Small to med rod & reel?

[Troutbeck]

Guys,

I'm looking for a rod and reel combo that I could use for both crappie and walleye fishing. Is it a good idea? I have a couple of 6' medium action rods and I really like them. But I'd like something a little lighter that I could use for crappies and panfish. I really don't want to spend a fortune but I don't want junk either. Any suggestions?

Thanks. You guys are the best.

[Gary_IA]

Cabela's has a 2 piece 9 foot long "Walleye-Zander" rod that is also advertised as a panfish rod. I bought one last year but haven't had the opportunity to use it in a boat. (If your fishing from a small boat with another person, the rod may get in the way.) I think it might be nice back trolling with slip sinker and snell. As I recall it was about $50. I bought it because I had given my 12 foot extend a pole to my nephew and wanted something with a reel that I also could drop into pockets arround weeds etc. The new rod is medium light to light and should work fine with panfish and walleyes.

[Gary_IA]

I don't have any connection to Cabela's other than as a customer and receive no benefit from them for anything I say on this board and am not sneaking in an ad.

If you wish to check out: Cabela's European Zander/Walleye Rod go to Cabela's website and look Item: ID-110036

[Dodge1]

It’s a very good idea. Cabela’s and BPS have a large selection of rod and reel combos to select from, at very reasonable prices. I took a quick look at Cabela’s and came up with a couple of outfits that might fit your needs.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0011762116400a&navAction=push&navCount=2&indexId=cat20287&podId=0011762&catalogCode=ID&parentId=cat20287&parentType=index&rid=

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0017460117250a&navAction=push&navCount=2&indexId=cat20287&podId=0017460&catalogCode=ID&parentId=cat20287&parentType=index&rid=

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0011734116478a&navAction=push&navCount=2&indexId=cat20287&podId=0011734&catalogCode=ID&parentId=cat20287&parentType=index&rid=

If you used a braded line, like Powerpro 10lb test, you would have ~ the diameter of 2lb mono; which would be great for crappies and walleyes.

[stevefellegy]

Take a hard look at the light action and ultra-light Wristsaver rods.
High quality at a great price. Everyone that has used these combo's for crappies/panfish, especially many from down south, rave about them.
www.wristsaverrods.com

[Spoonbill]

You might want to take a look at the new Abu Garcia Cardinal 502 reels. Just got a couple and they are greatand not over-priced. They might work well for your stated application.
SB

[Spoonbill]

Sorry, meant 602. Need to slow down...

[GLO]

I use my 6 1/2 foot ML action rods for both walleye rigging and panfish (slip bobbers, usually), but am going to 7 foot or longer this year for my slip bobber fishing. I'm tempted to go light action on the longer rods, don't think it will impair my walleye chances and the panfish are that much more fun that way. Would personally not recommend a medium action, but am making some assumptions about how you are crappie fishing. I use Garcia Cardinal Reels, not very expensive, the old and new-style green ones. If this combination outfit is primarily for live bait fishing, you can certainly find plenty of rods that won't break the bank.

[Troutbeck]

Thanks, GLO--

I don't use the 6' med action rods for panfish. I generally use them for bass, pike, walleye. I was just wanting to know if I could use the light rod for walleyes AND panfish.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.

[GLO]

Understood. Had just read an article where medium action was advocated for slip bobber application, but I'm sure tip and size of minnows (in that particular application) all factor in. I think the 6 and one-half foot to 7 and one-half foot is the way to go in ML, but still can't resist the "lure" of going with a longer rod and light action, maybe others can share their experiences on this as a panfish/walleye combo.

[Todd_NE]

There are some nice Fenwick HMG or HMX rods on www.ffo-tackle.com right now for $59 or so, half the price of new.

I'd suggest a 5-5'9" rod in L or ML. St. Croix has a nice 5'6" L Premier too.

Make sure you get a 6-7.9 oz reel too if you get a rod this small so it balances nice.

todd

Yup, got her... feel that head shake!