the most productive way to bring home crappie for me and my family depends entirely on the lake, the time of year and the current conditions . yesterday was really long parallel or slightly diagonal casts and slow retrieves along the shore line at the muddy water spot we visited in short water . the day before was a real short pitch and let it fall in much deeper water with a much better visibility greenish clear waters at another lake. there is a reason I carry 5 or 6 different rods at all times in my truck . i used a 5 footer wednesday and an 8 footer yesterday ,totally different set ups for totally different presentations .