New to spider rigging looking for rod advice

[Gobob]

Me and the guys I fish around/with run 12's but we fish 8' - 12' or deeper most of the time. I have a couple Southern 14's that I will use in Sippi. I plan on adding a couple more in time. My 12's are BnM PST's as I push and pull cranks a lot I don't have a lot of confidence with minnows yet , maybe after I get into some this spring.

[KY Grant]

The hard part is there are so many options and without fishing with a pole and catching a few fish on it it's hard to know how it will handle. I'm sure some people hate a 14 footer and only use 12s or vice versa. Without trying anything out I was leaning towards 12' poles until everyone kinda swayed me towards the 14's. Ed at Southern Crappie Rods told me a lot of guys love 12s and some guys only use 16s. From reading and talking with people I think the only time the 16s may make a difference is in really shallow water. Like anything else a person gets into, you have to do it and figure out what you like and don't like. The thing is I hope I don't go broke before getting settled. lol

I know everybody has personal preferences with rod lengths they like better than others. I'm pretty sure these 12 footers I just got will be fine and will get the job done for what I need and hopefully won't have to put another dent in the wallet buying 14 footers lol. Never thought I'd be spending this much just to crappie fish but if it works I don't mind spending the cash on the equipment. I know I was actually getting a headache trying to find the right poles and reels I wanted. Went to bass pro and cabelas trying to find 8 same reels and poles and never could get more than 3 a piece so finally said screw that and ordered the stuff online

[Cray]

I know everybody has personal preferences with rod lengths they like better than others. I'm pretty sure these 12 footers I just got will be fine and will get the job done for what I need and hopefully won't have to put another dent in the wallet buying 14 footers lol. Never thought I'd be spending this much just to crappie fish but if it works I don't mind spending the cash on the equipment. I know I was actually getting a headache trying to find the right poles and reels I wanted. Went to bass pro and cabelas trying to find 8 same reels and poles and never could get more than 3 a piece so finally said screw that and ordered the stuff online

You will be just fine with the 12's. I have a set of Pinnacle 12's and PST 12's I have caught a ton of fish on. I went to the SouthernCrappie in 14 because I liked the pole plus I fish out of a stick steer and it puts me back a couple of feet more than most guys fish. Just like the little bit more clearance from troller.

[pop]

I also am new to spider rigging and will probably be looked at funny this year up north where I am. The pole decision is also driving me crazy. You won't find any spider rods in stores in my area. Cabelas don't stock them. Decided to purchase a single 14' Pro Angler rod to see how I would like it. Not real happy with the rod. Seems very heavy, but I am told in time will get use to it. Don't know about that. At least I didn't buy 6 of them which is the legal number of rods in Pa. for 2 anglers. My question is are the Southern Crappie rods lighter? Thanks, Pop

[KY Grant]

I also am new to spider rigging and will probably be looked at funny this year up north where I am. The pole decision is also driving me crazy. You won't find any spider rods in stores in my area. Cabelas don't stock them. Decided to purchase a single 14' Pro Angler rod to see how I would like it. Not real happy with the rod. Seems very heavy, but I am told in time will get use to it. Don't know about that. At least I didn't buy 6 of them which is the legal number of rods in Pa. for 2 anglers. My question is are the Southern Crappie rods lighter? Thanks, Pop

I know what you mean about not having them stocked in stores near you. Went to Bass Pro and Cabelas and Cabelas didn't have a single one and said it would be spring before they got any and Bass Pro only had like 2 in the same size and actions. Ended up ordering mine from Grizzly Jig Co. Just got them lined up tonight

[Cray]

I also am new to spider rigging and will probably be looked at funny this year up north where I am. The pole decision is also driving me crazy. You won't find any spider rods in stores in my area. Cabelas don't stock them. Decided to purchase a single 14' Pro Angler rod to see how I would like it. Not real happy with the rod. Seems very heavy, but I am told in time will get use to it. Don't know about that. At least I didn't buy 6 of them which is the legal number of rods in Pa. for 2 anglers. My question is are the Southern Crappie rods lighter? Thanks, Pop

They are a lot lighter.