Selecting a lure-specific rod has turn into a extra widespread factor for many bass anglers. I’ll admit that having a rod that matches the particular lure that I wish to throw has paid dividends since I’ve began pairing particular rods to particular lures. So once I got down to discover the proper rod to throw my deep-diving cranks, I set the bar excessive and entered into to look with a “spare no expense” mentality.
With mates within the rod and reel trade, I used to be in a position to check out seven completely different rods. I examined and rated them in 5 completely different classes: Hookup Proportion, Casting Accuracy and Distance, Line Information High quality, Motion, and Suggestions.
After making an attempt out these rods within the marshes of Southeast Louisiana, I settled on the 13 Fishing Omen Black Crankbait Rod.
I used to be utilizing the medium-heavy/reasonable 7.11-foot rod which is a single-piece casting rod made from 36-ton Poly Vector Graphite. When throwing crankbaits I favor an extended rod as a result of it’s forgiving once I set the hook somewhat too quick.
I’ve to say, this rod was probably the most delicate out of all of the rods. This has its execs and cons. The professional was that I used to be in a position to really feel the bait on the underside, hitting construction. I used to be even in a position to really feel the road once I forged throughout a faculty of baitfish and some of them bumped into the road as I pulled the crank by way of them. The con was that the rod was extra delicate than a fiberglass rod which means it was made for fishing and never the rest so caring for the rod is a should. Contact with a tough floor might injury the rod. 13 Fishing does again its rods with a lifetime guarantee in order that’s peace of thoughts for me.
Whereas the 13 Fishing Omen Black is delicate, that doesn’t imply it’s missing in energy. I used a Ghost Craw MR694 deep diver made by Invoice Lewis Lures throughout my check and I used to be pleasantly shocked at how a lot spine the rod had. The parobolicity all through my check.
I used to be in a position to catch 4 bass on three bites ripping this lure by way of eel grass and submerged wooden so the hook-up proportion was fairly good even for fishing crankbaits. One in all my larger bass (most likely round 4 kilos) placed on fairly a present when it made three head-shaking jumps to try to spit the hook. The fish even made a run round a dock piling however I used to be in a position to cling on till it unwrapped itself by itself.
As I stated earlier than, the sensitivity is off the charts! There have been occasions that I felt the crank tapping on a couple of oyster shells that had been on the underside!
Let’s transfer on to the grip. The deal with and grip simply plain ole’ felt good within the palm of my hand. As you properly know, throwing crankbaits can put on you out after a couple of hours due to how a lot resistance and vibration the bait causes. The Omen Black dealt with nice by way of 5 hours of tossing cranks and there have been no residual pains in my hand the remainder of the day.
I’m positive I discussed reel sensitivity however I might be remiss if I didn’t point out how the reel seat was constructed. They use an “Evolve” custom-ported reel seat which is top of the range. I imagine it’s a consider making this rod so delicate as a result of the clean suggestions is allowed to journey by way of the seat and into the reel. That is nice for me as a result of three of my fingers don’t even contact the rod and are wrapped round my baitcasting reel.
I ought to say that this rod has a cork deal with which can be a deal-breaker for some people. Personally, I didn’t thoughts it a lot as a result of it was prime quality. It’s made from 5A Japanese cork which is extremely comfy even after hours ripping cranks by way of the water forged after forged. For these anglers who like full handles, the Omen Black is simply obtainable in a break up grip, so this can be a deal-breaker as properly.
I ought to point out that in my check of those rods, I discovered that the Dobyns XP Collection Rod carried out proper up there with the Omen Black Rod, nevertheless, I selected the Omen Black as a result of it was 7.11 toes lengthy which makes a giant distinction for me when throwing deep diving crankbaits. So for individuals who don’t thoughts somewhat bit shorter of a rod, the Dobyn’s XP Collection could also be an alternative choice for you.
Wanting again at my check of quite a few deep-diving crankbait rods I’ve to provide credit score to the opposite rods as these producers have definitely stepped up their sport in terms of creating particular rods that deal with sure lures. However for my part, the 13 Fishing Omen Black Crankbait Rod carried out greatest whereas I used to be throwing deep-diving lures and square-bills. So in case you’re on the lookout for a rod that covers all of the bases, I extremely advocate looking at this rod because it was my best choice on the finish of the day!
Keith Lusher
Keith Lusher is an award profitable outside journalist that resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outside column for the Slidell Impartial Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s LouisianaNorthshore.com and Louisiana Northshore Discover Journal. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery.
