Stealth Stixx 2 Fathoms Cranking Rod: Built to Plunder the Mid-Range (continued)

Sensitivity: Cranking rod sensitivity is often overlooked, or deprioritized, in cranking rods where a smooth parabolic bend is often the highest priority to absorb shock and keep treble hooks pinned. In contrast sensitivity is a core focus throughout the Stealth Stixx cranking lineup, and why they utilized 3K multi-carbon blanks versus glass or a lighter carbon and resin blend. I feel like the Fathoms rod focuses on efficient vibration transfer and power over chasing the lowest possible weight, and I’m here for it.

Sensitivity on this rod is excellent due to the quality carbon blank and handle grips

Overall sensitivity on the 2 Fathoms is better than that of most crankbait rods, due in large part to the use of carbon fiber handle grips. The blank and handle work together as a system, and because the handle is the angler’s primary point of contact, its role in transmitting information is significant.

With traditional slow-action rods paired with cork or EVA, feedback is often limited to a vague sense of load. Here, contact with rock, wood, or soft bottom like sand and mud is clearly transmitted, and bites register as definite events rather than subtle pressure. That clarity reduces false hooksets into the bottom and keeps the angler in constant contact with the crankbait at the end of the line, reinforcing that for the 2 Fathoms, feel is about usable information, not just attractive looking carbon grips.

To crank even deeper I stick the rod tip into the water. I learned this technique from Randy McAbee who will sometimes stick more than half the rod underwater

Power: How a rod loads and how efficiently it moves fish are key elements that separate the Stealth Stixx crankbait rods from more traditional, “moderate-only” designs. The 2 Fathoms exhibits a deliberate parabolic load paired with fast recovery rather than a purely slow action. It fishes noticeably crisper than a classic crankbait rod, yet retains enough bend in the upper section to promote efficient loading and long casts. While slower rods can launch a crankbait, they are far more timing-sensitive, and any mid-cast wobble caused by the bait bleeding off-axis costs distance immediately.

This rod isn't like traditional rod that are typically more moderate further down the blank. I found it to be very responsive and with enough of a soft taper to keep fish pinned

The faster recovery of the 2 Fathoms blank keeps crankbaits tracking in a straight line throughout the cast, allowing anglers to hit it harder and consistently achieve maximum distance. The second advantage becomes apparent once a fish is hooked. Over the past season, I found that when bass jumped or shook their heads, the rod’s faster-recovering blank stayed loaded and tight, reducing slack and helping treble hooks remain pinned.

All three Fathom rods feature a split grip

While this may seem counterintuitive compared to the softer, more whippy feel of traditional glass crankbait rods, the balance between power and action works in the 2 Fathoms’ favor. This rod still absorbs surges like a true crankbait stick but responds quickly enough to improve both casting efficiency and control when it comes time to land fish.

The rear grip is weighted for balance and features a comfortable butt

Design and Ergonomics: Despite its length, the rod is well balanced for a cranking stick of this power. It never felt tip-heavy, which is an important consideration for techniques that involve hundreds of casts per day, often with the rod pointed downward or, in McAbee’s case, buried into the water to gain additional diving depth.

The grips are not quite as tacky as EVA or cork but they look better, hold up much better over time, and are more sensitive

The carbon fiber handles both look and feel good in hand. While they aren’t as tacky as EVA or cork, they hold up far better over time, and I never experienced them feeling slick, even when fishing with gloves.

I found the reel seat to be comfortable and provide plenty of access

From a styling standpoint, the Stealth Stixx rods stay true to their name: clean, stealthy, and purpose-driven. There are no bright labels, flashy thread wraps, or decorative grips here, just a restrained, tactical look that fits the brand and its pirate-inspired identity.

Every reel I put on the 2 Fathoms paired well. The stealthy all black rod design is easy to match

Price and Applications: Taken as a whole, the Stealth Stixx Fathom crankbait series is a thoughtfully tiered arsenal built to cover the full spectrum of diving plug performance rather than just a single niche. At the base of the lineup is the original Fathom (6’) a shorter, shallow-crank specialist that is designed for small to medium shallow divers and wakebaits, giving anglers pinpoint accuracy and quick line control in tight cover or shallow flats.

I was cranking fish up from deeper stained water and noticed that they were lighter in color. This rod helps unlock suspended fish that might normally not be targeted with crankbaits

Stepping up, is our 2 Fathoms test rod (12’ effective dive range) which bridges into true medium-depth territory, handling those classic 10 to 17 foot cranks with ease and offering a balanced platform for both sprawling flats and deeper structure. At the top end sits the 4 Fathoms (24’ reach), designed for the anglers chasing big deep-water targets with big deep-running plugs, a rod built to maximize leverage, casting distance, and control when heaving larger crankbaits into the strikes that live well below the thermocline.

The 2 Fathoms is capable of fishing some really big and heavy crankbaits up to 1 1/4 ounces

Together, the Fathoms rod trio forms a complete, purpose-tuned system that allows anglers to match rod length and action to the specific bite zone they’re fishing, rather than forcing a single tool to cover every situation. That distinction matters in crankbait fishing, which can be highly technical, especially during the cooler months when fish are suspended, or holding tight to the bottom.

A closed hook reinforced hook hanger helps secure those nasty treble hooks

The Fathom retails for $289.99, the 2 Fathoms rod retails for $309.99, and the 4 Fathoms retails for $329.99. These are not cheap rods but I feel that they are fairly priced given the build quality and competition. These are true application specific rods for cranking enthusiasts, and yet I found the 2 Fathoms crisp enough to fish other reaction baits like giant bladed jigs.

If I could only own one of these three rods it would be the 2 Fathoms. For anglers who want one dedicated “workhorse” crankbait rod, this is the model that covers the widest range of techniques, and because it is right in the middle of the range is able to be effectively used in both shallower and deeper conditions with some finesse or brute force.

Not all releases are graceful. This fish was eager to get back down into the stained water

The 2 Fathoms is an excellent cranking rod for fishing a wide range of mid to large crankbaits

Conclusion: The Stealth Stixx 2 Fathoms Casting Rod is a purpose-built crankbait weapon that delivers exactly what serious anglers demand: distance, control, just enough forgiveness, and plenty of feedback. Developed by a proven West Coast crankbait specialist, this rod doesn’t fit the mold of the traditional soft action of traditional cranking rods, it approaches the technique with a more crisp and responsive design.

If you’re looking for a single cranking rod capable of handling a wide range of plugs and depths while keeping you efficient and comfortable throughout the day, the 2 Fathoms fits the bill. Plenty of crankbait rods will get the job done, but few combine this level of crispness, sensitivity, and overall enjoyment, especially for anglers who truly enjoy cranking aggressively to plunder those deeper holding fish.

This is the first Stealth Stixx rod that I've fished and I really enjoyed how sensitive and refined it felt for fishing crankbaits all year round. This rod has McAbee's signature all over it, and it is an absolute weapon for cranking enthusiasts

Some rods, when designed and executed well, take on the personality of the angler who designed them, just think of the classic offerings from Dobyns or Megabass. The Stealth Stixx 2 Fathoms fits in that category, reflecting exactly what Randy McAbee looks for in a dedicated crankbait tool. Its design emphasizes efficient casting of large crankbaits over long stretches of the day, the ability to keep those baits tracking in their intended depth zones, and the control needed to keep bass pinned when it matters most.

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