I posted this in the rod and reel section and can't seem to get any responses. This is for Crappie fishing so I will post here.

I'm sure this is not a new topic but one in which I need some help with. What is the best rod for shooting boat docks. Fiberglass, Graphite, Brand, Length, Action? What works for you?
Any help would be appreciated.

I use a 4.5' Berkley Cherrywood rod I bought at Wallyworld. It works plenty fine for $20.

I like a shorter, stiffer rod with a flexible tip. that way you have a good backbone and you can really aim with that tip.

That was good stuff on the B&M site. I've wondered about dock shooting, but can't leave Fork to go give it a try at CC....

Yep...I can honestly say that the B'n'M Sharpshooter is the finest dock shooting rod on the market. There is no true flex point in the rod, which allows you to load up the entire rod for "the shot"...not just the last 18" or so of the rod.

The rod comes in 4.5', 5', and 5.5'. I mostly carry the 5' and 5.5' rods for myself and my customers.

Careful now...if you start catching fish like this, you may not want to stop

I did not like BnM. I broke 3 of them. I broke 1 setting the hook without hanging the fish.Also did not like the tennesee reel seats. I use a few different models but all are 4' 6" Stiff with flexible tip.All are graphite.

my 5 ft wallie works great

I started out with a 5'-0" SCIII St. Croix blank. Without cutting the butt section, I tailored the reel seat higher to achieve the 4'-6" desirable length and still have a nice levelage fighting butt. I am blessed to be able to custom build all my crappie rods.
In the end, anything you are comfortable with (feel & price) should do just fine as long as it is in the neighborhood of 4'-6" or 5'-0"...

I think rods, actions and lenghts are a matter of opinion and who's using them. So in my opinion you'll have to go a long way to beat the Wally Marshall Signature Series 5'6". It has almost a perfect action (butt, mid and tip) for dock shooting. And this opinion comes from several years and tens of thousands of dock shots.

Everyone has his or likes and dislikes,
I my self use a 6' Wally Marshall signature series.... I'm usually in the back of the boat, and have ample room....
JIGUM

I'm with Matthew. I have I think a 5 1/2 or 6' Wally Marshall special just for that purpose. Then I have my Cabela's 8 1/2' for the rare times I get out with someone in a boat and fish those submerged brush piles.

Mostly, I fish marinas and barges, so look forward to getting SlabSilly to make me a "big cat" special. Take care gents.

--Eric
AgAlum93