Rods and reels for crappie/panfish?

I realize we all have things we like, but I'm trying to get some ideas here. I have some $200 reels on $300 rods for bass fishing (back when I wanted to be the next KVD or whomever). For some reason, I'm just not able to bring myself to spend that kind of money on crappie/panfish gear. I'm trying to stay in the $60 range for the rod/reel combo.

Here's what I've landed on thus far:
Shimano Sienna FG in 500/1000 size. ~$30 on Amazon
Okuma Celilo ultralight rods. ~$30 on Amazon
4 pound high viz line (still playing with brands).

I did some searching and people speak highly of the Pflueger President series, but I've never been a fan of Pflueger stuff. Granted, I took a 15 year hiatus from fishing, so maybe things have changed. I also learned not to get sucked into "more ball bearings means better reel". Don't get me wrong, the Sienna FG has 3bb (the FE series had 1 in the smaller reels), but 200 ball bearings really just adds weight with no real benefit.

Here's what I like about the Siennas:
First, they're new, so I don't have any longevity tests. I have a Stradic 2500 from my bass fishing days and these are SOOOOOO much smoother. The inertia from casting (incorrectly) would have my handle turn and close the bail while casting. I've since embraced the "let the tip do the work" (I slipped into my old ways). But these things are buttery smooth. I NEVER expected that out of a $30 reel.

Here's what I like about the Celilo rods: Nice and whippy, very light, graphite blank, and for the price... yeah, I don't know of a better $30 rod out there -- but you might! I've got a 6'6", an 8'6" (haven't really used it yet), a 5'6" and a 7' on order. The only thing I wish they had were 1 piece blanks. On the 7' and below, I'm tempted to superglue the two pieces together.

I'm willing to go up to $50 on the rod and $50 on the reel if I'll see marked improvement.

On a side note, I wanted a longer jigging pole and got the Zebco Crappie Fighter Spinning rod. For $10, I got a couple of more normal sized ones too. I'd forgotten how much I hate fiberglass rods. LOL.

The only real improvement I could ask for on the Celilo rods would be a faster tip rather than a moderate parabolic bend. Of course, I may think that's what I want, only to find out I don't. For bass gear, I love an extra fast tip.

So, having said all of that, I'd like your experience with the Sienna FG (I realize they're a fairly new model) and Celilo rods and comparisons with what you chose over either of those two.

I'm throwing 1/16th ounce on the heavy end, and down to 1/64th ounce on the light end. Obviously, I'm in ultra-light territory.

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Originally Posted by Schmoopie

I have some $200 reels on $300 rods for bass fishing (back when I wanted to be the next KVD or whomever). For some reason, I'm just not able to bring myself to spend that kind of money on crappie/panfish gear.

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I'm the opposite. I will happily spend money on good UL gear but refuse to spend a lot on bass.

Daiwa makes good reels, too. Even their lower-end models are good.

There's a zillion rods you could use. Check out the Bass Pro Microlites.

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Originally Posted by Schmoopie

I'm trying to stay in the $60 range for the rod/reel combo.

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Double that number, and you'll get a much better outfit.

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

Double that number, and you'll get a much better outfit.

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What do you recommend and what makes them better? I don't need uraniunum-infused unobtainium guides and handles made from skeletonized ivory :)

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Originally Posted by Schmoopie

I don't need uraniunum-infused unobtainium guides and handles made from skeletonized ivory :)

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Pity. All my rods have uranium-infused unobtainium guides and handles made from skeletonized ivory. ;)

Seriously, the Bass Pro Microlites come in a variety of lengths, and they're frequently on sale. They're good rods for the price.

For a reel in that price range, I suggest a Daiwa Regal or a Shimano Sedona. Daiwa and Shimano have been the leading reel manufacturers for decades. My advice to anyone is to buy the best Daiwa or Shimano you can afford.

I just checked, and this rod is on sale:

Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

Hey Buddy - take a look at the Shimano SENS556UL on Amazon, Look very good. I ordered one to try.

The Micro lights from Bass Pro are pretty good rods

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

Pity. All my rods have uranium-infused unobtainium guides and handles made from skeletonized ivory. ;)

Seriously, the Bass Pro Microlites come in a variety of lengths, and they're frequently on sale. They're good rods for the price.

For a reel in that price range, I suggest a Daiwa Regal or a Shimano Sedona. Daiwa and Shimano have been the leading reel manufacturers for decades. My advice to anyone is to buy the best Daiwa or Shimano you can afford.

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I've always been a Shimano fan (especially baitcasters). My biggest issue is that the Sienna FG is just so good that I don't know what I'd gain from getting a more expensive reel. It's silky smooth, the drag is good, other than the weight of the handle (which I can overcome by casting correctly) causing the bail to close during a cast, there isn't anything right off the bat that I have to complain about --- yet.

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

I just checked, and this rod is on sale:

Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

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Okay now... 6'8" one piece with a skeletal reel seat (which makes almost no difference on a spinning rod, but I still like them), and guides made of super-duper fantastic stuff... I like that idea. I wish someone would make a split reel seat like the custom guys have done for years on casting rods. You've given me food for thought. Thank you.