I really like the Shimano Sahara 1000! I have three of them on 5'6" Wally Marshall Signature Series rods. Some have told me the Sahara is overkill for crappie, but I really enjoy the smoothness of the Sahara and I have had great service out of Shimano reels. I use them for casting & shooting w/4# Wally Marshall Hi-Vis line. The 5'-6" does a great job, but like you I am wanting to try the 6'6". I feel it may give a little more casting distance. I plan on purchasing one before spring myself. That should make a really nice set-up.
Features:
- IM6 graphite blanks
- Graphite reel seat
- Aluminum oxide guides
- Premium cork split grip handles on 5'6" and 6'6" models
Specifications:
MODEL TYPE LENGTH POWER ACTION LINE LURE MSRP WMS46DR SPIN 4'6" ML F 4-10 1/8-3/8 $49.99 WMS56L SPIN 5'6" L F 2-8 1/16-1/4 $49.99 WMS66L SPIN 6'6" L F 2-8 1/16-1/4 $49.99 WMC56L CAST 5'6" L F 2-8 1/16-1/4 $49.99 WMC66ML CAST 6'6" ML F 4-10 1/16-1/4 $49.99 Line = Line Capacity, Lure = Lure Rating ML = Medium Light, L = Light, F = Fast Taper