What rod length for Crappie?

Cubslover

I've always just used a standard medium action 6' or 6'6" rod for crappie and bluegill with the ultralight occasionally coming out.

I'm going on a few Crappie/Bluegill trips this year and have been working at the Local Sportsman's Warehouse for a few weeks part time. Mainly for the discount.

I just bought a Mitchell ultralight spinning reel and want to put it on something other than the Medium Action graphite rods I already have. It'll be my goto rig for panfish.

My question to you: Would a 7' or 7'6" light action rod be a better choice than the rods I already have or would I really notice a difference?

Also, should I drop the Mitchell and pick up a Pflueger or Abu Garcia reel instead?

MN Hunter

7-7 1/2 for panfish [:0] ive always used the ultralight set-up, i think the rod i use is 4'6"..

i never invest mush $$$ into my panfishing setups. ill usually throw 50-60 on a rod/reel. i try and save up for my muskie/northern setups.

im sure your reel will be more than adequate and personal preference should dictate which you like/use (and if you can decide...get both [;)][:D])

the crappies have started spawning around here, i usually dont have a problem getting my 10 in a hour or 2 [:p][:p] this past weekend, i used those jigs i sent you, tipped with either a crappie minnow or waxworm, i couldnt take `em off fast enough [:0](both crappies and sunnies) good luck.

Cubslover

quote:Originally posted by MN Hunter
7-7 1/2 for panfish [:0] ive always used the ultralight set-up, i think the rod i use is 4'6"..

i never invest mush $$$ into my panfishing setups. ill usually throw 50-60 on a rod/reel. i try and save up for my muskie/northern setups.

im sure your reel will be more than adequate and personal preference should dictate which you like/use (and if you can decide...get both [;)][:D])

the crappies have started spawning around here, i usually dont have a problem getting my 10 in a hour or 2 [:p][:p] this past weekend, i used those jigs i sent you, tipped with either a crappie minnow or waxworm, i couldnt take `em off fast enough [:0](both crappies and sunnies) good luck.


Thanks again for sending those.

Have you ever used those jigs before?

MN Hunter

this was my first year. had pretty good luck with them on the ice, and working even better now [:D] i may stop by where i get them and buy `em out! [;)][:D]

iwannausername

I've had a LOT of fun wiht a ultralite spinning reel filled with 1lb diameter spiderwire (8lb test IIRC) on a 7wt fly rod!

Works really really well, although it balances kinda funny.

jonk

I split the difference. I use a 6' light (not ultralite) rod with a small spinning reel and 4 or 6 pound test line for most anything; crappie, bluegill, rock bass, perch, and the harbor I fish in has lots of 2-3 pound largemouth (and a few bigger ones to make things interesting...)

I've even used this rig for Walleye, praying I don't tie into anything over 6 pounds but kind of hoping I do in a masochistic way...

Of course, then the 26" sheepshead blasts out and busts the line... [}:)]

shoff14

I use most of my cheap crappy stuff for panfish. That is unless I am spinning for crappie, then I would probably use the 6" light action that I have. I also love using Pline flourocarbon line with a weight of 4 pounds. The Pline shows up clear and you can get your depths set because it floats on the water.

John Clyde

For crappie and bluegill, if I'm doing much casting, the 7 ft. ultra light rods are my favorite. If your going to just dip jigs or minnows up next to cover, such as trees or cattails, I like longer ultra light rods, around 9 to 10 ft. I prefer the Mitchell 308 or 310 reels, and use 4 or 6 lb. Berkley Vanish line, As for jigs, I use chartruse, green, red or white with any of the other color combinations. Berkley Gulp 2" minnow grubs, in chartruse or white work very well. I like to keep jig weight to either 1/32 or 1/16 oz. It works for me, I live in south central Kansas, and fish crappie and walleye everytime I get a chance.[:D][:D]

AdamsQuailHunter

Hello "cubslover"[:)]

I use a 4 weight 8 foot flyrod that was converted into an ultralight rod. You should watch the mouths drop open when they see how far I can cast a 1/16 ounce jig on 2 pound line.

Best Regards & Keep A Tight Line[:)]
Steve Adams
AdamsQuailHunter on Gunbroker

crowbeaner

What on earth are you using for bait on that 6'6" or 7' rod? I used to catch crappies by the bucketfull with a 5' spincast rod. We use Mepps spinners and Mepps Minnos. Best results with a willow leaf blade and gold colors, or just the Minno fished slow over the structure. On Oneida Lake we ice fish with live minnows and wax worms.

MOMMASBOY

well i have been making my crappie rods from 8 to 8 and half ft. fly rods for the past 25 years. everyone i fish with say that i am long poleing them. once you get used to it you wont go back to regular rods. here on truman and tablerock and stockton it is wonderful

William81

I always use my ultralite when crappie fishing...4'6" 2lb test