I use a G-Rod with a phlueger president and you'll be in the $180 range and have a great all round rod!! I've caught smallies, hybrids, striper and bass and crappie with it!! great setup that I wouldn't trade for anything!!

There are lots of options but I would suggest you spend more on the rod than the reel. Crappie are not big fighters so spending a butt load of money on a reel is not needed (IMHO of course).

Reggie

I got to admit , I go cheap I use a bass pro tiny lite and it works great for me .

I have been using Sniper Rods for a while now and I love them! They are very well priced and Joey is a great guy. PM me for contact info.

I agree completely with this statement! You can catch crappie just as easily with a $20 reel as a $80 reel and have it last just as long!

I have about 60 rod and reel combos and I have only spent more than $60 twice. Both times it was for two new Ambassador reels paired with ugly stick catfish rods. I have always found what I needed either used or on clearance at Academy.

Reggie

Don't let my sig, being on Wally's Pro Staff, be a problem but, I do only use Wally's rods, reels and line. I've found that for the price they simply can't be beat. I do only fish for crappie so I can't address other species when it comes to equipment. And prior to going with Wally, I tried just about everything on the market from low cost to high end and I can say without question, for the price and quality, you can't beat Wally Marshall products!

His signature series open face spinning reels, at $29.99 are as good as most higher end reels. I used President's at twice the price, in the past but, they are not any better in my opinion.
His Pro Series IM8 rods as as good as you'll find starting at $39.99 for a 5'6" to 7' one piece at $49.99 and then 2 piece 8' from $49.99 to 12' at $64.99.

Wally designed these products strictly for crappie fishing. He doesn't make anything for other species and he personally tests everything he sells. If you don't know him, I can tell you there isn't a more stand up guy in the business.

You can find his products at a number of places but, I find Academy typically has the best selection.
Almost forgot, I've also tried almost every line on the market, including braids and always come back to Wally's 6# Hi Vis. The color is perfect for my old eyes and find it doesn't fade over time. I think it has less memory than any mono especially if you know how to use it properly.

If I wasn't associated with Wally, I'd still use his equipment exclusively, without question.
Jigum, Sandwitchmaker and I are local members of his Pro Staff and speaking only for myself, I'll gladly take anyone out with me and let you try his equipment, it's all you'll find on my boat.

I've never pushed Wally's products on the forum but, this question keeps popping up on a regular basis and I wanted you all to know about his line of equipment which doesn't get much advertising

I would take a look at the g rod for sure from all the positive reviews

check out g rods short rods

G Rods are going to be the most sensitive on the market from my personal experience. I met Glenn yesterday at Barlow's and I don't mind him getting some of my money either. Seemed like a great guy and very knowledgable about his craft.

Lots of good info. Taking notes.

The only rod I'll ever fish again is a G Rod, if I have anything to do with it. As for the reel, I would go with a Pflueger President. Well priced and has an exceptional drag system.

COPYCAT
I fully agree Lane...lol!!!

That's a great combo!