Jig Rod, How Long and Why?

[DickerT]

Went from using 7' rods to 10' rods most of the time. Many advantages.

[Gone Fishin']

For tight cover, I'd say 9'. I fish 10' and don't want to deal with one longer. In a canoe, tight cover, I would say 9', and one that has the backbone to swing a crappie into that canoe. I like my ACC Crappie Stix and BnM Tree Thumper, but they are 10'. BnM makes some good jig poles.

[Ketchn]

I understand what you're saying. But that budget issue dictates I can't be going through several rods along the way. I will have to do my homework and then learn to use what I wind up with.

I use a Berkeley 10 foot crappie rod a bit , works as well and feels just like them 100 dollar plus ones , got mine given to me when they were on clearance, he bought a bundle of them the for .99 each !

[UpstateSC_Bill]

After reading the replies I am inclined to look for a ten footer. I need to find one of 99 cent sales. Maybe then I could get more tahn one.


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[Les Young]

I've got a 9, a 10 & two 13 footers but for 99 cents i'd buy a pile of them.

[catchNgrease]

I would pull the trigger on that 10' Sam Heaton. I've actually never fished with one but I fish with 3 other guys that sling fish pretty good with it. I actually have been playing around with one of my 16' pro angler tackle rods that i use for trolling. I use it to jig shallow fish where I can stay back off them. It's blast trying to thread a big un out the thickets that far away with a limp noodle....rofl

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[Charlie47]

Considering how you fish there's no need to go any longer than 7'. Long rods are typically used for just vertical fishing jigs away from the boat in shallow cover. They will give you a slight edge in casting distance, and get your jig away from the boat while maintaining a vertical presentation, but I always found them to be awkward to flip fish with and store. I have a 10' rear seat jig rod but haven't used it in years.

I'd say a 6'6" or 7' medium light would be right up your alley. The added length over your current setup will increase your casting distance quite a bit, and it will still be very sensitive.

Personally I never really cared for the short ultra light buggy whip rods that a lot of guys use for crappie, I like a little more backbone than that.

As for specific recommendations, ACC Crappie stix are in that price range, Berkley lightning rods and outlaw crappie poles. There's a ton of good rods out there and it would be worthwhile to just go play with them and see what you like.

Atimm693, I sure like what you say. I'm 75 , disabled, a short rod like you mention sounds good. All I have is my Social Security and haven't found a fishing buddy. Also, since I'm on a limited budget the shorter rod usually means cheaper rod, at least that is my experience so far. Many tight lines!

[Danny Lang]

I have several of those Sam heaton rods a 7,9, and a 11 footer I think or it could be a 12 footer, only thing about those super sensitive rods is that they are a very flimsy rod, hardly no backbone at all. I would not boat flip a 1 pound crappie with either of those rods, I would be afraid they would break. But great rods for sensitivity, just net your fish. In my honest opinion.

[UpstateSC_Bill]

I have several of those Sam heaton rods a 7,9, and a 11 footer I think or it could be a 12 footer, only thing about those super sensitive rods is that they are a very flimsy rod, hardly no backbone at all. I would not boat flip a 1 pound crappie with either of those rods, I would be afraid they would break. But great rods for sensitivity, just net your fish. In my honest opinion.

I have read similar comments in other threads about the Sam Heatons. I usually tend to net my fish anyway rather than flipping them in the boat but I will keep your comments in mind if I get one. I don't particularly care for a heavy, meaty rod anyway. I like what I am hearing about their sensitivity.

[washuey]

I have a 10, 11, 12. Other than lily pads, open banks, and open water, all three are worthless. My 10' is an Uncle Lews, the other 2 ACC. The ACC are good rods, but in a canoe, I suspect you're going to stay close to the bank. Maybe what you're doing is best??