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Slabmaster II
My panfish rod is just a 7ft light action spinning rod with a pfleuger spinning reel. I've had ultralites but I just love this setup because it seems like I got a better chance of bringing in them occasional 1-2 lb bass I sometimes hook up with while trying to catch crappie or bluegill. I always just use 6 lb mono with normally a 1/32-1/16 oz jighead with either a 1.5 or 2 inch curly tail grub or tube. In the summertime I try to only bass fish but when they aren't biting I always pull out my panfish rod and normally can catch about 50 gills or rock bass in about a half hour. Some maybe tiny but I'm a guy who just like catching fish. Doesn't matter the size or species. I'd say you'll have good luck with this type of setup. That's what I'll recommend to anybody just getting started. Good luck
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Five main things you need for success
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2. c.com sticker on truck/car/scateboard
3. c.com sticker on boat
4. c.com T shirt
5 Billbob budweiser can huggie
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I'll be fishing from a flat bottom boat and from the bank. Looking to spend $50-$75 on a rod and reel. As far as the water, i'm hoping to fish several different places and would like to be prepared either way. ThanksOriginally Posted by Crestliner08
We really could use a bit more information from you! Like do you fish from a boat or bank? What is your budget like as far as how much you want to spend on this rig? Finally, is the water you are fishing rather obstruction free, or is it brushy and snaggy? If we have this information, we can focus our suggestions properly to your needs. Welcome to the insanity! LOL!
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In that price range ... I'd be looking at a 6'- 6'6" Berkley Cherrywood (med power) and a Okuma spinning reel (or low end Shimano) that balances well with the rod. Both can usually be found at your local Wally World, and sometimes on sale. Get some 6# mono (name brand) and you should be able to cast & tightline fish with it.
... cp
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Hire a guide. He will shorten the learning curve greatly.
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There are a lot of good quality reels on the market for sure that will meet your needs. The Pflueger Trion (20 size) is one you should look at. On rod selection, I'd seriously look at the B n' M Sam Heatons Super Sensitive in 7' length. This rod will set you back a bit under $50.00 however. You will not regret spending the extra $$ on this rod, I guarantee!
You'll probably want to start off with a good quality monofilament line, such as Trilene XL 4# or 6# test, depending on the water you are fishing. At some point you should look at a braid for your main line, with a fluorocarbon leader. Something like 4# test Fireline Crystal with a 4# test leader. Connect the leader with an Alberto knot and you'll be amazed at the increased sensitivity this combination will provide for you.
"A voyage in search of knowledge need never abandon the spirit of adventure."toddarmstrong LIKED above post
Slabmaster II
Buy a pflueger president reel ($50) - best value for the money in my opinion (as SUPER smooth & durable as it gets without going into the $100's..) put it on a $20-$30 7' fiberglass Shakespear spinning rod w/cork handle from WM and you'll be set. I can't tell you how much money I wasted on cheap reels before having my eyes opened by the president line from Pflueger. As long as my budget allows, I may never own another brand of small freshwater spinning reels...
Slabmaster II
Is it just me or am I the only one who prefers 4lb mono for Crappies?
Lots of good info so far, my advice is to try to find someone who is familiar with catching crappies. I know I have taken people who allegedly had caught lots of crappies before but once they got into the boat with me they definitely picked up some stuff, the next time they had much lighter setups and definitely did improve their catch numbers.
Stick with it and you will definitely enjoy your new addiction!
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Actually I prefer fishing with 2# test Fireline Crystal with a 2# test fluoro leader. But the water I fish is rather obstruction free, open and clear.
One more comment on the original question though. I'd put most of the budget on a rod vs. the reel, for crappie fishing. The sensitivity of the rod will yield higher catch percentages than spending the money on the reel. I love the Pflueger President and have one of the 6920 series, soon to be two. But I don't believe that kind of up-grade is necessary, being the original poster is just starting out. JMO.
"A voyage in search of knowledge need never abandon the spirit of adventure."
Slabmaster II
Crestliner: a fair statement. A lot of decent reels can be had around $25-30. I should qualify my statement. After wasting a lot of time and effort with cheap ($10-20) reels I was overly impressed with the president line. Definitely worth the extra dough for the difference in performance if u want a reliable reel u wont have to replace every couple years tho.
