10 Best Crappie Rods

If you’re fishing for crappie, it can be tempting to think that you can use just any old rod and reel. These are small fish, after all, the like most other members of the sunfish family. Surely they’d be an easy catch, right?

Well, if you’ve been fishing for crappie a few times, you already know that’s completely wrong. As a matter of fact, Crappie are tricky to catch, and the best crappie rods aren’t heavy.

Heavy powered rods actually work against you when you’re crappie fishing. Because crappie have very soft mouths, it’s easy to pull your hook all the way out when you’re trying to set it. The best fishing rod for crappie is a light or ultralight rod with a fast or light action. This makes it easy to set your hook with a flick of the wrist, so you won’t lose a prize fish just because you were a little aggressive after the bite.

10 Best Crappie Rods

1. St Croix Premier

The St Croix Premier Spinning Rod is exceptionally supple and sensitive.

Key Features

• Available in 4.6 to 8.6-foot lengths
• Graphite rod
• Ultralight power
• Fast action
• 1/32-ounce to 3/16-ounce lure size
• 2 to 6-pound line weight
• 12 ¼” cork spinning handle
• Aluminum oxide guides

St. Croix is quickly becoming a big-time player in the world of premium fishing rods, and their St Croix Premier Spinning Rod is a worthy addition to their top-quality collection. This is a newer rod, but that’s a good thing. It’s a sign of St. Croix’ dedication to continually improving on their own products.

This rod features fast action, as well as an ultralight graphite shaft. This gives you the sensitivity you need to feel even the most hesitant nibbler, as well as the soft set you need to sink a hook in a crappie’s soft mouth.

The aluminum oxide guides are very smooth, and allow for smooth, easy casting, regardless of what lure size you’re using. The handle is constructed from cork and provides plenty of cushion for your grip. And the reel is very high quality, with a smooth spinning action that you’re sure to appreciate.

Pros

• Sensitive tip
• Long, easy casting
• Comfortable handle

Cons

• Pricey

This rod is fairly pricey, but it’s a fantastic value for the investment.

2. Cadence Fishing CR5

The Cadence CR5  provides a secure hook set with a very soft touch.

Key Features

• Available in 5.5 to 7-foot lengths
• Graphite rod
• Ultralight power
• Moderate action
• 1/32-ounce to 1/8-ounce lure size
• 2 to 6-pound line weight
• 12-inch cork and foam spinning handle
• Stainless steel guides with SiC inserts

The Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod is a well-engineered rod that comes at a very reasonable price. If you’re looking for a crappie rod that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent choice.

This rod combines a medium length with a moderate action, which allows for easy casting and retrieval in small bodies of water like ponds. It also allows you to use very light lines under a lot of stress, which isn’t necessarily required for catching crappie, but is a great added value if a small bass decides to nibble at your line.

The ultralight power is fantastic for catching any small fish, not just crappie. It offers plenty of flexibility, so you can easily tell when you get a light nibble and adjust your technique accordingly.

Pros

• Very sensitive
• Very smooth guides
• Affordable

Cons

• Not suited for larger fish

The SiC inserts on these guides allow for exceptionally smooth casting and retrieving.

3. Fenwick Elite Tech

The Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner Spinning Rod is very comfortable to grip.

Key Features

• Available in 5’8” to 8’ lengths
• Graphite rod
• Ultralight power
• Fast action
• 1/32-ounce to 3/16-ounce lure size
• 2 to 6-pound line weight
• Split cork spinning handle
• Titanium guides

The Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner Spinning Rod comes from a long line of quality fishing rods. Fenwick is a renowned name in this business, and one you get your hands on one of their rods, you’ll be singing their praises. This rod is on the pricey side, but you’re getting a great value nonetheless.

This rod has a fast action, which allows for immediate pressure relief if the line is put under too much stress. As a result, it’s perfect for crappie, since it won’t accidentally tear through a crappie’s mouth.

This rod is very smooth casting, and equally smooth on the retrieve. This is a very comfortable rod, with split handles that are constructed from high quality cork. The split handle is perfect for a wide grip, which allows for maximum control, a necessity when you’re fighting such a fragile fish.

Pros

• Comfortable handle
• Extra-smooth casting and retrieving
• Very sensitive tip

Cons

• Expensive

If you want smooth-casting guides, the Fenwick’s titanium frames and inserts are hard to beat.

