Jig Rod, How Long and Why?

Right now all my crappie/pan fishing is done mostly out of a canoe and some bank fishing. I use ultra light spinning rods in the 5-5 1/2 foot size. I strictly do cast and retrieve with jigs, small plugs and spinners.

I am considering getting a jigging rod. I like what I read about the BnM Sam Heaton rod. It is not terribly expensive and seems to have a good reputation. My main question concerns the various rod lengths. It is available I believe in 10, 12 and 14 foot lengths, maybe 16 but I'm not sure. I fish most often out of a 12 foot solo canoe. What would people recommend for a rod length and why?

Other rods are worth considering but budget is an important consideration. I am retired and funds are limited. Something priced similar to the Sam Heaton is about it. I also don't want a heavy tree limb for a rod. Us olde phartes can't hold them up for several hours on the water.

Maybe start with 10 , longer might be a burden till you get used to that much rod out there

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Originally Posted by Ketchn

Maybe start with 10 , longer might be a burden till you get used to that much rod out there

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I understand what you're saying. But that budget issue dictates I can't be going through several rods along the way. I will have to do my homework and then learn to use what I wind up with.

I would think the clarity of the water would come into play on your decision making

I use long poles 90% of the time. I agree ^ a 10 ft rod might be a good one to start with. I fish out of small boats about 1/2 the time. I use 12 &14 ft rods because of the type of cover I prefer to fish and I can push my rod tip down to my jig and unhook it when I get hung up when the jig is in reach.
My favorite is the Berkley C series.
The 12 and 14 Berkley poles are discontinued from what I can tell. The 10ft is still available for around $50 .
It’s a very light carbon fiber pole with a good backbone and a sensitive, solid carbon fiber tip.
I’ve caught tons of crappie in heavy cover ( cypress trees and buck brush) and have yet to break one.
Also I use light weight spool reels attached to the rear of the pole using electrical tape.




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Just my opinion, If it's a rod that you're gonna hold in your hand for long periods of time while fishing, 9' is about perfect because of weight and balance. 12' rods are the max for me and I only use those in rod holders, anything longer is just too much aggravation and work.

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Originally Posted by shadboy

Just my opinion, If it's a rod that you're gonna hold in your hand for long periods of time while fishing, 9' is about perfect because of weight and balance. 12' rods are the max for me and I only use those in rod holders, anything longer is just too much aggravation and work.

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I would definitely tend to fish with rod in hand. I am one of those who loves to feel the bite as well as enjoying playing the fish. That is why I have never had an interest in trolling. You don't get connected to the fish until after it is hooked.

Considering how you fish there's no need to go any longer than 7'. Long rods are typically used for just vertical fishing jigs away from the boat in shallow cover. They will give you a slight edge in casting distance, and get your jig away from the boat while maintaining a vertical presentation, but I always found them to be awkward to flip fish with and store. I have a 10' rear seat jig rod but haven't used it in years.

I'd say a 6'6" or 7' medium light would be right up your alley. The added length over your current setup will increase your casting distance quite a bit, and it will still be very sensitive.

Personally I never really cared for the short ultra light buggy whip rods that a lot of guys use for crappie, I like a little more backbone than that.

As for specific recommendations, ACC Crappie stix are in that price range, Berkley lightning rods and outlaw crappie poles. There's a ton of good rods out there and it would be worthwhile to just go play with them and see what you like.

I fish from a 12' kayak and I have 2 Sam Heaton Super Sensitive rods, a 9' and an 11'. I wanted rods shorter than the boat so if line wraps around the tip, it can be untangled easily. Experience taught me that taking the rod apart, clearing the tangle, then reattaching it is a good way to go. I use a landing net and I can't sling fish into the cockpit, so the choice of rod was more about sensitivity than backbone. I paddle upwind of structure, then drift across the fish holding areas with a rod in each hand. It gets pretty exciting when I get one on each at the same time. I like to be able to jig close to cover without being parked right over top of it. I also like the leverage and give a longer rod offers. Good fishing & have fun with whatever rod you choose.

