Crappie-specific rods might be 28-inches long for shelter-bound anglers, up to 32 inches long for hole hoppers. Look for a medium-light power rod and a sensitive, high-carbon blank with fast or ...

The best ice fishing rods will make your next ice fishing adventure even more enjoyable. We picked rods based on the species of fish you're after, from trout to panfish to walleye.

Rods and Reels for Saltwater Panfish One of the best aspects of chasing these smaller saltwater targets is that they don’t require any specialty rods and reels. Sure, a 9- or -10-foot surf rod might ...

Buy less expensive reels and spend the money you save on other gear.” Smith still uses spinning reels on most of his walleye combos and some of his panfish rods.

Johnson usually pairs his panfish rods with an in-line reel because they’re compact and efficient. Small spinning reels work fine, though, since line twist isn’t an issue with spoons.

Rods Rods basically come in ultralight, light, medium, medium-heavy and actions. Ultralight is very good for panfish and crappie. Light action is good for trout and for smallmouth bass in creeks.

Smith still uses spinning reels on most of his walleye combos and some of his panfish rods. Especially when fishing spoons, he said line twist can be an advantage as it creates more flash by ...