New to spider rigging looking for rod advice

Hey guys first time posting on the site. Hope I can get some clarity from you guys past experiences. Past couple weeks I've been attempting to get my Bass Tracker setup for spider rigging. So far I've made the decision and purchases some Cumberland Crappie 360 rod holders and the double seat mount they offer. The guys there were very helpful in helping me decide how to set my boat up. Next I found some Abu Garcia Cardinal sx10 spinning reels. Have used the s model before and think they are really good panfish reels. Might be overkill for spider rigging I guess. The only thing I can't decide is on what rods, length, etc. I've used crappie maxx signature series 7' rods for night fishing under lights and love them. I understand I need around 12' rods for spider rigging but any advice anyone could give would be great. From online research I like the sound of the B'n'M Capps and Coleman rods but haven't seen one in person. I looked at some crappie maxx tightline special rods but kinda think they are too stiff. Haven't got to see the crappie maxx signatuee series in 12' length to see how they feel. Just really don't know at this point what to get. May wait until bass pro has the crappie event in February to see what is on sale.

Southern crappie rods or crappie max signature sieries , easier to get replacement tips for the southern rods .

B n M Bucks graphite jig pole or B n M prostaff trolling rods in 14ft. The prostaff will hold more weight but the BGJP rods are better for detecting light bites.

Everyone has their opinion but I would recommend 14 footers. Ozark is what I run but BNM has a great pole also. Welcome aboard from Conway Arkansas.

SouthernCrappie rods, and go ahead and get the 14.

I like my Southern Crappie 14's awfully well. You can go on the website at southerncrappierods.com. You can also call and talk to Ed Duke.

I have a Southern Crappie 14 , they are very good rods for spider rigging, That said I started by pulling cranks, then moved to spider rigging , now I'm into pushing cranks. What does that mean ? Well when pushing cranks we run 2-4 oz
weights and 2 cranks , The Southern is not meant for this much weight, it will do it but it has such a arch in it ,it takes away from its sensitivity . I got some BnM PST , these will handle more weight than I will ever use yet the tip stays sensitive. Now it's not a bad thing to start with 14' Southerns then add some PST's as you get in to more ways to get crappie. Bottom line any of the rods listed Southern BnM Ozark and Mr. Crappie are all good , you can always take 4oz weight on a short leader to the store with you to test the rods you are looking at

Southern Crappie makes the toughest rod out there. You can't go wrong with B&M either. All I do is troll so the Capps & Coleman in 12 & 14' gives me the spacing I need where the line hits the water. I run 8 poles with 5/8 or 3/4 weights. If you plan on cranking or long lining, a stiffer pole will serve you better because those methods require more line weight. I am only looking for a little backbone and a lot of sensitivity. The main thing is to get a rod you like and that you have confidence in.

Whatever brand you get...get 14 footers.....I use Bn'M Capps and Colemans

I use Southern poles in 14 foot. I started with 12 foot b&m but soon found out the 12s were to short. I would be more concerned with length than brand as most brands are of good quality and it more lies with "branding" as to who is the best.

Attachment 184534this is them

Attachment 184535i like them for spider rig

I have the same set up and boat, not that it mattters, but I use 14ft Southern crappie poles, nice quality (has Kevlar) and price, I occationally reel in a 7 to 10# channel cat with mine so they are tough. Another thing is if You run a pt175 14ft rods will lay about perfectly in the boat, so no need for a fancy rod holder. I am thinking about ordering another 4 pole 360 so I can mount both on the back corners of the boat and give trolling a try.

For spiderrigging 14ft southern crappie rods

Thank you guys for the advice. I was originally thinking 12' rods but I think you've talked me into getting 14'ers. Sounds like everyone talks highly of the southern crappie rods too. I may call up Ed and go that route. Thank you guys again!

Called and talked with Ed at Southern Crappie Rods. He was able to help a lot and guided me to a decision of 14'ers. Thank you all for the advise. Ill let you guys know how they work out. Thanks again!

Good luck and have fun, Spiderigging is addictive, about 75% of the time thats how I fish and put fish in the boat when others are catching few.

Southerns are very good rods, if you want to start a collection I have 3 BGJP B&M 14ft for sale in the personal classifieds.

