On the surface, choosing a long or short jigging pole for crappie might seem like a no-brainer issue.
But is it?
Of course not, because like any other kind of outdoorsman that specializes in one species, crappie anglers can be fussy about the tackle they use, especially the type of rods they like.
They can be particularly opinionated on the ideal length of the crappie pole for the best fishing action.
“As a Pro Team angler for B’n’M Poles (a fishing tackle manufacturer out of West Point), I get to use a lot of factory catalog fishing rods and also some prototypes when they are testing new products,” said Steve Coleman. “This company is known far and wide for making some of the best crappie fishing rods there are so it is easy for me to recommend them.
“Getting the opportunity to actually fish with a lot of different crappie rods gives me excellent insight into which ones really perform well on the water. I have my personal preferences.”
Give Coleman a long one, at least 12 feet and sometimes even longer, which, thanks to modern technology, can still come in a light-weight package.
“These lengths reach out over cover so I can drop bait down into fallen tree limbs or far out next to a standing stump or tree,” Coleman said. “As to rod stiffness, I like a pretty rigid rod, but with a slightly limber tip.
“I want to be able to spot fish nibbling action right away by the action on my rod tip. A really hard rod will not always react as well to the weak bite of a crappie. I want no doubt a fish is going for my bait.”
Sure you can catch crappie with just about any fishing rod including a cane pole if you are so inclined. But, for crappie fishing, you need to reach out over structure. For that it takes a long pole.
Enough said.
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