advice on open water rod

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03-01-2016, 10:02 AM
Jwetovick

advice on open water rod

Hello everyone. Looking at a few different rods for my crappie fishing. Generally I use 1/32-1/16 jig head and plastic grub of some sort. I like a 5 6 or 6 0 length. Have my eyes on 3 rods. 1. Falcon ultralight 6 0 - $79 2. St Croix panfish rod 6 0 - $109 3. St Croix Avid 6 0 UL - $179. I realize the avid is more expensive and therefore what most guys will recommend between the three but I'm really after value. If I can get 2 Falcons for the price of the avid I will if people think highly enough of the falcon. I need to call st croix and ask what the main diff is between the panfish and the avid. I'm sure a bit better rod and different guides on the avid. That being said is the avid worth the extra money for a weekend warrior crappie guy like me? I'm only buying my next rod or two from cabelas since i have points saved up so at this point not interested in anything that can't be purchased there. Thanks in advance for the input!
03-01-2016, 10:25 AM
deathb4disco

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jwetovick

I need to call st croix and ask what the main diff is between the panfish and the avid.

The Avid is made in America, if that matters to you. I think Falcon is, too.

That being said, I would handle all the rods if possible. One rod company's definition of ultralight is almost never the same as another company's. I used to own the 6' Avid. It is a great rod. So why did I sell it? I have a bunch of great UL rods and just wanted to thin out the herd.

I am not familiar with that particular model of Falcon, but the Falcon's I have seen have a much stiffer action.
03-01-2016, 10:46 AM
Sandwich Maker

I agree with above post by DBD. Rod actions are seldom the same from company to company, and what I would call ultra light might be medium to you. I'm not sure if Cabelas has received the new Pro Series rods from Mr. Crappie/Lews yet, but they come with IM8 blanks and will retail for around $45-$60 depending on length. I have tested the longer model and really like it....but their action is a little stiff. His other rods at Cabelas will range in price and come with an unbeatable warranty. No matter what....be sure and do as DBD stated and go where you can get the rod in your hand. You'll know it when you pick up the right one. Good luck!
03-01-2016, 10:53 AM
Jwetovick

Thanks guys. Appreciate the info. I wish I could get to a store and handle them all but its not going to happen. So, I will poke and hope :) I have looked at those Mr Crappie rods and like the looks of them and the price. I called st croix and the guy told me the panfish series is more species specific obviously compared to the avid. He said the avid will have more a gradual/softer hookset compared to the panfish. To each their own but he really thought the panfish would be perfect for my situation. I don't really care where the rod is made, etc. Don't really want to start that whole battle.......keep the info coming. thanks
03-01-2016, 10:54 AM
deathb4disco

Hey, SM! You gotta be careful with that sig line. You never know what forum I'll be moderating next. :biggrin
03-01-2016, 10:56 AM
ET Fish

I am really enjoying my B'n'M's. Grizzly Jigs might be a good source of info.
03-01-2016, 01:31 PM
Crestliner08

As long as you think spending that kind of cash is OK, then by all means, you have selected a nice group of very adequate rods. However, if you want a "tried & true" line up of crappie rods (for a bit less money to boot), you should take a serious look at B n' M rods.

They've been manufacturing rods for serious crappie anglers for decades. And a lot of the great crappie tournament anglers select this line of rods, over the many others that are out there. You can usually get something you are looking for, for around $50.00, or less. I can only tell you that from my experience (I have 4 now), you will not be disappointed by going B n' M.
03-01-2016, 02:09 PM
Jwetovick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crestliner08

As long as you think spending that kind of cash is OK, then by all means, you have selected a nice group of very adequate rods. However, if you want a "tried & true" line up of crappie rods (for a bit less money to boot), you should take a serious look at B n' M rods.

They've been manufacturing rods for serious crappie anglers for decades. And a lot of the great crappie tournament anglers select this line of rods, over the many others that are out there. You can usually get something you are looking for, for around $50.00, or less. I can only tell you that from my experience (I have 4 now), you will not be disappointed by going B n' M.

