Try to get your hands on a Richard Williams Crappie Wizard 10 footer with cork handle and pair it with a Pfleuger President 30. You can fish it any way you want to, and you won't ever consider using another rod unless you're fishing from the bank under tree overhangs where you can't cast/flip with a longer rod. It's light, great balance, has perfect spine and stiffness, and a sensitive tip. There is no better factory made rod for the money IMO. Wish I had a dozen of them to stash away! Good luck with your final choice!