Help recommending a nice crappie rod

[Rapaleye]

I know this is walleye central but I like to fish crappies also. I would like to buy a rod mainly for fishing light jigs (1/16-1/4)vertically and to be able to toss a light jig and a bobber. I am partial to St. Croix but am open to others. I have looked at the St. Croix panfish series but I really don't like the handle. Would like to keep the cost under $150.
The front runner right now is the Premier 6'6" Light/fast. I would consider up to 7ft. but want to keep it 6-6 to 7.
Any ideas?
Jim

[REW]

One rod to consider is a steel head rod.
For all of the crappie fishing that I do; I only use a steel head rod.

One of the problems with many rods that are reputed to be pan fish rods, is that the action of the rod is too light.

I might just suggest that if you have a nice 6 1/2 foot medium light walleye rod, that you use that.

The issue that I have with the classic ultra light rods that are commonly sold for panfish rods, is that they don't have the backbone to throw a bobber for the fish. I like to use the rocket bobber, and the rocket bobbers have some weight. But with a heavier action rod, you can really get a nice long cast from the bobber and bait.

But, then, even if using a light jig with no added weight or bobber, the medium light walleye rig is typically plenty sensitive to do just fine in catching the fish.

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The other thing to look at are some of the house brand rods from Gander mountain, Dicks, Scheels, Bass pro and Cabelas.

You can often find a very nice rod for not a lot of money.

For example:
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shop...0204875/141947

or:
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shop...SELL_THUMBNAIL

[octanehi5]

you need as you said a 1/16th-1/4 oz rod witch is in the ultra light class. There are many rods like this,its basicly a trout rod, IM7, the smallest of ugly sticks will work, Get a one peice rod they transmit the bite better than a two, Cabelas tourney trail IM-7 has a 6' rod in that class that I use for the light walleye bite, works great, you do not need to spend a ton of money to get a good rod.

[Pezman38]

I have a couple eagle claw UL yellow 2 piece rods for slip bobbers, they run about 25 bucks. Worked for me for a long time, bought a couple pflueger presidents and they make a nice combo for when I do catch a crappie.

[bfish]

grizzly jigs has quite the selection of rods, plus you can call them on the phone and see what they advise.

I seldom single pole crappie anymore, more of a spider-rigger.

[Rapaleye]

Thanks for the ideas guys.
REW I will look for a some steelhead rods, however my rod box limits me to 7'6" and I don't often see Steelheads that short. I don't often cast real far so maybe a shorter ML rod will work.
I will also look a tthe other you all suggested.
The more I think of it I may look for 2 (you knew I would get there) A shorter sensitive rod for vertical jigging light jigs and a longer rod that can chuck a decenrt slip bobbber and a jig.
Thanks
Jim

[eyewinder]

Rapaleye:

You have mail.

[Lund1993]

I have a St. Croix triumph 6'6" light one piece rod that i use for walleye, crappie, etc. It is light enough for crappie and has enough backbone for pulling in larger walleyes. I love the feel of it and i use a 500 size shimano sedona reel spooled with #2 fireline crystal.

[whofan]

Search Crappie rod at Cabela`s and you will find a nice variety of rods.
I would consider out fitting a fly rod with a small spinning reel.
This works good for jigging white fish.

[gypsy]

Rapaleye,
I have 3 St. Croissant rods,love them. I have a premier 6' 6" ul fast action that is my bluegill - crappie rod. It is a great rod for throwing beetle spins,many gills and crappie caught on this rod. Also it is 2 pc and broke the tip once and they had the top section for replacement.
Gypsy