I am wanting to change gears from bass to crappie and am seeking advice on the best equipment to start building into my arsenal. Also I am located on Fork and would like to hire a guide to begin at the basics and teach not just park me on a hole.

ACC Crappie Stix is my choice for rods.

I like the Lews Mach reel series bait casters.

Of course many options available and everyone has an opinion.

I recommend Gary Paris or Jerry Hancock on Fork.

G-Rod makes the most amazing Crappie rod I have held. Can't go wrong with the Phleuger President for the reel.

Pro Angler 8' {support local company}
and Pflueger President Spinning Reel, size: 20
best combo for the money hands down.

8' ACC Crappie Stik
8' Pro Angler

Come see me hoss

ProAngler rods; come in several lengths; the 8' probably the best all around. The link is in my signature.
Reels; depends if you like bait cast or spinning. Crappie aren't big fighters and you don't need to horse them in. If you like bait cast reels, then what you bass fish with will work; just change to 8 or 10 lb test. Spinning: Quanum Optix 10 or Shimano Sienna.

I agree with the Pflueger president ..I have shimanos that cost twice as much and I like them too.. not really any better .
However when it comes to rods I think it depends on how you fish.... jig, slip float, minnow , jig tipped with minnow, 4 foot 0r 20 foot on brush pile...
Just go fish... get time on the water.. if you like the bait caster go with lighter line like Gaby says that's my 2 cents good luck

Kevin Rogers edition Jenko

I am right handed but use left handed cheap baitcasters with a flipping switch.
Bought 6Diawa Procasters about 10 years ago when there was a sale on them.

I vertical jig 90% of the time and I can accurately return to any depth easily using a bait caster by having a 2ft mark on my rod.

I am currently using a couple of acc 8 and 10� rods and they are serving me well.

G Rods for me and Shimano reels.

Jerry Hancock or Gary Paris for guides.

Good luck. You're gonna love the thump.