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Crappie Rods

2K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Percidae_Papermouth 
#1 ·
What can I expect out of a "crappie rod" with 8 lb test when I hook into a 4 lb largemouth or 7 lb channel cat? Are they going to snap the rod?

We (myself and family) generally panfish over 8-16 ft of water from a boat, casting into the shoreline dropoffs with 1/64 - 1/32 oz jigs tipped with piece of worm, up to a full nightcrawler when targeting bass. A good bass or catfish, or even a carp, might take even a small piece at any time, but 90% of the bites will be bluegills, crappie, and white perch.

The regular spinning gear we use (5'6" up to 7') is not ideal for casting such small weights, and frankly a lot of our gear is old junk as well with minimal feel to it. I am looking to upgrade.

I had never heard of a "crappie rod" until recently, and I have been considering getting a few in the 8'-10' range (2 pc), light to medium action but sensitive with a "fast tip". They seem perfectly suited to our needs, as long as they are not going to snap with a heavy fish on or a snag. Assuming the big fish would be netted, and not lifted into the boat, would a rod like this work? Can these rods cast a good distance as well, or are they designed only for vertical jigging or spider rigging?

Any particular brands or models that are good or bad? I've been considering these pro angler rods at about $50 each. http://www.proanglertackle.com/CrappieRods.htm
 
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#3 ·
Not if you got your drag set and play the fish. If you try to muscle it in the line or rod will give way. It depends on the quality of the rod too.
 
#4 ·
I fish for Crappie every spring on Guntersville Lake, Alabama. I grew up there, but I live in Cali. Very often, I hook a big catfish and end up playing it all the way to the boat. I have caught them anywhere from about 5 -12 pounds on the Crappie rods and even caught a 15 pound Bowfin 2 years ago on 6 lb test line. As stated earlier, you must have the drag set or otherwise you're in for trouble.
 
#6 ·
It sounds like I'll have to try one or two, but won't be buying them until fishing starts. Cabelas has a good return policy for the first couple months :lol3: .

I have never used a bass rod in my life. Generally I fish 4-8 lb test and don't have big fish break off. I've certainly never broken a rod while fishing. I keep my drag set medium I guess, but when I have a good fish on I use the reverse and the drag rarely gets pulled.

The owner of that pro angler place basically told me that his rods will break for most fisherman with a big fish on; that his rods are "for professionals" :lol3: But also that they are stronger and better than any other crappie rods. :lol3: :fingerhead:
 
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