Crappie is, by far, the most common and easy to catch species of fish in North America. Fishing for crappie can certainly be an enjoyable and dynamic experience, as crappie often hide around boulders, logs, and weeds. While very common, crappie tend to be relatively small in comparison, so having the right equipment is important.
When it comes to fishing for crappie, the difference between a good day and a bad day can easily be made by the equipment. With the right fishing equipment, anglers will find that they are at a much better advantage for catching crappie. Specifically, this applies to the rod. Finding the best rod will always depend largely upon fishing style and species, and this is particularly important when it comes to crappie rods.
There are typically two types of crappie rods: bait casting rods and spinning rods. Of the two, the best crappie rod tends to be an ultralight or light spinning rod. These rods are quick and versatile, and they also allow for a little finesse with the line. Many of these rods also come as rod and reel combinations, making for a perfectly fitted crappie rod.
Overview of the 5 Top-Rated Crappie Rods
It can be difficult to locate the best crappie rods for you. There are many different models to choose from, with varying weights, lengths, and power levels, and it can be challenging to narrow down the best crappie rods. This review has done the hard part for you, compiling a list of the five best, top-rated crappie rods that are available. These rods have gotten widespread praise from professionals and amateurs alike over their durability, versatility, and performance.
- Shakespeare Crappie Hunter Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
- Smooth multi-disc drag system
- 9-foot length
- Graphite blank
- Aluminum spool & handle
- Lew’s Fishing Mr. Crappie Slab Daddy
- Rod & reel combo
- Reel has graphite body and rotor
- 10-foot length
- Light action rod
- Zebco Crappie Fighter Combo
- All metal gears
- Adjustable anti-reverse
- Right or left-hand retrieve
- 8-foot rod length
- B ‘n’ M Sharp Shooter Rod
- 5’5” rod length
- Ultra-light spinning rod
- Solid backbone
- High-quality cork handle
- Entsport 2-Piece Casting Rod
- 7-foot length
- 6+1 corrosion resistant guides
- High-density EVA handle
- Carbon fiber construction
1. Shakespeare Crappie Hunter Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
The Shakespeare Crappie Hunter manages to be lightweight and sensitive while carrying enough strength to bring in larger fish. The graphite blank allows for the rod to feel even small, subtle bites. This rod is designed to fit a variety of crappie fishing techniques, including jigging and casting. The included reel comes with a smooth multi-disc system and an instant anti-reverse, ensuring that the reel has enough power and performance to handle a variety of crappie sizes and strengths.
With an aluminum spool and handle, this crappie rod and reel combination is both durable and lightweight, making it an excellent rod for all-day fishing.
For anglers who don’t want to bother with searching down the right reel for their crappie rod, the Shakespeare Crappie Hunter combo is a perfect choice. When looking for a sensitive, light-action crappie rod, this model certainly makes no sacrifices where performance is concerned.
2. Lew’s Fishing Mr. Crappie Slab Daddy
For anglers who prefer to use a slightly longer crappie rod, this model from Lew’s Fishing is certainly worth a look. At ten feet long, it is certainly one of the longer crappie rods available. As a light action rod, anglers will be able to sense even the smallest of bites and nibbles.
The rod construction itself is built to last through years of crappie fishing. The rod has lightweight graphite reel seats and guides. Additionally, the inserts are made of stainless steel, ensuring long-term durability. Anglers will be happy to feel the comfortable EVA foam at the base of the rod, making long days out on the water much more enjoyable.
3. Zebco Crappie Fighter Combo
Compared to other rod and reel combos, this model from Zebco offers a slightly shorter alternative. The 8-foot rod comes with light action, making it easy for anglers to sense smaller vibrations and movements throughout the rod. The rod can be easily broken down into two pieces, making storage and transportation a breeze.
The included reel comes with adjustable anti-reverse, allowing for a more customized fishing experience. With all metal gears inside the reel, anglers can be sure that the internal gears will withstand years of wear and tear without wearing down.
