Setting up for spider rigging

I'd like to order some gear for spider rigging. I think I'll start with 4 rods.

I want to order the shimano reels from Monks. Which size should I get? 1000, 2000 or 4000? I like the idea of extra line capacity just in case I hang a striper, but I want it to be a good match to the rod.

Does Monks sell the telescopic rods? I don't see them listed. My boat is tiny (just under 14') and I like to be set up for several different types of fishing on any given trip (striper, cats, crappie, etc) so the telescopic will just fit better for me unless y'all think the telescopic rods are garbage. There's another site that has good prices on some telescopic rods but I'd rather keep my money in NC if possible.

Also which length rod would be best? I picked up a 12' rod at Dicks just to look at it and it seemed so much longer than the 6-7' rods I'm used to. Is 16' necessary? I'll primarily be fishing James, Rhodhiss and Hickory.

Thanks for the help.

It is hard to beat the Pinnacle Limits for value vs price. Grizzy sells them 4 for $60 and I think Monks does as well. They do not telescope, they are 2 piece. Even the smallest reels hold 100 yards or so of 4 to 6 lb. test so you should not have a problem with being spooled. You will more likely lose a big fish to a break off rather than being stripped. I have managed to land a couple of big catfish and stipers and some stupid gar that I wish had broke off using ultralight reels and the Limit rods.
By the way I started with 8 ft and 10 ft Pinnacle rods because I was also uncomfortable with the really long rods so you might start with them and decide how much longer ones you want to try.

I read about the pinnacle limits. If I don't go with telescoping rods I will definitely choose those because they seem like an excellent value.

Do most people spider rig with 4 or 6 lb test? I was thinking more like 8 or 10 so I can straighten hooks out when snagged... That's the way I have been doing it with my 6' rods when tight lining minnows.

You might want to check out Southern Crappie Rods. Plus, you will not find a better person to deal with

I started out with telescopic rods, but have retired all of them. The butt of the rod has to be quite large to allow the rod sections to "telescopic" down. It makes them very cumbersome getting them in and out of rod holders. I will not use them at all anymore. Take your time and do the research like you are now doing. I have a number of rods and old "Buck" reels that will be thrown away one day.

One other thing: go to Youtube and type in "crappie spider rigging". There are a number of videos that you can watch to learn how other people set up their boats.

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Originally Posted by JordanLimit

One other thing: go to Youtube and type in "crappie spider rigging". There are a number of videos that you can watch to learn how other people set up their boats.

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I think I would go with the 2000 shimano the drag on the 1000 is not that great and the pinnacle limit rods are best bang for your buck

Go ahead and get the 12's and learn to use them cause you will anyway. Them Pinnacle teamed with the 2000 would make a excellent starting setup well worth the money. Just break em down and they will store as easy as the collapsible poles.

The HT Panfish poles are the cheapest prices. I have new pole from South Bend that is graphite composite priced at $19.95. Best buy of all poles.

You should come visit and "feel" all the different actions, lengths and weights.

Call before you come to make sure we are home.

Monk

No matter which polls you choose I would not go under 8 foot for spider rigging 10 to 14 foot would be better. I have 14 foot poles I use for spider rigging and that is a lot of work when you get into them so 16-18 foot is over doing it it seem to me. I have and still use 8 foot B&M telescopic rods (all my rods are B&M) and like them a lot. I have pulled in 10 -20 lb cats with them rods. Any good spinning reel (around $30) will be all you need.

I fish very light tackle for everything. I use 500 and 1000 series reels and my longest rods are 12'. I get high capacity on my reels by using braid. Power Pro gives me 8# test with 1# diameter. Then I use 6# Floracarbon leader to cut visibility. If I get hung in brush I can break leader. In open water I can wear down a big fish. I also use Lite Wire hooks. Light tackle is fun to fish.

Most of what I use are Uncle Buck's telescoping rods. They work great and store great. I use the Bass Pro reels that are about $25 each. I've got to where I use 6 lb line on all reels now. The reason most people use 4-6 lb line is most of these reels don't work as good with heavier line. I highly recommend using different length rods and stagger the rods so you won't get your lines tangled up as much.

I use the Pinnacle Limit rods myself for trolling and spider rigging. Never had any problem and pulled in some nice cats with them. Next set of rods will be a set of Southern Crappie rods because a buddy of mine has them and I really like the quality of those as well.

Just as a FYI--my observation of the guys that consistently win crappie tournaments use 18'-20' rods and fish in shallow water. They want to get out away from the boat so it does not spook the fish. There are other good options, many discussed on here, for the guy that just wants some good meat for the freezer.

I would second Monk's suggestion to go by and see him. You can stock up on everything you need. I really don't like to buy any rod without holding it in my hand. If you want an ultra light spinning rod for casting jigs, you can't beat the action and feel of the HT Micromaster rod in 7 ft.

Thanks for all the help y'all.

Good to know about the drag not being that great on the Shimano 1000's... I'll get the 2000's.

Still not sure which rods to get. I think I can make do without going the telescopic route. Just not sure which way to go. I'd like the rods to be ok enough for dipping around brush piles, spider rigging, and long line trolling.

Monk I don't see the South Bend rod on your site. Can you point me to some info on it?

Thanks

I forgot to mention... I doubt I will be able to make it by Monk's anytime soon. Pretty long trip for me. Being able to hold the rod in hand would be the best option though.