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Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Crappies => Topic started by: JDthree on Feb 17, 2013, 09:34 AM

Title: crappie rod
Post by: JDthree on Feb 17, 2013, 09:34 AM
What kind of action do you guys recommend? UL ML M? Do you also recommend using a spring bobber or a float bobber?
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Townie on Feb 17, 2013, 11:13 AM
For this light biting species I prefer a rod w/ slower action. Fenwick's Elite Tech UL has a nice soft tip for reasonable money...
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Gillpill on Feb 19, 2013, 11:10 PM
spring bobber on a light rod
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: HUNTnFISHSD on Feb 20, 2013, 08:57 PM
 I use my medium rod for everything. I have caught trout, perch, bluegill, and crappies on it. I am hoping to catch some pike and walleyes on it too.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: johnnieb71 on Feb 22, 2013, 03:20 PM
I like either un ultra light like an Ice Blue or a medium with a spring bobber. Either will reveal the very soft take and lift of your lures or bait
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: TeeBugg on Feb 22, 2013, 09:39 PM
Ul gets my vote. Like above an ice blue is a good choice
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: firefighter04 on Feb 22, 2013, 10:05 PM
Frabill 32" quick tip. See and feel everything.  Mate it with a 101 frabill reel and ur set. 1:1 retrieve makes it easy to prevent ripping the lip.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Wilb3 on Feb 27, 2013, 04:20 PM
I use a spring bobber on a M rod. But my buddy swears by the Meatstick which has an ultrasensitive tip designed to detect strikes.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: SINX53 on Feb 28, 2013, 08:18 AM
I just bought the Frabill Ice Hunter 22" Quick Tip. It was designed for crappie fishing. I put on a Frabill 101 Straightline reel. Haven't used it yet but I thinking it will be a blast catching them on it.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: RapidsJigger24 on Feb 28, 2013, 09:14 PM
The 22" Quick Tip that SINX is talking about is an awesome rod.

I also like the 27" Quick Tip.  Can't beat them for the price in my opinion.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: HUNTnFISHSD on Feb 28, 2013, 09:32 PM
 A medium rod will be your best bet. Has lots of power to drive the hook home and is still sensitive. If it is not sensitive enough use a spring bobber.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: slipperybob on Mar 07, 2013, 07:10 PM
The power of my rod tends to go more so with the weight of my lures.  In addition to that if I'm fishing or catching them more shallow in say less then 15 fow, I tend to favor an UL.  Going up to 25 fow I tend to favor a L.  Deeper than that, I will go with a ML or even step up to a full M power if I'm hooking into some slabs of 12" or larger.

Not really sure what's needed to drive the hook home on them papermouths.   If I did that, I'm either ripping the hook out of their mouths or I end up flinging that fish like 5 to 10 feet up the water column. 
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: UFCreel on Mar 09, 2013, 07:19 AM
48 inch or 52 inch pulsator rod in ultra light and light. Nothing beats long roding crappies in shallow water 2 to 8 feet.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: BassOn on Mar 18, 2013, 08:25 PM
24" ul ice blue with 3lb trilene ice line...dont have to worry about the spring bobber freazing on cold days as u can fish this light rod without one...best rod for the price and my favorite for crappie.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: BassOn on Mar 18, 2013, 08:29 PM
Frabil hotstick iant bad either in 22" ul but take the reel off and throw it in the garbage and get a better one.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Watertooner on Mar 21, 2013, 07:46 PM
48 inch or 52 inch pulsator rod in ultra light. Nothing beats long roding crappies in shallow water 2 to 8 feet.

