... the great variation in rod lengths, lines used, baits used, etc. should tell you that it basically all boils down to personal preference.
I've tried several different rod lengths, from 5' to 8', and settled on a 5'6" ESP UL for the majority of my dock shooting. That being said, I don't hesitate to use my 6'6" ESP Powerlite rod ... if I happen to have it in hand.
When I learned about this method, about 14yrs ago, the person that taught me the basics was using a 6'6" med action "bass" rod
I would suggest a rod length between 5' & 6'6" ... your choice of parabolic bend or fast action tip ... UL to Med Lite range ... but, more importantly, a wide/long spool spinning reel that balanced the rod out. You should be able to stick out your finger and lay the very front edge of the handle on it, and the rod/reel should be balanced enough to stay on your finger. Since you're going to be holding the outfit in your hand, extended in front of you for long periods of time, you don't want a tip heavy outfit that will strain your wrist. And even though the tiny & UL reels are fun to use, their small spools can decrease your shooting distance. You may be better off with a wide spool reel or "long cast" reel, even if it's slightly larger & heavier ... as long as it balances well with the rod you're using.
Here's some more "reading" for you : http://www.crappie.com/crappie/searc...archid=2374913 (* taken from Advanced Search ... Keyword = shooting ... User Name = crappiepappy )
And here's an article I wrote, about a method I use to "follow up" after my dock shooting :
Crappie Pappy Article I use this method on stationary docks (docks on poles) primarily around the outer support poles. On floating docks, I've mainly used it while actually walking on the dock, usually on the covered boat slip docks, and fishing the inside corners of the slip (where the shade is the darkest).
... cp