I'm in the same situation as you. Took the boat last week to the guys at Cumberland Crappie and got the same setup it sounds like you did. I asked our guide we used several times at Ky Lake and he told me to go with 12' so I did. I ordered 8 B'n'M BGJP from Grizzly Jig Company and supposed to get them today in the mail. Been doing more research and if I feel like I need the extra 2 feet I may end up ordering 4 14 footers but hoping the 12 footers will be fine

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KY Grant

I'm in the same situation as you. Took the boat last week to the guys at Cumberland Crappie and got the same setup it sounds like you did. I asked our guide we used several times at Ky Lake and he told me to go with 12' so I did. I ordered 8 B'n'M BGJP from Grizzly Jig Company and supposed to get them today in the mail. Been doing more research and if I feel like I need the extra 2 feet I may end up ordering 4 14 footers but hoping the 12 footers will be fine

---

The hard part is there are so many options and without fishing with a pole and catching a few fish on it it's hard to know how it will handle. I'm sure some people hate a 14 footer and only use 12s or vice versa. Without trying anything out I was leaning towards 12' poles until everyone kinda swayed me towards the 14's. Ed at Southern Crappie Rods told me a lot of guys love 12s and some guys only use 16s. From reading and talking with people I think the only time the 16s may make a difference is in really shallow water. Like anything else a person gets into, you have to do it and figure out what you like and don't like. The thing is I hope I don't go broke before getting settled. lol

Me and the guys I fish around/with run 12's but we fish 8' - 12' or deeper most of the time. I have a couple Southern 14's that I will use in Sippi. I plan on adding a couple more in time. My 12's are BnM PST's as I push and pull cranks a lot I don't have a lot of confidence with minnows yet , maybe after I get into some this spring.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jprewitt

The hard part is there are so many options and without fishing with a pole and catching a few fish on it it's hard to know how it will handle. I'm sure some people hate a 14 footer and only use 12s or vice versa. Without trying anything out I was leaning towards 12' poles until everyone kinda swayed me towards the 14's. Ed at Southern Crappie Rods told me a lot of guys love 12s and some guys only use 16s. From reading and talking with people I think the only time the 16s may make a difference is in really shallow water. Like anything else a person gets into, you have to do it and figure out what you like and don't like. The thing is I hope I don't go broke before getting settled. lol

---

I know everybody has personal preferences with rod lengths they like better than others. I'm pretty sure these 12 footers I just got will be fine and will get the job done for what I need and hopefully won't have to put another dent in the wallet buying 14 footers lol. Never thought I'd be spending this much just to crappie fish but if it works I don't mind spending the cash on the equipment. I know I was actually getting a headache trying to find the right poles and reels I wanted. Went to bass pro and cabelas trying to find 8 same reels and poles and never could get more than 3 a piece so finally said screw that and ordered the stuff online

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KY Grant

I know everybody has personal preferences with rod lengths they like better than others. I'm pretty sure these 12 footers I just got will be fine and will get the job done for what I need and hopefully won't have to put another dent in the wallet buying 14 footers lol. Never thought I'd be spending this much just to crappie fish but if it works I don't mind spending the cash on the equipment. I know I was actually getting a headache trying to find the right poles and reels I wanted. Went to bass pro and cabelas trying to find 8 same reels and poles and never could get more than 3 a piece so finally said screw that and ordered the stuff online

---

You will be just fine with the 12's. I have a set of Pinnacle 12's and PST 12's I have caught a ton of fish on. I went to the SouthernCrappie in 14 because I liked the pole plus I fish out of a stick steer and it puts me back a couple of feet more than most guys fish. Just like the little bit more clearance from troller.

I also am new to spider rigging and will probably be looked at funny this year up north where I am. The pole decision is also driving me crazy. You won't find any spider rods in stores in my area. Cabelas don't stock them. Decided to purchase a single 14' Pro Angler rod to see how I would like it. Not real happy with the rod. Seems very heavy, but I am told in time will get use to it. Don't know about that. At least I didn't buy 6 of them which is the legal number of rods in Pa. for 2 anglers. My question is are the Southern Crappie rods lighter? Thanks, Pop

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pop

I also am new to spider rigging and will probably be looked at funny this year up north where I am. The pole decision is also driving me crazy. You won't find any spider rods in stores in my area. Cabelas don't stock them. Decided to purchase a single 14' Pro Angler rod to see how I would like it. Not real happy with the rod. Seems very heavy, but I am told in time will get use to it. Don't know about that. At least I didn't buy 6 of them which is the legal number of rods in Pa. for 2 anglers. My question is are the Southern Crappie rods lighter? Thanks, Pop

---

I know what you mean about not having them stocked in stores near you. Went to Bass Pro and Cabelas and Cabelas didn't have a single one and said it would be spring before they got any and Bass Pro only had like 2 in the same size and actions. Ended up ordering mine from Grizzly Jig Co. Just got them lined up tonight

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pop

I also am new to spider rigging and will probably be looked at funny this year up north where I am. The pole decision is also driving me crazy. You won't find any spider rods in stores in my area. Cabelas don't stock them. Decided to purchase a single 14' Pro Angler rod to see how I would like it. Not real happy with the rod. Seems very heavy, but I am told in time will get use to it. Don't know about that. At least I didn't buy 6 of them which is the legal number of rods in Pa. for 2 anglers. My question is are the Southern Crappie rods lighter? Thanks, Pop

---

They are a lot lighter.