I have several answers. If I want to make it a fair fight for panfish and crappie I go with Diawa Spinamatic ultra lights between 6' 6" and 7' in length. They are rated for 2-4 lb test I believe. They are sensitive and light, but have just enough backbone to bring in any panfish.

On the other hand if I am really wanting to "harvest" fish I go with a Saint Croix 10' 6" Wild River Series Steelhead noodle rod with 4 lb test. That length of rod with the slow action takes all the pressure off the line and even the largest crappie or bluegill stands no chance. Even if I'm sight fishing bedding fish in lilly pads or next to thick cover they simply can't get a hard enough pull to get into cover and the line won't break because of the rod action. If I catch 8 to 12 lb steelhead on it panfish are childs play, but fun. The extra rod length also gives you greater distance on casts with lighter tackle that is being used.