile
If there's one technique that has proven its effectiveness, and not just in competition, it's Power Fishing. The principle is simple: it's all about concentrating on active fish, without wasting time trying to convince the fussy and apathetic... to do this, you "fish fast" by pounding the ground, make just a few casts on a spot and away you go. The lures used are very aggressive and enticing, and swim fast in all water columns. The main families of power fishing lures are cranks, spinners and lipless.
Some people think the cranking technique is boring. I thought so too, and discovered that I was depriving myself of a very interesting option...
"the ideal Crankbait rod".
A friend asked me to build him a rod specifically dedicated to this technique: "I love this kind of fishing, I'd like a dedicated rod but one that's still playful and enjoyable. I don't like commercial rods, they're like noodles". I had no right to make a mistake...
A tour of the store, a visit to the comparator, discussions with a few colleagues and a phone call to the boss. Yes, this blank exists, and it's referenced: CB-704-IM from North Fork Composites (Gary Loomis).
[caption id="attachment_1161" align="aligncenter" width="839"]
The blank passed through Rodhouse's comparator.[/caption]
The blank passed through Rodhouse's comparator.[/caption]
The blank.
CB stands for Crank Bait, no mistake. It's not a full tip, it's not a fiber tip, it's not a noodle. This blank is a clear departure from the classic Crankbait rod. Intrigued and curious to rediscover crankbait fishing, I order two CB 704s and keep one for myself.
And it was a revelation... it's quite simple, in terms of action this blank is unique. If I had to describe it, I'd say it's a normal bass blank, with a real heel that provides a good reserve of power but that has been fitted with a tip on the last quarter/thirds that is very fine, ultra supple and quite slow to come back into place. Very surprising.
When it comes to fishing, well, it's still surprising... I test the rod with big diver cranks, 4m and up, which go like clockwork. Sure, it pulls, but the tip flex is such that there's no discomfort, no fatigue, no tingling in the elbow or shoulder.
Furthermore, this tip flex leaves the lure totally free, not at all bridled by the rod as is often the case on other blanks, including those dedicated to cranking.
Fighting behavior.
The second surprise is the first touch... you'd expect not to feel the touch too much, but nay! It cartridges like a "real blank".... You'll have to strike very wide, because the tip fades completely, but once it's faded, the heel, which is well tapered, does its job.
And in combat? Well, the blank is a bit heavy on material, but remains relatively light. As a result, it's still playful, and although the flex of the tip reduces the fighting action, it's not as much as you'd expect. It's fun on normal-sized Perch and a blast on Pike or Zander.
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A point often overlooked by those who don't practice it: cranking doesn't select and allows you to catch everything. Perch, Pike-perch, Pike, Catfish, Chub, all species can be caught. I've even cranked a Seine Barbel!
As far as I'm concerned, cranking has become one of my staple fisheries, both leisurely and competitively. And this NFC 704 crankbait rod is the main reason why. Pure Pleasure!
This blank gave me my record for Pike (104cm) and Perch (43, since beaten).
To try it is to adopt it, especially for those who don't like cranking. Give it a try, you'll change your mind about this fishery!
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