ultra light ugly stick rod with a light shimano spinning reel, rapala finesse 8# line, and for bait i use a whip'r stopper jig tipped with a worm bit. my best luck with crappie and panfish have been with this rig. the downfall about it is losing ur lure when a 2 and a half foot pike grabs it and wraps around a structure unless you personally like low drag on the reel. there's a story behind that email me if you have any inquiries!