There a lot of good rod holders out there. I am running the Cumberland Crappie right now and like how you do not need any tools to adjust them and they are made right here in the great state of Kentucky. As for rods I would start off with some 12' Pinnacles from Grizzly Jig you can get 4 of them for $70. The 12' will be a little easier to get used to. And after you use them for some time and you still want to spider you can up grade to 14' Southern Crappie rods I don't think you can get a better rod for the money.