Help me pick a rod

[CrappieHound]

I made a mistake on the length of that crappie wizard, it's 7 1/2 foot. I knew that sounded funny when I typed it. Go to the website I posted above. They have them.

The Hound

[shipahoy41]

6.5 Ugly Stick medium action

[feelay]

Here in mississippi, I like to cast for crappie with a float and jig. I use 8' 6" and 9' 6" rods from Bass pro-BPS float-n-fly. These give good length for casting distance and hookset with good action tip for wiggling that float to give a jig action. They often are on sale for 29.95 regular price 39.95.

[SpeckWick]

Anything from BnM is tough to beat. I'd try the 7' Sam Heaton Super Sensitive for what you are looking for. I use 10' and 12' Sam Heatons from the boat and they are the best I've used, but from the bank as someone mentioned, they could be a bit long. The 7' would give you a little length for casting, and still have the sensitivity to feel those light taps when you are jigging. They have plenty backbone to handle the occasional bass or cat. I have caught 10 plus pound hybrid stripers, catfish and carp on my 10' and 12' with no problems, so I know the 7' will handle them. The 7' would work well for casting floats also. Go to BNM Fishing and look at their multipurpose rods. They also have the Crappie Wizard rods CrappieHound mentioned. My fishing partner has a couple of those and we argue as to which is better, so they are likely just as good. Tough to go wrong either way.

[bulldog007]

I have 2 berkley ultralite lighting rods, a medium action lighiting rod, a ultralight uglystick and a medium action uguly stick I am using now. However I am also new at this so I do not know how the poles I have listed above would compair to the Wally Marshal, B&M, Basspro or the other poles. What say youall? I am always looking to improve. I need all the help I can get.

[crappiencali]

I normally use a 10' Ozark rods for jigging, but I use a 6'6" G-loomis and a 7' Ozark rod for casting all kinds of baits.

[MNJeff]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm still researching various rods to see which one is best for me.

I have a question though regarding the Crappie Wizard rods from BnM. On the site it doesn't list line or lure ratings for the rod. Does anyone know the ratings or where I can find them?

[CrappieHound]

Went out to the boat and got it out and it doesn't have a spec. for lure size. It says
7"6' 2 piece, IM7 rod. I can't attest to how big a bait it will throw. I throw roadrunners and slip cork rigs with mine and it is fantastic. I do know however know that a buddy hooked and landed a 4# bass on it two weeks ago. I'm sure some of the other rods in this thread are really good rods but I far as am concerned for the type of fishing I use it for it exceeds all my expectations.

The Hound

[robbor]

I like my sam heaton 7'. Longer rods do fine with heavier weights, for light stuff i had alot of line stiction with my 12' rods. At time i even break out the 30" with spring bobber when im going vertical and its windy or im after dinks for bait.

[CrappiePappy]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm still researching various rods to see which one is best for me.
I have a question though regarding the Crappie Wizard rods from BnM. On the site it doesn't list line or lure ratings for the rod. Does anyone know the ratings or where I can find them?

I have a 7ft Bionic Blade IM8 ... weight= 1/4-1/2oz line size= 4lb-12lb test
I have a 8ft BnM Duckworth FnF rod IM6 ... line size= 4-8lb test
I would think that a IM7 rod would handle the whole range, between these two ... depending on the action of the rod.

I wouldn't go with a rod any shorter than 6ft, for the multi-purpose range that you mentioned. Even from shore, a 7 or 8ft rod will allow you to cast farther, and with all the baits & rigs you mentioned. If you have overhanging obstacles, that prevent an overhead cast ... learn to cast sidearm

Get whatever rod brand that suits your fancy (& your budget) ... then match it up with a spinning reel that balances the outfit. If the reel has a large spool (wide or long), it will help with your casting distance with light weights, over a UL sized reel (or small spool type). Again, brand/model is your choice, but just make sure it balances with the rod. A balanced rod/reel outfit will perform better, and be much more comfortable to use. It also helps prevent fatigue (wrist/arm/shoulder) by not being tip or butt heavy.

... cp