4. Lew’s Fishing Mr Crappie Slab Daddy

The Lew’s Fishing Mr. Crappie Slab Daddy is exceptionally long, available up to 12 feet in length.

Key Features

• Available in 9-foot to 12-foot lengths
• Fiberglass rod
• Ultralight power
• Light action
• 1/16 to 3/16-ounce lure size
• 4 to 10-pound line weight
• EVA foam spinning handle
• Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
• 2-piece design

The Lew’s Fishing Mr. Crappie Slab Daddy 2 Piece Rod is a 2-piece rod that’s available in very long lengths. The 12-foot in particular allows for very long casts. It features sturdy stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts that are so smooth you’ll feel like your line is gliding over soft butter. And because it’s so long, we appreciated the fact that you can break it down for travel.

This rod features a comfortable EVA foam handle that will keep your hands from blistering or getting stiff during a long day of fishing. It also features stainless steel hook grippers that are designed to keep your fishing line from getting tangled during the cast.

Pros

• Very long
• Easy to transport
• Comfortable handle

Cons

• Not very durable

This fishing pole’s stainless-steel hook grippers help prevent your line from getting tangled.

5. Shakespeare CH9025SPBO

The Shakespeare Crappie Hunter features an anti-reverse reel, which keeps small fish from pulling out any line.

Key Features

• 9 feet long
• Graphite rod
• Light power
• Fast action
• 1/8-ounce to 1/4-ounce lure size
• 4-pound line weight
• EVA foam spinning handle
• Aluminum guides
• 2-piece construction

The Shakespeare Crappie Hunter Spinning Rod is a great choice if you want to be able to catch a variety of fish species with your crappie rod. Its light power means it’s not quite as sensitive as some dedicated crappie rods, but it’s still more than forgiving enough to get the job done.

This rod measures 9 feet in length and can be separated in two for easy transport. The shaft is constructed from lightweight graphite, and the aluminum spool is very durable. It comes pre-strung with 4-pound fishing line, which is lightweight enough for catching even the tiniest of fish. If you’re a fan of catch and release, this is an excellent option.

Pros

• Sturdy backbone
• Anti-reverse reel
• Easy to transport

Cons

• Not very sensitive

If you want a crappie rod that’s also suited to some heavier fish, give this one a shot.

6. B’n’M Duck Commander

The B’n’M Duck Commander Ultralite Crappie Spin Rod comes in two different lengths, is lightweight yet durable.

Key Features

• Available in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths
• Graphite rod
• Ultralight power
• Ultralight action
• 1/32-ounce to 1/8-ounce lure size
• 2 to 6-pound line weight
• Portuguese cork spinning handle
• Stainless steel guides

The B’n’M Duck Commander Ultralite Crappie Spin Rod is built with a winning combination of great quality and strong material. The graphite rod is ultralight, but it’s still sturdy enough to handle a fight – providing you’re fighting a tiny, feisty fish. The reel features a double touch casting system, which means the line spins freely when you want it to, and stays secure when you need it to remain locked.

The B’n’M has highly-polished guides, with a slick finish that allows for smooth, tangle-free casts and easy retrieval. It’s also well-balanced, which makes it a good choice for beginning anglers. It’s only available at 4 ½-feet, but it’s very reasonably priced if you’re in the market for a shorter rod.

Pros

• Comfortable, secure grip
• Smooth, tangle-free guides
• Affordable

Cons

• Not available in long lengths

This is a great choice if you’re looking for a shorter crappie fishing rod.

7. Zebco CRFUL/S802L

The Zebco is a sturdy rod that comes at a reasonable price.

Key Features

• 4’7” long
• Carbon fiber rod
• Light power
• Light action
• 1/16-ounce to ¼-ounce lure size
• 6-pound line weight
• EVA foam spinning handle
• Aluminum guides

The Zebco Spin Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is an excellent choice for left-handed anglers. The reel and handle are easily reversible, so you’re not going to be stuck with a right-handed configuration.

The reel features powerful metal gears, which are sturdy enough to handle a much bigger fish than crappie if you so desire. That said, the light power and action are perfectly well-suited for hauling in these small, delicate fish.

Another thing we appreciated was the anti-reverse feature. This keeps the line from getting pulled out when you don’t want it to. Fight hard if you want, although we’d recommend giving crappie at least a little bit of play.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Great choice for southpaws
• Affordable

Cons

• Short length

This rod is great for medium-sized freshwater fish as well as reeling in crappie.

