Rod/reel question

[bgaviator]

I think I have an understanding of bass gear down pretty well now. Now I’m looking to build a good setup for crappie/panfish. I usually try to find setups that can be used more universally for multiple scenarios. So I’m interested in something that would be good for both still water, like a pond, and a spillway with fast moving current. I also prefer spincasters to say open face spinning reels. (I know I know, lame). But it’s nice to have something I could just hand to my son since he has spincasts down pretty well now.


Since I have a ton of “crappie magnet” and Bobby Garland crappie lures, and they usually pair on a 1/16th oz jig head, what kind of rod would be good for my scenario? I am finding that most ultralights and lights on Bass Pro or Tackle Warehouse don’t come in casting rods...only spinning. But if I go to Medium Light, I can find more casting options. I thought about pairing a rod with a Zebco Omega z02.


Would a medium light work for my scenario of tossing 1/16th jigs under a bobber, be good for calm pond water, as well as faster moving spillway current? Thanks for any suggestions.

[DockShootinJack]

An underspin or Triggerspin would be a good compromise and would allow you to use spinning rods.

[deathb4disco]

Use spinning rod and just turn it upside down.

Won’t be perfect, but it will work, and you’ll have a LOT more options.

[CrappiePappy]

I suggest the Berkley Cherrywood or Lightening rod series ... med action ... casting rod version

[BroKenneth]

Use spinning rod and just turn it upside down.

Won’t be perfect, but it will work, and you’ll have a LOT more options.

Turning a spinning rod upside down is like using a left handed glove on your right hand. It’s awkward at best. I’m like the rest- use an under spin cast.


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[CrappiePappy]

The biggest downside to using a spinning rod with a spincast (or baitcast) reel is that you are bending the rod in the opposite direction it's designed to bend. That opposite bending motion can be detrimental to the blank, over time, and may cause failure.

You may even want to check out some of the UL Ugly Stik rods in the casting version if you fear the Berkley rods may not be up to the "treatment" they may go thru.

[DockShootinJack]

Shakespeare Micro series. Cork handles and pretty tough. Last one I bought was around $20. Pretty decent rod for the money

[deathb4disco]

Turning a spinning rod upside down is like using a left handed glove on your right hand. It’s awkward at best. I’m like the rest- use an under spin cast.

As I said:

Won’t be perfect …

[Don Fischer]

I have an Ocuma Kokanee Pro casting rod that might do it for you. Down side for spin cast might be the long handle. UL action on it! One maybe small problem with it, has a straight handle rather than the sloped handle.

[NIMROD]

Looks like you got some good answers . You could always go to your local sporting goods store and they should be able to show you lots of options .Hope you find something that fits your style of fishing .