Welcome to the ultimate guide for all crappie anglers seeking to elevate their longline trolling game! When it comes to mastering the art of longline trolling, selecting the right rod is the foundational key to success. The sport of crappie fishing has grown exponentially, and the days of picking up an all-around “panfish” rod are no more. We understand your challenges in navigating the sea of options and recommendations. That’s why we’ve compiled a resource – a definitive breakdown of the top crappie rods tailored for longline trolling.
This guide provides specific and detailed advice tailored to your individual needs. We focus on the unique features that distinguish each fishing rod. Our recommendations are valuable for both experienced and novice anglers seeking to improve their skills and catch more crappie. By following our expert guidance, you can make informed choices and achieve excellent results on the water.
We have personal experience with each rod and have tested each rod’s durability, functionality, price point, and customer service.
B&M Poles Capps and Coleman Series Trolling Rods
Everyone in the crappie fishing world knows who Ronnie Capps and Steve Coleman are. They’ve won many crappie tournament national championships. They have been with B&M for many years and for them to put their name on a product it would have to be quality.
Features
- Lenght: 12’(2pcs), 14(3 pcs)’, and 16’(3pcs)
- Action: Light
- Material: Graphite
- Warranty: One year
- Bell-Shaped Handle Construction
- Price: 12’($56.95) 14’($59.95) 16’($72.95)
- Hi-Vis Tip
The light action of the rod allows a lot of bend on the hook up without pulling the hook out of the fish’s mouth. The Capps and Coleman crappie rods are perfect for trolling jigs but have a little more bend than I like pulling crankbait. They are lightweight and comfortable in the hand. I was surprised at how light the 16’ rod was compared to other manufacturers. The only downside I have with this rod is the amount of bend when boat flipping those 1.5-2lbs fish. Other than that it’s a good rod. It’s hard to beat the customer service with B&M. They have friendly knowledgeable staff that can point you in the right direction for any of their line of poles.
ACC Crappie Stix
ACC is relatively new to the crappie fishing world, but their product is top quality. They make rods for all crappie fishing techniques. They also make the casting rod I’m currently using and it’s one of, if not the best, casting rod I’ve owned. Their trolling rods are no less impressive.
Features
- Length: 14’ and 16’(both are 3 pcs)
- Action: Medium With a Fast Tip
- Material: Graphite
- Warranty: 6 months
- Price: 14’($76.99) 16’($76.99)
- Weight: 14’(7.8 Ounces), 16’ (9.9 Ounces)
- Foam Handle Construction
- Stainless Steel Guides
The backbone of these are the strongest I’ve used when it comes to fishing rods for crappie. I wouldn’t hesitate to flip a 2lb fish into the boat. I’m also a fan of the stainless steel eyes. If you use a braided line this is a must for me. The only criticism I have is that they only come in two lengths. This leads me to believe that they were originally meant for spider rigging.
Jenko Spider Troll Trolling Rods
When it comes to quality and performance, few names stand out like Jenko Crappie Rods. This is the first time I’ve delved into the world of Jenko rods. Their rod lengths are similar to most manufacturers so I was interested to find out what Jenko crappie rods bring to the table.
Features
- Length: 12’(2pcs), 14’(3pcs), 16’(3pcs)
- Action: N/A
- Material: Graphite
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: 12’($55.99), 14’($66.99), 16’($77.99)
- Weight: 12’(8 Ounces), 14’(8 .9 Ounces), 16’(9.4 Ounces)
- Stainless Steel Guides
- Foam Handle Construction
The performance of the Spider Troll was impressive. It has the power to put a slab crappie in the boat with ease. It also has the backbone to pull crankbaits with not much bend. The prices are comparable with some other manufacturers, but the quality and performance are better.
Southern Crappie Rods
Southern Crappie Rods have specialized in trolling rods for years. They’re the rods I am currently using, and I couldn’t be more pleased with them. The rod lengths they offer are by far the most available of all the manufacturers.
Features
- Length: 6’(1 pcs)’, 8’, 9’ 10’(2pcs) 12’ 14’, and 16’(3 pcs)
- Action: Medium
- Material: 6’, 8’, 10’(Kevlar) 12’, 14’ 16’(Kevlar/ Carbon Fiber)
- Warranty: 6 Months
- Price: 6’, 8, & 9’’($44.95) 10’($50.00) 12’($54.00) 14’($59.00) 16’($65.00)
- Stainless Guides
- 6’, 8’, 9’ 10’(Cork Handle) 12’, 14’, 16’(EVA Foam Handle)
I would have to say this is my front-runner of all the rods that we tested. The material is superior and the wide array of rod lengths set Souther Crappie Rods apart. The rods are strong and sensitive if you want to use them as a jigging pole. If I had to find something negative it would be the warranty. I would like to see it for at least a year but you won’t have to send it back for a manufacturer issue.
In the pursuit of crappie fishing perfection, the right rod can make all the difference. We’ve walked through a selection of top-tier crappie rods, each designed to elevate your fishing experience. From the sensitivity of the tip to the strength of the backbone, these rods have been meticulously crafted to meet the unique demands of crappie fishing. Remember, the perfect rod is an extension of your skills, a partner in your quest for that 3lber. So, invest in a crappie rod that aligns with your style, and get ready to create memories on the water that will last a lifetime.