8. Lew’s Fishing Wally Marshall Pro

The Lew’s Fishing Wally Marshall is designed for long casting and easy retrieval

Key Features

• Available in 8 to 12-foot lengths
• Graphite rod
• Medium-light power
• Medium action
• 1/32-ounce to ¼-ounce lure size
• 4-pound to 10-pound line weight
• Cork spinning handle
• Stainless steel guides

The Lew’s Fishing Wally Marshall Pro Rod is designed for very sensitive handling. It features not just a graphite rod, but graphite reel seats as well. Of course, this doesn’t just make the rod sensitive. It’s also lightweight, so you can cast effortlessly, without feeling like you’re swinging a baseball bat around.

The guides are constructed from stainless steel, which is smooth enough, but nothing to write home about. That said, it does feature a stainless steel hook keeper, which helps keep your line from getting tangled.

This rod is available in lengths up to twelve feet, which makes it an excellent choice for long casting. Just keep in mind that the longer your rod is, the more space you’ll need to swing it.

Pros

• Available in very long lengths
• Sensitive for a light rod
• Long, comfortable handle

Cons

• Requires a lot of room for casting

This rod is great for casting and retrieving along a shoreline.

9. Lews Fishing MR

The Lews Fishing Mr. Crappie Slab Shaker Combo is designed specifically for catching crappie.

Key Features

• 5’6” long
• Graphite rod
• Light power
• Light action
• 1/8-ounce to 1/4-ounce lure size
• 4-pound to 8-pound line weight
• EVA foam spinning handle
• Stainless steel guides

The Lews Fishing Mr. Crappie Slab Shaker Combo is a short, 5 ½-foot rod that’s designed specifically for catching crappie. Not only is it compact and easy to transport, but it’s also lightweight, with a graphite rod and a fiberglass handle that provides a good balance for such a light rod.

Slab Shaker is a great choice for beginners. It comes pre-wound with 4-pound line, so all you need is some bait to get started fishing. And it’s easy to cast, which means you can focus on developing your technique instead of getting your bait caught up in a tree. It’s a very affordable rod, but the downside is that it’s not very rugged. Use this rod to get started, then upgrade to another one.

Pros

• Very flexible
• Lightweight construction
• Long, easy casting

Cons

• Not very durable

This rod and reel come pre-spooled with a 4-pound line.

10. St Croix Panfish

The St Croix Panfish Series Spinning Rod is available in very long 9-foot lengths, providing plenty of leverage for a long cast.

Key Features

• Available in 5-foot to 9-foot lengths
• Graphite rod
• Ultralight power
• Fast action
• 1/32-ounce to 3/16-ounce lure size
• 2 to 6-pound line weight
• Cork spinning handle
• Stainless steel guides

The St Croix Panfish Series Spinning Rod is yet another entry from St. Croix. As we hope we’ve already made clear, this is a fantastic brand, and any of their rods are well worth your investment. This particular rod is their budget option, although “budget” for St. Croix really just means average-priced.

This rod comes with fast action, although not quite as fast as the last St. Croix rod we looked at. Still, it’s more than forgiving enough for crappie, and for other light fish.

This rod is very smooth casting, and you can cast it a long distance, thanks to the 9-foot shaft. Be careful about transportation, though; it doesn’t break down for travel, and at 9 feet you’ll need to leave a window open to carry it in most vehicles. That said, it’s very soft, so you’ll feel light strikes without any issues.

Pros

• Available in very long lengths
• Long, easy casting
• Comfortable handle

Cons

• Difficult to transport

These rods are very sensitive, so you’ll feel every nibble.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the best crappie rod and reel, it’s easy to get caught up in technical features. This isn’t to say that technical features aren’t important; we’ve spent a lot of time talking about them. But it’s also important to get a rod with a comfortable grip.

As we hope we’ve made clear, the most important feature of any rod is how much control it has. A light action helps with this. A flexible tip helps with this. But so does a grip that works well for you. After all, it doesn’t matter how well your rod works in the hands of some imaginary angler. It matters how well it fits in your hands.

We hope our crappie pole reviews have helped you find the perfect rod and reel for your needs. With the right rod, you’ll get years of reliable performance. That means you’ll be able to spend less time fiddling with your gear, and more time enjoying the great outdoors.