What is the ideal crappie rod/reel combination? Do I need a long rod for fishing around trees and a shorter rod for open water?

I like a 7ft rod with an open face reel and light 4 lb test line. But that is just my personnel preference. My brother has a 7.5 ft long pole that is really light action and it seems to get in my way more than anything. I have a 10ft crappie pole that I got but it seems to be to much of a hassle everything I have tried to use it. If you are fishing from the bank then walking through the trees and casting around trees is a pain in the butt with a rod like that. I think 6.5 is too short for my taste but it works if you have nothing else.

Love my 12ft B&M this time of year

The benchmark of what is the 'ideal' crappie fishing combination changes from year to year as manufacturers roll out their new products.

I think you're on the right track though by having at least two rods/reels.

1) A 5'6" footer for shooting docks, fishing bridge columns with low clearance, use for fishing on docks/barges around crowds or for poking in dark cracks or crevices. Also good for casting & retrieving small spinners like Beetlespins, Roadrunners, curly tails or a jig -n- bobber combo for when the fish are more active in the spring and fall.

2) A long rod, also called a jigging pole or crappie pole in the 8' to 10' lengths are good for dunking a jig or minnow/bobber combo in shallow, flooded vegetation when the crappie or spawning or have been forced into gnarly places. It's is well suited for vertical fishing during other parts of the crappie calendar year as well, like after the spawn and summer as fish key in on brushpiles or vertical cover like standing timber. In this category you find manufacturers like Pro Angler, B & M, Bass Pro Shop Crappiemaxx and Lew's Wally Marshall products.

As you take note of the time of year you fish and the types of situations you encounter and the tactics you end up using, you may find the need for an additional setup as well.

But both of the aforementioned will take care of most of your angling needs and the cost is relatively cheap to purchase either combo.

Like buying a boat - opinions vary on what is the best - there are lots of good products in the marketplace by reputable manufacturers. It's best to (test drive) a model by fishing with a friend and settling on what is best for you.

Happy angling!

Jeff

I like the light action micro-series...7.6ft'r, with an open face reel, 6-8lb hi-vis mr crappie line

The 7ft crappie fighters are nice as well...they're not too short or long for barge/marina fishing!!!