General advice

Hello everyone I'm new to this site and just had a few questions for everyone. First off I'm in the market for a new rod. Now I have looked at the st croix rods but they are just a little out of my price range. I'm looking for a rod in the 6 foot range light powered with a fast a action tip and preferably one piece. My reel is a pfleuger president spincast. My second question is about fish finders. There's so many options what unit would you suggest that's around the 200 price range. And my last question is about winter fishing it's 39 today in indiana and I'm goin to try and fish again today. For some reason I haven't been able to get a bite this winter so what's the severer or method everyone uses to catch them. Do you just do a super slow retrieve or do u just jig it and pop it vertically.

Come on over to the Electronics forum and we'll get you on the road to a sonar unit that can work in your budget ...

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...d-photography/

Rickie

Ain't no such thing as a "fish finder".

Welcome

In winter tight line works for me. Drop it and don't move it. Good luck!

If you like the St Croix, wait, save, and buy the St Croix.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stormcloud

If you like the St Croix, wait, save, and buy the St Croix.

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Or Bass Pro Shop has a 6 payment plan for orders over $125, they do this a few times a year

If you're looking for a 6' rod with fast tip, very light weight, one piece, and very sensitive .... then you might consider this rod : E60PLS 6' Power Lite Rod | Shop | ESP™ High Performance Ultra Light Rods by Norsemen Outdoors
Now, if you're going to be using slip floats, this rod may not be the best choice, as it has micro guides and bobber stops don't flow through them very well. But, if you're going to be using it to cast jigs, vertical jig, or hold it "in hand" while tightline fishing ... then it's worthy of a look.

Grizzly Jig doesn't show them on their website, but do list them in their catalog for around $10 less than the home website above.

Now, ESP does offer a 6'6" PowerLite rod ... but the only difference is 6" of handle extension.

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As far as depth finders go, all major brands will have a unit in your price range. But, what you need to decide is how you're going to use the unit & what capabilities it must have to meet your needs. Once you've figured that out, I suggest you contact Brian@BBGMarine (on the sponsors classifieds forum) and tell him what you need and your budget, and let him give you the options he has to fill those requirements.

Now ...so that you'll know where I'm coming from : I've had no personal dealings with BBG or Grizzly Jig, and am just going on the opinions & positive comments made towards them by the members.
I was a field tester for ESP rods, twice, and own/use a 5'6" UL - 6'6" PowerLite - 9' PowerJig rod.

... cp :kewl

Berkley Lightning Rod in medium action. Mine is two piece and has a light tip and good power in the middle, and will cast a 1/32 jig a long way with 4lb line. Handle before you buy. Names and action ratings are deceiving. And I agree, if you like a St. Croix, save your money and get one. Don't know anyone who regrets spending the money on one. A one piece 66lf is on my want list.

I have Hummingbird 561 sonar. Well under $200 and it's basic black and white sonar. I use it with a basic handheld GPS to get over brush/drops, etc. For vertical jigging in winter (and other times) I like one or two 12' jig poles held in hand. I usually hover and usually hold the rod still. The long rods keep the jig away from the boat and I can leave the depth set as the jig depth is usually 14' or less where I fish. I like a 5'-6' limber ultralight rod for casting jigs or slip bobbers. You may want a few different cheaper rods to stay versatile. Good luck with your setup.

Welcome to the sight. Go to grizzlyjig.com and view rods. The shipping is reasonable and fast. Also you can call them for advice. Tell them what you want and your budget. They will hook you up, I promise.

Thanks for all the advice guys

I'm going to get laughed at when i suggest this, but I'm so tight I squeak when I walk. I bought the Vortex spincast rod at Gander Mtn. when they were on sale for $15 last winter (sticker said $59 i think). Anyway, I bought 2 - I have Pflueger Presidents on them both and have been very happy with the rod performance. All you'll need for crappie. They're sensitive, seem to be very sturdy, and have enough backbone to swing a 3lb bass in the boat on 6lb mr. crappie high viz w/out a net just this last weekend. For the money, I'm sure you won't find a better rod.. my honest/humble opinion.

I was actually looking at one of their Vortex rods this past summer. Ended up going with a BnM BGJP instead only because the Vorex rods werent on sale anymore when I finally bought and the BnM one was. Seemed like a really nice rod, may pick up one next year.

The sales guy there told me that the Gander reels are actually made by Pflueger, just with a few less bells and whistles. They'd probably sell more of them if they werent priced exactly the same as the Pfluegers!

As far as rods go, you might do yourself a big favor and take a look at the B n' M rod line-up. They specialize in crappie rods and have an excellent reputation. I have 3 of their rods now myself; two are the 7' SHSS model and my latest one is a 9' SHSS. I have Shimano reels on two and a President on the newest long rod. Great rods in my opinion. Reasonable pricing. Wonderful service. The slightly longer 7' model (you were looking for a 6' length) will work well for you I'm sure. :)