Will The Reel Deep Crankers Please Stand UP

[Scuba Scott]

Deep cranking has long been my favorite way to fish. I have went through a lot of reels (and rods) over the years looking for the ultimate set up. Speed of the reel seems to be of personal preference and I have always preferred a 20 inches per turn reel. I know others prefer a faster reel and there is a trend for cranking with the upper 20's and 30 inches per turn reels. Although I do not prefer the higher speed reels, I see where at times there are advantages to them. I do like a little higher speed reel (23 inches or so) on a more parabolic rod like glass.

There are 2 reels that I feel are at the top of the list. Shimano Calais APV and the Shimano Chronarch D5 with upgraded 90 mm handle. The APV is unreal in smoothness. Larger handle with power knobs and you can bomb a big Crankbait. It is a little heavy and bigger by today's standards but built like a tank and handles the task perfectly. The D5 is the reel I currently crank with. Very smooth, great casting and power with the heg gearing. I upgraded the handle to an 90mm avail swayback handle and added the bigger power knobs. 4 bearings in the handle.

[Crankbaitmaker]

I have a tuned Calcutta GTB that I use. It is nice. But if I really had the chance I would throw a 200 Conquest. I have always wanted one of these reels and I am setting my sights this winter to get one. If you throw really big or deep crankbaits then the round reels are really great. You will never feel under powered. Plus these reels will last a lifetime if you take care of them.

Crankbaitmaker

[mdesouza]

The Revo Winch (Gen 2) is a tank on steroids. That reel is an absolute brute when fishing deep high resistance baits.

mike D

[Lucky1]

ALthough I havent used it yet, I picked up a TDZ 103p for this purpose. I am interested to see what others would say about using this reel as a deep cranker. G

[zodiak311]

Zillion CC paired with a Dobyns 765CB. This will handle the biggest, baddest, and deepest of lures.

[Phippy]

I've had my new Calais 100a on the water a few times now. After having sellers remorse over my D5 wasn't sure the 100a could or would be the reel to replace it. While I'm not totally over the D5 the 100a is quite impressive except for the 70mm handle. Casting distance and smoothness definitely is a step up over the D5 but cranking power feels less but will hold judgement until I get the handle replaced. So far I'm very happy with the 100a.

[muskyhunter]

I use a Ringa SLC on a Kistler LTA with 20lb Suffix 832.

[scatter]

Curado 200E5. It won the cranking shoot out after all

[spookybaits]

A 3.8:1 Daiwa PT33C supertuned and tricked out with abec 9 bearings and a 104mm skeet Reece revo 4bb handle.


Chronarch D5 & Calais apv would get my 2nd & 3rd vote.

[Hogsticker2]

Being I don't do much deep cranking, but some, I didn't want to spend a lot on a reel. I'm using a Lews Tournament MG 5:4:1 with ABEC 7 spool bearings. It's actually a really nice reel for 130 bucks, 105 during black friday sales.

[Good351]

For the deep stuff I've been using a Zillion 50th with 4.9 CC gears. It has worked really well for me. I used a Calais 201-5 last year..I found that reel didn't fit my hand as well as the Zillion.. I think a reel that fits your hand really well is most important..

On my list for next year is a Ryoga 1016L. Cannot believe nobody has mentioned the Pluton/Ryoga..

[rumrunner]

ALthough I havent used it yet, I picked up a TDZ 103p for this purpose. I am interested to see what others would say about using this reel as a deep cranker. G

my favorite.It's my lightest cranker.would like to buy more.i still use a curado b 3.8 for the biggest cranks tho