Spider rig question

[Gen273]

I have a question for you guys that are veteran spider rig fishermen. Why are the longer rods preferred by most guys? I see guys dumping their 12 footers going to 16 quite often. Also, for a guy who is new to spider rig fishing, what length poles would you recommend that I buy to start with? Thanks in advance!

["G"]

longer poles to get your baits further away from the boat when fishing shallow waters. I use 14 footers.

[moecarama]

I personally prefer 10-12 ft rods for the areas I normally fish in waters 6'-20' depths, but if I go to a shallow lake let's say 4-8 ft areas; I run my 14'rods to get to them before the trolling motor or shadow from boat spooks them.The 16' rods take a little getting used to.

[Orion_70]

I use 16 and 14 on the front because of the shallow waters here.. I also run baitcasters instead of spin cast, easier to thumb the fish down on the long pole..I may be only running 3-4 for deep at most

[CrappiePappy]

Longer rods also help keep the lines out of the trolling motor (such as when you are Pushing jigs). And you have to remember that the shape of the bow of your boat & where you can or have to place your rod holders can render your rod lengths a bit "shorter" (less distance past the bow/trolling motor). My 14' rods, if pointed straight out in front of the boat, are probably only 12' past the bow/tm.

I started with 10' rods, but never really got into Spider Rigging out of my boat. I got some 14' rods and went straight into Pushing jigs (& occasionally cranks) and had 7' & 10' rods in my spread. Got a couple 13' collapsible Buck's and can now run a 4 rod spread alone or 6-8 rod spread w/partner ... out of my two Hi-tek 4rod holders up front & my dual seat setup.



My suggestion for a beginner Spider Rigger is to start with 14' rods, at least 4 of them, and a long handled net. You can get 4 Shimano IX spinning reels fairly cheap, to go on those rods. Before my buddy Chucky's health problems took him off the water, he was a Spider Rigger 99% of the time and he used 14' rods & the Shimano IX reels successfully for many years.

[Pac in Arkansas]

What size boat do you have?

In my 20' boat 14' rods are no problem but in my 16' jon boat they are a problem due to storage. I know I can take them (14') apart but I'd rather have the rods put together and ready to go when going fishing or coming home. I use 12' South Bend Crappie stalkers out of both boats and do fine. The 12' rods store nicely within the jon boat and do not extend out the back of the boat.

[Herewego]

As G said the longer rods keep your baits away from trolling motor and boat.
Go with someone who has 16 footers before you decide to buy rods.
Rod carriers are nice for hauling long rods.
I have been using up to 18 footers for years and IMO helps catch fish in shallow water.


Sent from my SM-G935V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Gen273]

[QUOTE=Pac in Arkansas;3932253]What size boat do you have?

My boat is 18.5 feet

[M R Dux]

I use 14' Southern Crappie Rods SCR143. Some folks try to get by with buying one set of rods for everything. If finances are available, I recommend a slower tip action for spider rigging. The same rods can be used for longline trolling. Heavy weights (above 2oz) and pulling cranks require a heavier action rod like the SCR143T.

[trypman1]

I use 12 & 14' poles, 14' off the front and 12' off the side. 16' poles are collecting dust in my garage.