Any experienced angler knows that the right gear can make a world of difference in the waters, so if you’re hoping to score some prized crappie this year, why not invest in one of the best crappie fishing rods?
In this guide, you’ll discover our top 5 picks and learn valuable information on what makes the best fishing rod for catching crappie.
No matter your budget or experience level, you’ll find your next go-to crappie fishing rod below. Whether you’re hoping to invest in a build-your-own crossover rod or a budget-friendly kit, we’ve got it all.
So check out this guide on the best crappie fishing rods to level up your angling gear.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod
Budget Option:
Berkley Big Game Fishing Rod
Best Crossover Rod:
ACC Crappie Stix Crossover Rod
Best Overall
Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod
The Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod scores the top spot on our guide to the best crappie fishing rods for numerous reasons.
This rod boasts an impressive combination of graphite and fiberglass material to accomplish the perfect balance of durability and sensitivity.
The lighter weight of this rod makes it easier to yield and gives you superior bite detection at your fingertips, perfect for reeling in those elusive crappie.
Ugly Stik designed this rod to keep your line securely in place since the stainless steel guides prevent insert pop-outs. The guides are also compatible with any type of line, so when it’s time to fish for crappie, just sling on a spinning reel and a monofilament line, and you’re ready to cast off.
Plus, with the lightweight EVA grips, you won’t have to worry about hand fatigue. This rod is made to offer superior comfort for your whole afternoon on the boat.
Pros
- Fiberglass and graphite material offer superior durability without weighing the rod down
- Easy to hold for long periods of time
- Extra sensitivity helps you feel for bites
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Need to buy a reel spinner separately
Best Budget
Berkley Big Game Fishing Rod
The Berkley Big Game Fishing Rod has everything you need to reel in those big catches without breaking the bank.
Despite the small price tag, this rod boasts incredible features. It has titanium guides with slim profile zirconium inserts that let your line cast off and retrieve without a hitch.
The ergonomic reel seat ensures maximum comfort during those long fishing trips, doubled down by the EVA and TAC split grip handle that provides a firm grasp while reducing hand fatigue.
The 8-foot length will help you achieve a far cast-off that’s perfect for catching crappie off the dock. Pair with a lightweight spinner and bright monofilament line for the best crappie fishing rod setup.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue
- Long length helps achieve a further cast-off
Cons
- Doesn’t include a spinner
Best Crossover Rod
ACC Crappie Stix Crossover Rod
The ACC Crappie Stix crossover rod boasts an incredible design that will make you fall in love with fishing all over again.
With a rubbery grip and a hybrid reel seat, this unique rod offers unparalleled comfort and practicality on the water.
The 13-foot reach, when paired with a heavier spinning reel, creates a perfectly balanced rod ideal for fishing crappie.
Sensitive yet stiff and far from flimsy, this balanced rod is a crappie-catching machine!
Pros
- Super versatile, you can change up the reel and line depending on what fish you’re trying to catch
- 13 feet long for a wide cast-off range
- Ultra-sensitive design helps you feel what’s happening on the other side of the line
Cons
- Have to purchase a spinner and line separately
- Pricey
KINGSWELL Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
You can’t beat the incredible portability of the KINGSWELL telescopic fishing rod. The collapsible pole fits snugly into the 22-inch carrying case, making it perfect for slinging into a backpack on your next crappie fishing expedition.
One amazing feature of this rod is the extremely sensitive tip, which helps you detect even the slightest movement of those elusive crappie.
The premium graphite carbon material and stainless steel guides ensure this rod is built to last, and the spinning reel included is an added perk.
This lightweight rod measures almost 7-feet when fully extended, making it the perfect length for casting off far into the lake.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Includes a spinner
- Sensitive tip helps you detect movement better
Cons
- Pricier than other options on this list
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod with Kit
If you’re just dipping your toes in the waters of crappie-catching, you need to check out the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod with Kit.
It has everything you need for a successful crappy fishing expedition, including a fishing rod, reel, line, hooks, and lures. And to top it all off, it includes a handy carrier bag for easy transportation.