Jim

Atimm693,

Interesting perspective. I will definitely keep your thoughts in mind. One of my concerns was manipulating a long rod in my little canoe. But also the reason I was considering one was for vertical jigging in tight cover.


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Went from using 7' rods to 10' rods most of the time. Many advantages.

For tight cover, I'd say 9'. I fish 10' and don't want to deal with one longer. In a canoe, tight cover, I would say 9', and one that has the backbone to swing a crappie into that canoe. I like my ACC Crappie Stix and BnM Tree Thumper, but they are 10'. BnM makes some good jig poles.

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Originally Posted by UpstateSC_Bill

I understand what you're saying. But that budget issue dictates I can't be going through several rods along the way. I will have to do my homework and then learn to use what I wind up with.

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I use a Berkeley 10 foot crappie rod a bit , works as well and feels just like them 100 dollar plus ones , got mine given to me when they were on clearance, he bought a bundle of them the for .99 each !

After reading the replies I am inclined to look for a ten footer. I need to find one of 99 cent sales. Maybe then I could get more tahn one.[emoji16]


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I've got a 9, a 10 & two 13 footers but for 99 cents i'd buy a pile of them.

I would pull the trigger on that 10' Sam Heaton. I've actually never fished with one but I fish with 3 other guys that sling fish pretty good with it. I actually have been playing around with one of my 16' pro angler tackle rods that i use for trolling. I use it to jig shallow fish where I can stay back off them. It's blast trying to thread a big un out the thickets that far away with a limp noodle....rofl

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Originally Posted by Atimm693

Considering how you fish there's no need to go any longer than 7'. Long rods are typically used for just vertical fishing jigs away from the boat in shallow cover. They will give you a slight edge in casting distance, and get your jig away from the boat while maintaining a vertical presentation, but I always found them to be awkward to flip fish with and store. I have a 10' rear seat jig rod but haven't used it in years.

I'd say a 6'6" or 7' medium light would be right up your alley. The added length over your current setup will increase your casting distance quite a bit, and it will still be very sensitive.

Personally I never really cared for the short ultra light buggy whip rods that a lot of guys use for crappie, I like a little more backbone than that.

As for specific recommendations, ACC Crappie stix are in that price range, Berkley lightning rods and outlaw crappie poles. There's a ton of good rods out there and it would be worthwhile to just go play with them and see what you like.

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Atimm693, I sure like what you say. I'm 75 , disabled, a short rod like you mention sounds good. All I have is my Social Security and haven't found a fishing buddy. Also, since I'm on a limited budget the shorter rod usually means cheaper rod, at least that is my experience so far. Many tight lines!

I have several of those Sam heaton rods a 7,9, and a 11 footer I think or it could be a 12 footer, only thing about those super sensitive rods is that they are a very flimsy rod, hardly no backbone at all. I would not boat flip a 1 pound crappie with either of those rods, I would be afraid they would break. But great rods for sensitivity, just net your fish. In my honest opinion.

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Originally Posted by Danny Lang

I have several of those Sam heaton rods a 7,9, and a 11 footer I think or it could be a 12 footer, only thing about those super sensitive rods is that they are a very flimsy rod, hardly no backbone at all. I would not boat flip a 1 pound crappie with either of those rods, I would be afraid they would break. But great rods for sensitivity, just net your fish. In my honest opinion.

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I have read similar comments in other threads about the Sam Heatons. I usually tend to net my fish anyway rather than flipping them in the boat but I will keep your comments in mind if I get one. I don't particularly care for a heavy, meaty rod anyway. I like what I am hearing about their sensitivity.

I have a 10, 11, 12. Other than lily pads, open banks, and open water, all three are worthless. My 10' is an Uncle Lews, the other 2 ACC. The ACC are good rods, but in a canoe, I suspect you're going to stay close to the bank. Maybe what you're doing is best??