Thread: New Member--What Rod/Reel & Line for Crappie Fishing

Hey everyone, new member here. Don’t know much at all about crappie fishing (know more about bass fishing), but always looking to learn more about fishing–took a fly tying class a few years back. If I can manage to find some extra time, crappie fishing is next on the list.

I’m looking for suggestions on a rod/reel & line to primarily be used from crappie fishing, but could see using it for bass or white bass as well. Will be fishing out of a boat on local lakes. Planning a trip to Bass Pro Shops and would appreciate any suggestions on a rod/reel & line setup, again, primarily for crappie, but also for bass/white bass as well.

Thanks,

Lite-line

Welcome.......
Am new to crappie fishing also. Here is a thread that you might be interested in.

Read the whole thread, before you come to any conclusions.
I ordered the DVD waiting for it to come. Ernest sends video, if you like it pay for it......if not send it back.

I also looked at the Texas Forum where he is highly respected. He recommended that I hold off purchasing equipment until I see the video. Excited to see the DVD

http://www.crappie.com/gr8vb3/showth...ghlight=Ernest

Welcome to the site! if your going to BPS they usually have combo's on sale, if not check out the Wally Marshall line you cant go wrong on price, or the right action, they will handle other species as well....good fishing!!!

I'm a big Wally Marshall fan too. VERY high quality rods, and reasonable prices. I seem to perpetually do things that should break rods, but I haven't broken a WM rod yet. They're very sensitive, and have good backbone. I have them from 5ft to 11ft.

My big thing is resisting the urge to buy a really flimsy rod just because you're panfishing. You can find (and Wally Marshall has plenty like this) light/ultralight action rods that don't flop around like a wet noodle. If they're too flimsy, they'll be hard to cast, and harder to set the hook with. But if it has "backbone" and what they call a "fast" tip, you will have appropriate sensitivity, hook setting ability, and longer casts.

There are a TON of good spinning reels out there. I tend to look for one with a small spool, because when I use light line, I like to change it all the time. Smaller spools take less line to respool. Although, larger spools tend to allow line to flow off more freely, so if you're looking for ultra casting distance, you might look at a medium light reel.

Line is a subject all in itself. I like Mr Crappie High Vis or Stren Low Vis Green for my all-purpose lines Both in 6lb test. But I like SilverThread AN40 Copolymer for vertical jigging, especially in the winter when the bite is light because it does not streach nearly as much as mono. However, I've been using 8-10 lb braid recently and have been well impressed so far. There are some adjustments to make when using braid, but they're not too much trouble if you really want to try braid.

You might try OutLaw fishing poles. I like them a lot. Give Crappie George a
call and see if he has the pole that you want.

Welcome Lite, From Bowling Green KY.

Hey D.C. I knew you would eventually try the braid, same sensitivity at any depth, plus none of the nagging memory coils either. yes it does take some adjusting to get used to...the biggie I recomend to all my rod customers, set the drag on your reels to slip when under full load, it takes the shock off your entire outfit, if you dont it can snap a rod at any point along the blank, plus straighten hooks { on the set } but the plus's outweigh the negatives once you get acustomed to fishing it. The question I get asked more than any other; will it damage my guides? Read the print on Power Pro, will not damage rod guides, if it did they would go out of buisiness!

Power Pro Is The Only Way To Go!!!!! Got Used To It And Now I Would Fish It In A Ball Of ''barb Wire'' If I Thought It Had A Crappie In It.

Ps: Side Note. Pull Straight Back Or Wrap Your Hand A Couple Times An Pull Straight Back. 9 Out Of 10 Times Youre Only Straightening Hooks Back Out , Rather Than Re-rigging. And Pinch Youre Jig Eyes Together Good Or Youll Lose A Few Out The Gap. Found Out The Hard Way A Time Or Two!

Originally Posted by lite_line

Hey everyone, new member here. Don’t know much at all about crappie fishing (know more about bass fishing), but always looking to learn more about fishing–took a fly tying class a few years back. If I can manage to find some extra time, crappie fishing is next on the list.

I’m looking for suggestions on a rod/reel & line to primarily be used from crappie fishing, but could see using it for bass or white bass as well. Will be fishing out of a boat on local lakes. Planning a trip to Bass Pro Shops and would appreciate any suggestions on a rod/reel & line setup, again, primarily for crappie, but also for bass/white bass as well.

Thanks,

Lite-line

www.crappiepro.com

Originally Posted by The Lip RIPPERS

Hey D.C. I knew you would eventually try the braid, same sensitivity at any depth, plus none of the nagging memory coils either. yes it does take some adjusting to get used to...the biggie I recomend to all my rod customers, set the drag on your reels to slip when under full load, it takes the shock off your entire outfit, if you dont it can snap a rod at any point along the blank, plus straighten hooks { on the set } but the plus's outweigh the negatives once you get acustomed to fishing it. The question I get asked more than any other; will it damage my guides? Read the print on Power Pro, will not damage rod guides, if it did they would go out of buisiness!

You're not kidding about the drag! On my long poles I've been jerking the bait right out of their mouths! 90* "snap" of the wrist with a 5ft rod is nothing compared to a 8 or 9ft rod! You don't have to set the hook nearly as hard, just short and fast. And if you have that drag set light, it makes all the difference. Thanks again!