Thread: Looking for info

If all you will be doing is trolling (pulling jigs or long lining) I agree with Harold. The Wally Marshall Signature Series are great rods. The only other rods comparable are the Crappie Maxx and the BnM PST rods. (For pushing or tight lining there are many more options,) I fish lakes where I get hung up a lot and I really abuse my Wally Marshalls and they are durable. They cost a little more but they will last you a long time. I still have 2 14 footers and 2 10 footers and 5 8 footers that I bought back when I first started trolling 10 years ago. I have since added 2 18 footers that are just as durable. Wally Marshalls are breakable though, especially when you step on them I have only had 1 to break while fishing and I take the blame for that. There are other rods that are cheaper and will still get the job done but for durability and quality, they are worth the price, especially if you plan on tournament fishing....Just my opinion

SouthernCrappie rods.

Southern Crappie Rods. Look them up online and give Ed Duke a call. His rods are the most versatile rods on the market IMO and they won't break the bank. They are extremely durable too and Ed Duke is a great guy to do business with. I highly recommend checking him out and seeing what he has to offer.

I have been crappie fishing for years now and I have been a CDC and FCC member for about a year. I have almost been around the world purchasing rods; bps/crappie maxx, bnm/bgjp, wally marshall/signature series, Berkley. Wally knows what he's doing with his equipment.(period) Take the advice of 'fishin813' and don't go around the world like I did. Now my personal preference is a medium action/power rod however, I like feel of the medium heavy rods but the medium rods seem to do better (situational). The bps crappie maxx signature series is good, a lot of people recommend the southern rods and the wally marshall rods is where I would start if were to start over again. Pay the extra money and go with quality especially if you're gonna tourney fish... those guys are good! Buy 1,2 at a time in 12, 14, 16' lengths. Start in the middle with the 14 footers. It may take time to build your arsenal but do it right the first time around. WELCOME!

I personally have "Deep South" rods in 16 - 14' range and they are absoultly great.
In past 6 yrs only broke one tip - (was ususing the "come on man") approach trying
to deal with 6 ft gar.
Deep South are no longer on market due to them going out of business casued by
tie ups getting rods made off shore, and import delays.
Again, the closet rods that i really like are the Wally Marshall signature series -
have 2 that are over 10 yrs old and have caught lots and lots of fish - somewhat
fast action, but decide what you style you want to start with - build you rod
selection toward this.Once you feel confortable with a particular style, PERFECT,
it before going to the next - trust me your mind and thoughts towards fishing
will be of great rewards to you on known lakes or new lakes when going fishing
regardless of weather conditions that day. Thats the great thing about tournament
fishing - YOU HAVE NO CHOICE - ON TOURNAMENT DAY YOU HAVE TO FISH IT,
REGARDLESS OF WHAT OLE MOTHER NATURE THROWS AT YOU.

Agree on Grizzly Jig. The Pinnacle Limit rods are great starter rods. I would put more money in rodholders and definitely an ipilot trolling motor.

The I-pilot tennova is the difference between fishin and "fishing"
I was always a stead fast Motor Guide person until 2 yr ago, finally went to the
I-Pilot - "Talk about a 180 turn around, didn't realize actually fun. Didn't spend
1/10th the amount of time needed to control the i-pilot as it took to control a
remote Motor Guide. Difference between two is night & day.

Rod Holders - have to go with tite-loc's they are by far best in set up, knock down,
adjustment, vertality. Go with the 24" t-bar vs 16 - more room on bar for holders,
and should you desire - 24" already drilled to add another rod holder going from 8
to a 10 rack.
I have used probably 10 different styles besides home made models.
Tite-Loc is still the best

Rods -Spider rigging - I prefer the 14' rods in most instances as they being most
veristal. I use the 16' most on open lakes - usally 4 -16's & 4- 14's tournament.
18' - can really put a lift strain on arm and body.
Long linging - 2- 12's, 2 - 10's, 2-7's, 2- 5.5's - out back - 6# mono will handle
just about anything. Let the rod do the work - (I use a swivel between main line
and jig or crank bait, stops line twist on reel especially if using florocarbon)

Again: back to the first thought - what style fishing do you want to do.
once decided, stay with it till you feel have mastered or its like second nature
to do. Than move onto next form you want to try - and so on and so on
If you jump around by the end of year you will be so confused - start second
guessing yourself each time out. You have to slow up and not over think the
situation. (trust me, this is not easy)

Tons of great info guys I surely appreciate it and hope y'all have a merry Christmas!!