I just bought my third Martin Rolling Fork fly rod from Grizzly Jig. It is 9'6", beautifully made, very responsive and cost $39. Yes, it's a fly rod, but for years (45) I have used fly rods to crappie fish; learned the technique from Bill Dance. This was before there were specialty crappie rods. You might want to try it; I'll guarantee that you will like it.