Thanks. Which B n M rods are made in 6ft length? I dont see many at all listed on cabelas site. They are all 7ft and longer. I have not gotten into long rods for crappie at this point.
03-01-2016, 02:12 PM
deathb4disco

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jwetovick

Thanks guys. Appreciate the info. I wish I could get to a store and handle them all but its not going to happen. So, I will poke and hope :) I have looked at those Mr Crappie rods and like the looks of them and the price. I called st croix and the guy told me the panfish series is more species specific obviously compared to the avid. He said the avid will have more a gradual/softer hookset compared to the panfish. To each their own but he really thought the panfish would be perfect for my situation. I don't really care where the rod is made, etc. Don't really want to start that whole battle.......keep the info coming. thanks

Order two or three rods from Cabela's and send back the ones you don't like. Cabela's has a pretty reasonable return policy.
03-01-2016, 05:17 PM
VaCrappieMan

I have a 7ft st croix trout series rod (I know it's not a panfish model) but I will say it's a sweet rod. I have caught some really nice trout on it. I did order a 6ft light panfish series rod that I liked the feel off but the top guide was completely turned sideways. I ended up using the money I got back from the return for something else but I've been using a 6ft power lite ESP rod which I'm in love with for casting jigs. Cabelas used to carry them or maybe they still do. The st croix has a different handle to get used to I will warn you but I have gotten used to it. Another rod I like that I believe cabelas carries is a fenwick elite tech river runner... But I'm a fishing rod junky. I'd say you will happy with any of the above
03-01-2016, 05:42 PM
Crappiemaniac

Love the 6ft and 7ft southern crappie 1 piece rods. Around 40.00.
03-01-2016, 06:01 PM
shadboy

Those are some great rods you're looking at. Personally, I wouldn't spend that much on a rod until I had it in my hands to get a feel for it. The Falcon will be heavier than the others. I have thousands of dollars tied up in expensive fishing rods, but they never go fishing anymore. My favorite crappie rod is Eagle Claw Feather Lites 6', not because they're cheap (@ $20), but because I catch more fish with them. The rod balances very well with an ultra lite reel, I can see the bite much easier with the flimsy tip and it has plenty of backbone to drive the hook through the roof of the crappie's mouth. Just my thoughts.
03-01-2016, 07:23 PM
Crestliner08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jwetovick

Thanks. Which B n M rods are made in 6ft length? I dont see many at all listed on cabelas site. They are all 7ft and longer. I have not gotten into long rods for crappie at this point.

Go on the B n' M site and check out their Ultra-Light series. The list many models from 4'10" up to 6'6". However, I'd take a hard look at the Sam Heaton's Super Sensitive in 7' length. I've used this rod for over 5 years now. Casts like a dream and the extra foot will not take much of an adjustment, I'm very sure.
03-01-2016, 08:49 PM
skeetbum

I don't care for most rods that are listed as UL. A parabolic bend just doesn't work for me. I like a stiffer midsection for surprise fish, but a faster action giving a soft tip that loads well and lends to really launching a tiny jig very well. A St. Croix 66lf one piece has had my attention for some time. Though I hate to admit it, I agree with DBD that you REALLY need to handle whatever you gonna throw down the nickels for. And handling it without the reel you have in mind is like buying a car that looks good with no motor in it. A sweet rod has balance and makes it unnoticed in your hand, and you will know it when you feel it and money won't matter. It's that good. If you see someone that has a rod that look like it might be a contender in someones boat, or they speak of one in conversation, get your hands on it and pick their brain as to WHY they like it. Most folks will gladly tell you that and more if you ask nicely. Good luck in your search, there's lots to choose from.
03-02-2016, 09:58 AM
Greenwing

I have a 7ft Avid 1 piece Ultra Light that I really don't like using for crappie it's too soft of a action for me. I prefer a fast or extra fast action. I've picked up a St. Croix panfish several times at a local store several times and prefer the feel over my Avid, I was going to buy one last year but never did, I spent my money on a new bass rod.
03-02-2016, 10:34 AM
deathb4disco

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenwing

I have a 7ft Avid 1 piece Ultra Light that I really don't like using for crappie it's too soft of a action for me.

I agree completely on the 7' Avid -- way too soft for my tastes. The six-footer, however, is sweet!
03-02-2016, 08:50 PM
Grainraiser

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadboy

Those are some great rods you're looking at. Personally, I wouldn't spend that much on a rod until I had it in my hands to get a feel for it. The Falcon will be heavier than the others. I have thousands of dollars tied up in expensive fishing rods, but they never go fishing anymore. My favorite crappie rod is Eagle Claw Feather Lites 6', not because they're cheap (@ $20), but because I catch more fish with them. The rod balances very well with an ultra lite reel, I can see the bite much easier with the flimsy tip and it has plenty of backbone to drive the hook through the roof of the crappie's mouth. Just my thoughts.

I have around 65 different rods and my Eagle Claw Feather lite rod is one of my favorites. My rod is a 6.5 footer and is a medium light model. I do not like UL rods because they are two whippy for me. I have never used a high dollar rod so I can comment on that. For me using a small diameter braid is more important than the rod being used.

Reggie