x2  love my 48" frabill jiggler and 52" pulsator. Changed my whole style of fishing this year. Can feel everything it seems.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: CrappieVermonter on Mar 21, 2013, 11:46 PM
Have you had any probloms with the jiggler freezing up me and my son really wanted to try those but was worryed about it freezing
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: UFCreel on Jul 28, 2013, 08:33 AM
I have one jiggler. I don't like the drag on it and just put a rubber band on the crank. as it seems to just let out line. It has never frozen up. Only use 2lb micro ice on. Did change the spring bobber to a bic lighter spring. Way more sensitive. There are other rods out there with different reels. But when a walleye or bigger fish hits on the jiggler I just pop the rubber band and crank. The drag seems to work then.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: PsychologicalPerch on Sep 01, 2013, 06:05 PM
the ML fenwick is fantastic i have all size models of that rod series...love everyone but the best one for crappie has to be the ML
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Van_Cleaver on Nov 29, 2013, 02:57 PM
My favorite rod for crappie is a 28'' Med action Meat Stick. Super light tip but plenty of backbone for bringing them up. I fish almost exclusively plastics on that one.  That said I also take my share on several UL models, my favorite being a St. Croix Legend that I modified. (stepped on) It is a little stiffer than the original specs but the spring bobber is great when they are biting light. Sometimes it lifts up a little and bam! Fish on.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Cross-Eye-Jig on Nov 29, 2013, 10:12 PM
A medium rod will be your best bet. Has lots of power to drive the hook home and is still sensitive. If it is not sensitive enough use a spring bobber.
Best answer yet !  ;)
   Extra sharp hooks, low/no stretch line and hook set timing mean a lot more than the rod being used !
  There's been many years where I've used the same rod for all panfish species and walleyes with just a switch of the spools on my reel to change the line between 1 lb and 4lb test (I use Fireline or Nanofil).
  I'd rather carry 2 identical rods with a small bag full of extra reel spools than carry 4 to 8 rods and waste time making decisions on which one to use !   
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: RapidsJigger24 on Nov 30, 2013, 10:14 AM
Just fished with a Wright and McGill Power Ice Noodle (I'm thinking it's their cheaper version of the Thorne Bros. Power Noodle) and I liked it so much I bought another one.  Was able to detect "up" bites with a 4mm Fiska due to the load in the rod tip. I was only fishing in 10', but I'm sure the rod will perform well in deeper water as well.

Great price point at Mill's Fleet Farm too!
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: bart on Nov 30, 2013, 10:24 AM
I have two St. Croix Legend rods, one with a Clam Spooler 101 reel and the other with a soon to arrive Frabill Straight Line 101XLA reel.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Townie on Nov 30, 2013, 05:46 PM
  I'd rather carry 2 identical rods with a small bag full of extra reel spools than carry 4 to 8 rods and waste time making decisions on which one to use !   

No way I'm changing out spools in freezing temps. Several rigs ready to switch up presentations can keep a bite going.

That being said I have but one combo specifically for targeting crappie
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Van_Cleaver on Dec 03, 2013, 10:23 AM
There have been a lot of good points made here. I still rig up several rods with a variety of lures for crappie. Yesterday what happened  to do the best with my modified SC Legend. A small horizontal jig with an Impulse plastic tail was hot. The fish were glues to the bottom and biting light, so a super sensitive spring bobber was key. I also took crappie on two or three other set ups. Yes I was fishing a good lake, and no there wasn't a hot bite on. I worked patiently and stayed flexible and caught (and often missed) some nice fish. I carefully set up each rig for crappie, and also with patterns I knew to be good in the body of water I was going to fish. Also I spend time in my house jigging them and observing how they react; often it is different than what you might expect. Having a good balanced combo with a lure that responds well to it is probably a lot more critical than a rods action. That said I'm not going to use a noodle rod to target deep suspended fish. I know; just shut up and fish!
(http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq14/van_cleaver/Ermerald2013010.jpg) (http://s429.photobucket.com/user/van_cleaver/media/Ermerald2013010.jpg.html)
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Townie on Dec 04, 2013, 09:51 AM
Nice catch VC-- You on firm ice in PA 2013?
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Van_Cleaver on Dec 04, 2013, 01:03 PM
Thx; Those are actually fish from last year on the same lake. I did take and release a similar gill, and about ten or twelve crappie about the size in that pic. As for firm ice, it might have been a one and done; I was fishing a small lake at elevation and the temps are above freezing there now, and will stay that way to the weekend. Most of the state isn't on safe ice at this point. Oh here's an actual shot from 12-1-13. This was early on, so some fish left with their captor and more got added. I released my best fish at dark, also caught on plastic.
(http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq14/van_cleaver/7d9b10e8-4f5e-4d76-9123-35835fdc251f_zps5aca694c.jpg) (http://s429.photobucket.com/user/van_cleaver/media/7d9b10e8-4f5e-4d76-9123-35835fdc251f_zps5aca694c.jpg.html)

Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: outlaw5oo on Dec 11, 2013, 03:48 PM
i just bought the DH pantom rod for crappie after playing with it this thing is awesome.its basically his perch pounder rod with a super sensitive nitinol tip.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: PowerHour on Dec 13, 2013, 08:10 PM
I won't panfish without my 27 inch quick tip bros series! It's so sensitive I can feel a fish fart on my jig below the ice ;) and it still has plenty of back bone.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Townie on Dec 13, 2013, 09:16 PM
Tuned Up Custom Rod's Precision Noodle looks to be a sweeet ice stick for crappie too
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: cccc on Dec 16, 2013, 12:31 AM
There seems to be a ton of buzz about the tuned up custom rods. I would assume that those have very high QC, components, and actions on each rod but they are a little rich for my blood.

