Right now all my crappie/pan fishing is done mostly out of a canoe and some bank fishing. I use ultra light spinning rods in the 5-5 1/2 foot size. I strictly do cast and retrieve with jigs, small plugs and spinners.

I am considering getting a jigging rod. I like what I read about the BnM Sam Heaton rod. It is not terribly expensive and seems to have a good reputation. My main question concerns the various rod lengths. It is available I believe in 10, 12 and 14 foot lengths, maybe 16 but I'm not sure. I fish most often out of a 12 foot solo canoe. What would people recommend for a rod length and why?

Other rods are worth considering but budget is an important consideration. I am retired and funds are limited. Something priced similar to the Sam Heaton is about it. I also don't want a heavy tree limb for a rod. Us olde phartes can't hold them up for several hours on the water.