Best all around rod

[Abbott]

I have 5 abu garcia 5500c3 reels that I want to put on some rods. But looking for a rod that is multi purpose. Would like one that you could troll off the back with and also be able to cast crankbaits or other lures for crappie. What length and brand would everyone suggest? Or is there a rod that could do this? Thanks.

[Cane Pole]

Cant beat the 5500Cs. I got a couple anniversary models and they're still in their original leather case. I can still "thumb" without backlash.

[skeetbum]

I had a couple of 7' medium action rods that worked well trolling cranks and pushing the smaller ones also. Be sure to keep the drag loose til you find out if they will tear loose on the strike.

[CrappiePappy]

Unless you're downright "most excellent" with those 5500C's, as far as casting with them, I don't think you'll be casting any "other lures for Crappie" of less than 1/8oz.

Any good quality 6-8' med action baitcast rod should work fine for trolling cranks out the back of the boat. But, for casting lures lighter than 1/8oz ... for many of us ... a 6'6" - 7' fast action tip spinning rod of lite to med power, balanced with a long or wide spool spinning reel, is a much better choice.

[Crestliner08]

I've owned a half dozen Ambassadeurs over 40 years of fishing. There is nothing any other baitcasting reel can do that I can't do with these. However, casting light lures is definitely a limitation. Just for trolling they're fine. Any medium-light action 7' BC rod will suit them just fine. I have several BPS Bionic rods that 3 of these Ambassadeurs on are on now. Great combos at a very reasonable price. However, you still have to know your limitations.

[Abbott]

I understand them limitations on light lures. That is why i got ultra lights for that. Just wanting something to troll w and casting cranks

[CrappiePappy]

I understand them limitations on light lures. That is why i got ultra lights for that. Just wanting something to troll w and casting cranks

Then you want to look at med - m/h baitcast rods in the 6-7' range. Medium power in the high end brands ... med - med/hvy in the "cheaper" range brands.

My crankbait "casting" outfit is a 6'6" Berkley Hunter Series rod & a Shimano Calcutta 200 reel. Been using it to cast cranks for Bass since the Calcutta was introduced. I wouldn't be the least bit hesitant to put it in the rod holder and push/pull with it for Crappie. I just don't use it, because I have plenty of other rods for that purpose ... and I don't push/pull cranks that often, anyway (but that's not because of my rods/reels).

[murdok]

if all i was gonna to was troll with them i wouldn't go overboard with expense. a 7' med/heavy ugly stick would do fine and if you weren't pulling cranks go catch a catfish. could probably get 5 of em and not break $200. there not very sensitive but they are bullet proof.

[Camdog38]

Check out Ardent Reels. Very good reels. Go to Ardentoutdoors.com if you all like them and would like a discount send me a private message and I can help you out. They have anything from crappie reels to saltwater reels. Check them out and let me know!


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[CrappiePappy]

Check out Ardent Reels. Very good reels. Go to Ardentoutdoors.com if you all like them and would like a discount send me a private message and I can help you out. They have anything from crappie reels to saltwater reels. Check them out and let me know!

Actually, reels are not the quest he's on ..... rods are.