Thread: Why do you like the rod you use to crappie fish?

Originally Posted by The Rooster

I get that. I just don’t understand how one can be rated as a medium light and still claim a lure weight of 1/32 while another rated as a light only goes as low as 1/16


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My guess is there is no "industry standard" and if there were someone would have to do the testing to verify manufacturers claims.

Originally Posted by justinp61

My guess is there is no "industry standard" and if there were someone would have to do the testing to verify manufacturers claims.

True. But taking both of them at face value, would you think that both of them should be able to cast those weights they are rated at? I tend to look at powers and actions as more of an abstract concept, kind of the manufacturers idea of what they are. But when it comes to lure weight since they are listed as an actual number then I tend to expect to be able to throw those weights, regardless of action and power listed. Now that said, just because that medium light says it will throw 1/32 ounce weights doesn’t necessarily mean it will do it well or with any distance. I guess there’s no way to know without just trying it


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Originally Posted by The Rooster

Yall ever buy a rod based on the handle grip? Or maybe rule one out because of it? I’m a spinning rod handle snob. All of mine must have a foregrip of at least 2” long, preferably longer so my whole hand will fit it. I’m kind of rethinking this for choosing a crappie rod but I’m more partial to the rods that have the grips I like better.

Last night I discovered the Wally Marshall Classic series. If this was an ultralight I’d be sold and wouldn’t even look back. But it only comes as a light power in the 6-1/2 foot length. Love the grip on it though.


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Yes, the Okuma guide select pro ultra light checks all the boxes for my crappie fishing enjoyment, including a handle design just right for someone who won't put it down until it is dark or an important obligation is impending.

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Originally Posted by Noodle rod

Yes, the Okuma guide select pro ultra light checks all the boxes for my crappie fishing enjoyment, including a handle design just right for someone who won't put it down until it is dark or an important obligation is impending.

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What’s more important than fishing? LOL!


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Fish from shore try to keep it simple , Shakespeare ultralight 2-4 lb mono , have a Mr Crappie rod I really like and Lews Tcb not impressed with the reel but a nice sensitive pole looking to change the reel soon

Originally Posted by soonerdg

Fishing rods are tools. So the basic answer is you choose the right tool for the job. For instance, if you're casting a 1/16 or 1/32 oz jig, you need an ultra light rod to cast such a light weight lure. If you're vertical jigging then the rod action is much less important. If you're live scoping and using a larger sinker to be able to see you need a heavier action rod (medium) to handle that larger weight.

^ I agree except for vertical jigging - rod action IS very important.
IMO You need a rod that immediately returns to its original position when you pop a jig up you need to follow it keeping slack out of your line as you let it drop down to mimic a injured bait fish.
If your rod is whipy or bouncy the jig can yo-yo unnaturally. This will result in less fish.



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My choice depends on the fish, the water conditions and the bait presentation they want that day. I prefer pitching to them with my seven and a half foot B&M Sam’s super sensitive, especially if I’m fishing for black crappie.
If they are more aggressive then, I am using my six foot six inch ACC Crappie Stix.
Then there is shooting docks or under low hanging limbs I use my ACC Crappie Stix six and a half foot or Lewis six foot rod.

If the fish are wanting the bait left still and slow to attack I will vertical fish with my B&M Sam’s Super Sensitive twelve foot rod. If I’m down in thick brush I will use my twelve foot ACC Crappie Stix which has enough back bone to get them out of the brush.
As stated in someone else’s post different tools for different situations.

I also carry a ten foot fly rod that I use in multiple situations. Like vertical fishing when they like it swinging slowly yet falling vertical in thicker tops but the fish are spooky.

There’s time I will use any of these rods with a cork.

It all depends on the fish that given day.


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Depends on how you prefer to fish, as well as where you fish.
Although i have far more rods than i can use of different lengths, brands etc, if i were to start over i wouldnt have nearly as many.
I could be happy with a couple of 10’ telescopic rods and a couple of 6 to 7 foot medium light action casting rods.
I prefer to just use the trolling motor and very slowly move along the weed edges.
I sometimes dig holes in the weeds and drop a jig in the hole, but i dont have the patients for long spells of that.
I hardly ever cast, but sometimes troll a second rod on the opposite side as i move along.
I only cast if i see fish working on bait, i never just blind cast.
Ive tried every type of trolling, and prefer not doing that, even though it does produce results.