But don’t think that the value of this kit undermines the quality, PLUSINNO designed this rod for optimal performance. It’s crafted from high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, which gives this rod excellent durability without adding too much weight.
The EVA fore grip adds comfort during your fishing experience, and the stainless steel guides ensure a seamless cast-off. Plus, the telescopic design makes it portable and easy to carry around.
Pros
- Excellent bang for your buck
- All-in-one-kit includes a reel, line, hooks, and lures
- Telescopic design offers superior portability
Cons
- Line quality isn’t the best
The Best Crappie Fishing Rods Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know all about the best crappie fishing rods, check out our buyer’s guide to decide which is most suitable for you.
Size
First up, let’s debate the best-sized rod for catching crappie.
While you can technically get away with any sized rod for fishing this freshwater creature, the best length is typically between 7 and 10 feet.
This size will give you enough flexibility to cast small crappie lures far into the water while providing enough stiffness to feel the bites.
If you plan on using more advanced fishing techniques like spider rigging with minnow lures or trolling crankbaits, a longer rod in the 9-12 foot range can help increase your catch rate.
Material
Does material matter when it comes to catching crappie? The answer is a definite yes.
When searching for the best crappie fishing rods, look for a pole crafted from fiberglass or graphite. These materials are lightweight and sensitive, making detecting bites and feeling the fish on the line easier.
Despite the lightweight nature of these materials, they are still very resilient and can handle the pull of the most stubborn crappie.
Weight
Crappies are among the smaller swimmers in the lake, with an average weight of around 1-2 lbs. The slighter size means you can get away with using a lightweight rod that can handle a line weight of 4 to 6 pounds at the bare minimum.
Luckily, all the listings on this guide to the best crappie fishing rods can meet this weight.
Flexibility
Choosing a flexible rod can make your crappie fishing experience much easier. They allow for greater sensitivity and control when fishing for this species, which can sometimes be quite finicky.
A flexible rod can also help to absorb the shock of a crappie’s sudden movements, which can help to prevent the fish from getting away.
Plus, the bend of the rod helps you create a whipping motion that furthers the distance of your cast. This feature can come in especially handy if you’re casting off into deeper waters where crappie tend to congregate in the heat of the summer.
Crappie Fishing Rods: Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know all about the best crappie fishing rods, check out the most frequently asked questions from fellow anglers.
What is the best setup for crappie?
The number one rule when creating your setup for catching crappie is to keep everything lightweight.
You want to start by choosing a light or ultralight rod and spinning reel. Then, you’ll need the right line. Choose a lightweight option like the KastKing Monofilament Line offers slight stretch with excellent buoyancy.
Finally, consider your bait. This aspect depends heavily on the season, but you can use any combination of bobbers, jibs, plastics, and live bait, so long as they’re lightweight.
What presentations work best for crappie?
When it comes to fishing crappie, you can’t go wrong with using live bait, especially in clearer waters. Crappie tend to go for minnows or worms, but jigs can also be effective. Try using a small jig with a soft plastic body in bright colors.
Choosing the right lure will also depend heavily on the time of year. In the spring, crappie tend to go shallow to spawn, so choosing a lightweight jig like the Crappie Magnet is ideal.
In the summer, you might be casting further off into deeper waters where crappie go to escape the heat, so choosing a lightweight, streamlined option like the Bobby Garland Slab Slay’r would be your best bet.
What weight line is best for crappie?
When choosing the best line for fishing crappie, look for a monofilament line with a 2-10lb test. Crappie tend to be on the smaller end of the weight scale, so you can definitely get away with using a lighter line.
Keep in mind that the lighter the line, the easier the cast-off. So if you’re hoping to reel in an average-sized crappie, keep your line weight small. But if you want to catch a trophy fish, you may need to up the weight capacity.
Best Crappie Fishing Rods: Summed Up
Purchasing the right gear can make or break your angling expedition, and one of these best crappie fishing rods will certainly fit the bill.
Whether you’re hoping to invest in a build-your-own option like the ACC Crappie Stix Crossover Rod or choose a ready-to-go kit like the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod, you can’t go wrong with these best crappie fishing rods.
For more information on freshwater fishing, check out our Fishing in Minnesota page for helpful angling tips.