Rods and reels for crappie/panfish?

[Schmoopie]

Seriously, the Bass Pro Microlites come in a variety of lengths, and they're frequently on sale. They're good rods for the price.

I realize you didn't make the rod, but look at Access Denied and look at the picture of the handles and look at D. Seriously? Look at that thin air gap in the handle. It's laughable IMHO.

[deathb4disco]

I've always been a Shimano fan (especially baitcasters). My biggest issue is that the Sienna FG is just so good that I don't know what I'd gain from getting a more expensive reel. It's silky smooth, the drag is good, other than the weight of the handle (which I can overcome by casting correctly) causing the bail to close during a cast, there isn't anything right off the bat that I have to complain about --- yet.

The Sedona has the hagane gear system and four ball bearings. The Sienna has neither.

If you're satisfied with the Sienna, though, keep it and put the extra money into the rod.

[deathb4disco]

I realize you didn't make the rod, but look at Access Denied and look at the picture of the handles and look at D. Seriously? Look at that thin air gap in the handle. It's laughable IMHO.

I don't know what the deal is with the "D" handle in the picture, but none of the models listed have the "D" handle.

[DRFISHDUCK]

The older Shimano Sienna FD silver/green are 4 bearing reels. The newer Sienna FE are 2 bearing. I have 3 Sienna FE 1000 reels, I like them for a cheapy but 1 has a broken bail spring with not much use. The older 4 bearing FD I have 500 1000 2500 4000 - all have been great reels.

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[Grainraiser]

I have a couple of 7ft Celilo rods and they are some great rods for the money. I purchased them off EBay seven years ago and they have held up great. I also have two of Basspro Microlite rods and they are good rods also. I have to say the Celilo and Basspro rods are pretty close in performance. I do not have any of the newer Sienna reels but I do have some of the older ones and they work great. I prefer the rear drag versions in the 1000 size for my medium light rods. I also have them paired with some size 20 Okuma Stinson spinning reels. I don't think Okuma make these reels any more but they are some good reels. Crappie are not tackle busters so find what best suits your needs.

[Tracker12]

I am also looking for a new crappie rod. I mostly cast a float from the bank and need something that can give me distance. Also I hate a short rod 7' at a minimum.

[deathb4disco]

I am also looking for a new crappie rod. I mostly cast a float from the bank and need something that can give me distance. Also I hate a short rod 7' at a minimum.

You could try a light steelhead rod. Most are 8-9' and are great for what you're doing. The "steelhead" in the description scares people off, but they're just longer spinning rods.

[Tracker12]

I actually have a couple longer steelhead float rods and have been using an old Cortland one that functions well. But unfortunately they are heavy and a little over kill for crappie.

[VaCrappieMan]

I suggest a Major Craft Triplecross in the 7’3” for you tracker

[Crestliner08]

I've also got tons of bass & pike fishing equipment. But since I'm now more focused on crappie fishing I've found that you do not need to spend a lot of money and still get high quality rods & reels. Get a catalog from Grizzly Jig Co. for starters. And take a serious look at their 7' Sam Heaton Super Sensitive rod. Match that with a #20 size Pflueger President and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Quality rods & reels at B n' M. You will not find better.