Can you tell me the purpose of the extra long rods I see a lot of people are using, some are so long it seems like that would be awkward. I know some people attached a spinning reel while others attach a small Crappie reel, and I guess some don�t use a rod at all. So what�s the best Setup ?

I have some long ones (crappie stalkers), that I use during the spring, to dip around brush.

Some use them when trolling/spider rigging or to stay off the pile.

There is no "Best Rod Length". So much depends on how you are fishing, what kind of cover, bank, dock or boat. Personal preference. Best buy several.

Long rods are really good in the spring when your dipping baits around heavy shallow cover during the spawn. They are useless when fishing marina slips are under bridges. Like stated there is no perfect length. A rod is a tool and use the right tool for the job at hand. If I could only have one crappie rod it would be a 7 footer.

No "best" length...what you are comfortable with, have confidence in...all have their place for all different applications...

Good fishin'

that's what she said

For 2 guys fishing standing timber or even brush piles, the guy in the back will greatly benefit by a longer rod than the guy up front running the trolling motor is using. Even by yourself, the longer rod will give you access to reach more spots. The height of the bridge or roof over a slip will determine the max length you can use but I've sure fished a lot of boat slips with a 7'. I have them from 5' to 14' but I use a 7' the most. 8' is second, 9' is third and 10' or 11' is 4th. I hardly ever use the 14'
I fished with a 9' for a long time and for several years it was my most used length in the boat except when shooting docks.

8 Foot when I'm fishing bridges.

10 Foot or 12 Foot when I'm fishing Timber.

Really like anything in fishing it is a personal preference and whatever your comfortable with.

Good Luck.

If you have any elbow problems I would shy away from longer rods. A 7 footer works best for me whether it be brush piles or dock shooting. Shorter rod of course for low bridges.

I like a 7' rod for most conditions. While I use shorter and longer rods depending on conditions, I feel I lose some sensitivity and fish control the longer the rod is after 7'.

I fish 2 rods at a time, one in each hand most times.

Most of my fishing is Brushpiles , 8 ft works best for me.

Mo

Yes I do have an elbow problem so thanks for mentioning that, sounds like a seven is a good number for length .

Any of you guys use a flyrod ????

ha funny you would say that... i use an old "starter" fiberglass fly rod for crappie fishing from a kayak - works well. I just swap out the fly reel for an ultralight spinning reel. I probably wouldn't do it with a nicer fly rod - but it works for me.