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I just started crappie and bluegill fishing I bought a ultra light rod 5'6". Im not happy with the distance I can cast with small jigs 1/16 0z etc. Would you recommend I use a 6' 6" light instead of an ulta light, I feel that anything over 5'6" in an ultra light will be to shaky. And will a light action still deliver good feel. And recommend brand I have several BPS points to spend was thinking bionic blade? Thanks for any input.
Every so often I get away from bass fishing and do a crappie fishing. I have two of the 7' med action bps microlites. They are really good rods for the money. I match the rods with shimano sedona 750 with 4lb trilene xt. I like the longer rod for a couple reasons. First is the casting distance and second the amount of line you can pick up with a hookset. Seems like crappie always bite softly and start swimming sideways and I like the longer rod to set the hook with. It will make a big difference with your distance going up to a 7' rod.
[QUOTE=bob46;400090]I just started crappie and bluegill fishing I bought a ultra light rod 5'6". Im not happy with the distance I can cast with small jigs 1/16 0z etc. Would you recommend I use a 6' 6" light instead of an ulta light, I feel that anything over 5'6" in an ultra light will be to shaky. And will a light action still deliver good feel. And recommend brand I have several BPS points to spend was thinking bionic blade? Thanks for any input.[/QUOTE]
Bob ... you will definitely get more distance with a longer rod. You'll get even more distance, on top of that, if you match it up with a reel that isn't UL. To get even better distance, you'll want to use a line that's limp & yet still provides good strength characteristics.
I'm primarily a jig slinger, too. I use rods in lengths from 5ft to 8ft, though most of my casting is done with 7' & 8' rods. My 5'-6' rods are generally used for shooting docks, or close range casting. My reels range from UL's to Shimano Spirex 2000 & Mitchell 308X's. My line is 4lb test mono ... Mr Crappie Super Hi-vis (USA made version) & Stren Gold. If I were using clear/blu line ... BPS Excel isn't a bad choice. But, since I'm a line watcher, I prefer the hi-vis lines. (I mentioned the Mr Crappie line as "USA made", because the current line is being made in China ... and reports are that it's not as good)
Your rods should be IM6, at least. Bionic Blades are IM8, & I will admit that I have one that does double duty (Crappie/Bass) with a quick change of line spools. But, mine is a 7' Med action ... so, a med light or light action may not be that bad of a choice.
Ask any Crappie angler (or any angler, for that matter) what brands they recommend .... and you'll get answers that range all over the chart. And, come to think of it, since my fishing outfits are a hodgepodge of brands & sizes ... I'd be hard pressed to narrow it down, much, myself ... LOL !!!
... Pappy
[QUOTE=crappiepappy;400133]Bob ... you will definitely get more distance with a longer rod. You'll get even more distance, on top of that, if you match it up with a reel that isn't UL. To get even better distance, you'll want to use a line that's limp & yet still provides good strength characteristics.
I'm primarily a jig slinger, too. I use rods in lengths from 5ft to 8ft, though most of my casting is done with 7' & 8' rods. My 5'-6' rods are generally used for shooting docks, or close range casting. My reels range from UL's to Shimano Spirex 2000 & Mitchell 308X's. My line is 4lb test mono ... Mr Crappie Super Hi-vis (USA made version) & Stren Gold. If I were using clear/blu line ... BPS Excel isn't a bad choice. But, since I'm a line watcher, I prefer the hi-vis lines. (I mentioned the Mr Crappie line as "USA made", because the current line is being made in China ... and reports are that it's not as good)
Your rods should be IM6, at least. Bionic Blades are IM8, & I will admit that I have one that does double duty (Crappie/Bass) with a quick change of line spools. But, mine is a 7' Med action ... so, a med light or light action may not be that bad of a choice.
Ask any Crappie angler (or any angler, for that matter) what brands they recommend .... and you'll get answers that range all over the chart. And, come to think of it, since my fishing outfits are a hodgepodge of brands & sizes ... I'd be hard pressed to narrow it down, much, myself ... LOL !!!
... Pappy[/QUOTE]
(crappie Pappy) is right on the things he know..........listen to his advice