4. B ‘n’ M Sharp Shooter Rod
For anglers who are looking to use a crappie rod for shooting docks, the Sharp Shooter rod from B ‘n’ M is a perfect option. The shorter length allows for greater control and precision when casting. With 100% graphite construction, the rod is both durable and sensitive, with just enough flexibility to launch underneath the docks.
The Tennessee handle is made of high-quality cork, making holding the rod for extended periods of time into a comfortable and easy experience. As an added benefit, the handle allows for a reel to be attached at any spot, meaning that anglers can improve their accuracy and comfort through customized placing.
With a solid background and a responsive tip, the Sharp Shooter rod is a great option for anglers who want to use a crappie rod for dock-specific fishing.
5. Entsport 2-Piece Casting Rod
This casting rod from Entsport is one of the most versatile rods available, due to its high levels of durability and strength. Although not specifically listed as a crappie rod, it often appears as one of the best crappie rods for anglers to invest in, particularly due to the combination of strength and rod sensitivity.
Despite its high strength, the carbon fiber and graphite components manages to keep it as lightweight as possible, keeping fatigue to a minimum. The 6+1 line guides are spaced to optimize line flow and decrease friction to create enhanced casting performance. The high-density EVA increases sensitivity and makes holding the rod for longer periods of time into a much more comfortable experience.
For anglers who prefer to focus on casting when fishing for crappie, this Entsport rod is a great option. It offers maximum comfort and performance, making it an incredibly versatile rod.
Buying Guide for Crappie Rods
It goes without saying that, in order to have the most effective and productive experience while fishing for crappie, anglers will need the best crappie rods. Since this species of fish tends to be much smaller than others, the best crappie rods will have a few common elements. When looking for the best crappie rods, keep these elements in mind, as they will help to ensure that your rod is formatted to provide the best possible performance while out on the water.
Rod length
The length of the rod will certainly impact both fishing style and overall performance. Depending on personal preference, anglers may want to focus on a longer or a shorter length for their crappie rod. While most crappie rods tend to be shorter to provide enhanced accuracy, the benefit to longer rods is that they allow for a wider variety of fishing techniques.
Rod length will ultimately come down to personal preference and comfort, but keep in mind that the length will also determine what sort of techniques you can use when fishing for crappie.
Rod sensitivity
For crappie rods, this is a crucial element. Since crappie is a typically smaller and lighter fish, the rod action should match this same lightweight nature. The best crappie rods will fall into a range of ultralight to light action, meaning that the tip of the rod is particularly sensitive. This allows for increased flexibility, alerting fishermen to nibbles and bites much quicker than a medium or heavy action rod.
Rod & reel combo
Rod and reel combinations are very popular amongst crappie rods, as it takes away the need to match fishing equipment together. It also makes for immediate and easy application, as most reels come pre-spooled with line. When looking at rod and reel combinations, one thing to keep in mind is the type of combination.
While bait casting rods and reels could certainly double as crappie rods and reels, the best type of combination for crappie fishing will ultimately be a spinning combination. When looking at rod and reel combos, you’ll also want to take a look at the ball bearing system in the reel. A good rule of thumb is to get a rod and reel combo that comes with at least three ball bearings in the reel. This will ensure that the crappie rod and reel combination is as efficient as possible.
Conclusion
As one of the most abundant fish species, crappie is one of the most commonly sought-after fish across the country. Whether dangling bait amongst rocks, weeds, or fallen logs, crappie fishing offers a unique thrill, keeping it in place as the most popular fish species for new and seasoned anglers. It goes without saying that the best crappie rod is essential to having the best possible fishing experience.
When looking for the best crappie rods, keep in mind that looking at the top-rated crappie rods often offers valuable insight. Crappie rods that have gotten high praise for versatility, durability and performance are some of the best rods to consider. By analyzing the top five crappie rods, each and every fisherman will be well equipped to find the most efficient crappie rod for them.
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