I have come to a conclusion that these "Meatstick, Power Noodle, Precision Noodle" rods have their actions done just right so that you don't need to use a spring bobber. 13's UL rods are pretty similar in terms of having that similar action too.
As well as these fancy 30+ dollar rods, I've found that the now out of fashion fibreglass rods with extra soft actions work 99% just as well. These ones go for significantly cheaper, so pick a budget and go get yourself one of these rods!
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: BRIFISH on Jan 06, 2014, 06:50 PM
Genz ice spooler combo 23"L
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Lord_of_the_Perch on Jan 19, 2014, 03:04 PM
I have a 24" and a 28" MeatStick. I use the 28" most of the time. I switch to the 24" on real windy days so I can keep it closer to my body out of the wind.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: 315stickbow on Feb 18, 2014, 04:30 PM
I've been using my Fenwick elite tech ml. No complaints at all. Was thinking about checking out a tuned up custom.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Glowjigger on Feb 21, 2014, 11:08 PM
I was having some trouble with my line tangling on my spring bobber and snapping so I started researching different rods. I happened upon this thread and saw a few people mention the ice blue rods. I ordered an HT ice blue pro 26 inch UL. I have only fished with around 5 or 6 different ice rods but I have to say that this is by far my favorite. I can detect the lightest of bites and it has great backbone and sets the hook really well. I have been using it for over a month and it has been very durable. The only negative thing I could say about it is that it has very small guides. If it is cold and windy they freeze up in a hurry. If it is really cold outside I fish inside my groundblind with the buddy heater anyways so it doesn't bother me. I really can't say enough about this rod and for 9 bucks it can't be beat.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Muskyrush on Sep 12, 2015, 09:00 PM
32" perch sweet heart hands down the best at my presentation for crappie, also I feel totally confident fight 14-15" slabs.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: jwetovick on Sep 18, 2015, 03:50 PM
what is your go to presentation for crappie with that perch sweetheart?
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Muskyrush on Sep 21, 2015, 10:13 AM
what is your go to presentation for crappie with that perch sweetheart?

Size 2,3,5 jigging rapalas.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: jwetovick on Sep 21, 2015, 04:11 PM
interesting. I need to give the jigging raps another chance. Seems like I've used them a few times with no luck so kind of gave up on them. A LOT of guys say they are their go to lure so I will keep trying.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Muskyrush on Sep 21, 2015, 09:26 PM
interesting. I need to give the jigging raps another chance. Seems like I've used them a few times with no luck so kind of gave up on them. A LOT of guys say they are their go to lure so I will keep trying.

They are an art you will not master in a day, the trick is to keep them moving and constantly bounce them crappie will engulf the entire rap. When I'm on big fish I'm no afraid to throw 5#s down on a walleye rod also no bait.
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: smelloftrout on Jan 22, 2016, 06:10 PM
So I ordered a couple 13 fishing white outs in ul in preparation of my next trip to the lower 48 crappie fishing. Anybody using this rod for these fish? What's your opinion/thoughts?  Should I look into spring bobbers?
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Mncrappie on Jan 29, 2016, 10:20 AM
Frabill panfish popper. comes equiped with a spring bobber but you could fish it without it
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Mncrappie on Jan 29, 2016, 10:40 AM
Frabill panfish popper. comes equiped with a spring bobber but you could fish it without it
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: desmobob on Jan 30, 2016, 04:51 PM
So I ordered a couple 13 fishing white outs in ul in preparation of my next trip to the lower 48 crappie fishing. Anybody using this rod for these fish? What's your opinion/thoughts?  Should I look into spring bobbers?

I bet you're going to love those rods.  The tip is sensitive enough to not require a spring bobber.  I broke the last two inches of mine, but it still works very well now that it's been "customized."  :-( 
I'll buy another one.       

Tight lines,
Bob   
Title: Re: crappie rod
Post by: Townie on Feb 04, 2017, 05:43 PM
Ryno's Custom MHX Power Noodle has been a game changer (I know, I hate that term too). So sensitive!

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g396/tom_wilson2/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160223_221403_1.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/tom_wilson2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160223_221403_1.jpg.html)