Rod and reel set up

[FurFlyin]

Using 4 lb line, a jig that heavy can be thrown 100 yards with about any setup, IMO.

If I had known then what I know now, all my rods might be 6' Denali Dock Rods. I currently only have 5 footers. If the 6' is as sensitive as the 5' rod, they're really sensitive. I have rods that I paid 4-8 times more for, that are maybe little bit more sensitive, but not much. They are pretty stiff rods, but I can cast 1/32 jigs with them.

[jawjatek]

Threads like this will get the full gamut of replies, so I might as well throw mine in. :D

I really like my Denali 6' dock rod that FF mentioned, whenever I shoot docks it is on the boat. I also love my cheapo ($28 on amazon) "Richard Gene" model Eagle Claw rods, the Powerlite 6' Light/moderate. Another standout rod IMO is the Cadence CS7 6'3" MLXF, good for casting and dock shooting, very affordable, great finesse rod for bass, too.

IMO the best sub $50 reel going right now is the Daiwa Regal LT, 10 bearings, smooth as butter, good drag. I've recently got a few. I do prefer Daiwa to Shimano or Pfleuger, just my preference.

You don't need expensive JDM rods to catch crappie/panfish, no, but when I am spot-locked over a tree full of crappie, or bream stacked up, I reach for my Tict Ice Cube with 2 lb test every time. Super expensive rod, and cost me even more because I broke it and had to get another top half, but I can feel a dainty pick-up of a 1/32 oz jig at 25 feet with that rod. It is magic. I've also landed several large bass, and many a rainbow trout with it. As Ferris said, "if you have the means, I highly recommend it".

Get something that feels good to you, and go fish with it! As the youngsters say, "it's all good"!

[Gbcorley]

What most guys seem to want me to build are 6' to 7' rods for casting and most use 4lb line and a 2000ish size reel.

Coming from a rod builder, no one rod blank is perfect for every casting set up so pick something that fits 80% of what your using it for. I'm lucky and get to build specialty rods for the exact thing I want them to do and now have a crappie rod arsenal like a bass fisherman lol. I have rods I have built from extra Ultra lights for 2LB line built to load up 1/32oz jigs with micro plastics to stiffer dock shooting rods for 4 to 10LB line and everything in between. In no way am I saying that jdm or custom rods are the way to go but I will say having the right tool (no matter the price Cheap or expensive) for the job makes crappie fishing much easier and way more fun.