Best Crappie Trolling Rods [2024 Picks]

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Crappie is a popular target for trolling because they are relatively easy to catch and make for great eating. Trolling for crappie is a great way to catch these delicious fish, and using the right trolling rod can make all the difference. When trolling for crappie, you’ll want to use a sensitive rod to detect the light bites of these fish and be sturdy enough to handle their vigorous fight.

If you’re an avid crappie fisherman, then you know that having the right trolling rod can make all the difference in your success. In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for in crappie trolling rods, and some of the best options on the market. With the right rod, you’ll be able to target those big, lunker crappies that everyone covets more easily. With their sensitive tips and durable construction, they’re sure to give you the best possible experience on the water.

5 Crappie Trolling Rods For the Money [Comparison]

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Light Weight
Cadence CR5 Spinning Rods

Cadence CR5 Spinning Rods

  • Manufacturer : ‎Cadence
  • Fishing Technique : Spinning 
  • Piece : 1 , 2
  • Grip Type : Spilt
  • Travel Friendly : Yes
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Premium Choice
St. Croix Rods Premier

St. Croix Rods Premier

  • Manufacturer : ‎St. Croix Rod
  • Fishing Technique : Spinning
  • Suggested User : Unsex-adult
  • Warranty : 5 year
  • Handle Material : Cork
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Best For Lake Trolling
Okuma Classic Pro GLT

Okuma Classic Pro GLT

  • Manufacturer : ‎Okuma Fishing Tackle Corp.
  • Fishing Technique : Spinning , Casting
  • Suggested User : Unisex-adult
  • Warranty : Manufacture Warranty
  • Color : Gloss Black & Mirrior Silver
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Overall Choice
Jenko Spider Troll Crappie Trolling Rod

Jenko Spider Troll Crappie Trolling Rod

  • Manufacturer : ‎Jenko Fishing
  • Fishing Technique : Trolling
  • Suggested User : Unisex-adult
  • Color : Multi

 

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Budget Choice
Berkley® C-Series Crappie Pro

Berkley® C-Series Crappie Pro

  • Manufacturer : Pure Fishing
  • Fishing Technique : Spinning
  • Suggested User : ‎Unisex-adult
  • Warranty : ‎See manufacturer

 

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You may also read : What is the best Trolling Rod for Walleye ? 

Cadence CR5 Spinning Crappie Rod – Light Weight Trolling Rod

Specifications

  • Material : Stainless Steel
  • Rod Length : From 5’6″ to 7′
  • Rod Power :  Ultralight ,Light, Medium ,Medium light , Light
  • Action : Fast , Moderate
  • Weight : ‎0.05 Kilograms


If you’re looking for the best ultralight crappie trolling rod on the market, look no further than the Candence CR5. This rod is made with high-quality materials and construction, and it is designed for ultimate performance. The CR5 is perfect for trolling crappie, and it also works great for other fish species.

This rod is made of high-quality materials that offer strength and sensitivity without adding weight.

The 30-ton carbon matrix blank is designed for durability and sensitivity, while the SiC guides and stainless steel frame provide smoothness and strength. The Fuji reel seat and carbon veil wrapped blank add to the overall durability of the rod. The CR5 is available in two handle configurations – carbon split grip and full grip – and is designed for use with freshwater and inshore fish. So, whether you’re just getting started in fishing or you’re a seasoned pro, the Cadence CR5 fishing rod is a great choice for your next fishing trip.

Key Features

  • 30-ton carbon fiber blank for strength and sensitivity 
  • SiC guides with stainless steel frames for smoothness and durability 
  • Fuji reel seat for comfort 
  • Carbon veil for durability
  •  Split grip or full grip options 
  • Travel-friendly 2-piece design 
  • Affordable

St Croix Premier Rod – Premium Choice

Specifications

  • Material : Cork, Graphite
  • Rod Length : From 4’6″ to7’6″
  • Rod Power :  UL,L,ML,M,MH,XH,H
  • Action : Fast , Moderate
  • Weight : ‎0.06 Pounds

The St Croix Premier is our premium rod for crappie fishing. This rod is made from high-quality materials and is designed for crappie fishing. It is a versatile rod that can be used for trolling, jigging, and casting. It is also sensitive enough to detect even the lightest bites. This rod is also very durable and is built to last.

The St. Croix Premier is a high-quality fishing rod that combines the strength of premium SCII carbon construction with the durability of the Fortified Resin system. The cork handle provides a comfortable grip, while the Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames finish provide a sleek look. The Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hoods completes the package.

Key Features

  • Durable SCII carbon construction 
  • Fortified Resin system for unparalleled strength 
  • Comfortable premium-grade cork handle
  •  Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings 
  • Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hoods
  • Kigan hook-keeper 
  • Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish

Okuma Classic Pro GLT – Best For Lake Trolling

Specifications

  • Material : Blend
  • Rod Length : From 7’6″ to 10’6″
  • Rod Power :  M, MH , ML
  • Weight : ‎0.58 Pounds

If you’re looking for a great trolling rod for crappie, the Okuma Classic Pro GLT is a great choice. It’s sensitive enough to detect the light bites of crappie, yet sturdy enough to handle the fight when they’re hooked. The rod is also well balanced, so it’s easy to handle when reeling in a big fish. The Classic Pro GLT comes in a variety of lengths and action types to suit your individual fishing needs.

The Classic Pro GLT is a high-quality fishing rod that is built to last. Featuring a durable glass fiber blank construction, this rod is designed for professional use. It also features a stainless steel hooded reel seat with graphite cushion inserts, as well as stainless steel double foot guides with titanium oxide inserts. Additionally, the Okuma Classic Pro GLT has a durable shrink tube over EVA butt for easy removal from rod holders.

Key Features

  • Made with high quality materials 
  • Tested for reliability and quality 
  • Used by professionals worldwide 
  • Durable glass fiber blank construction 
  • Stainless steel hooded reel seat with graphite cushion inserts 
  • Stainless steel double foot guides with titanium oxide inserts 
  • Durable shrink tube over EVA butt for easy removal from rod holder

Jenko Spider Troll Crappie – Overall Choice

Specifications

  • Material : Other
  • Rod Length : From 12′ to 16′
  • Weight : ‎0.05 Pounds  
  • Piece: 2

Our overall choice for the best crappie trolling rod is the Jenko Spider Troll Crappie Trolling Rod. This rod is made from high-quality materials and is designed for crappie trolling, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a rod specifically for this purpose.

The Jenko Spider Troll Crappie Trolling Rod is a high-quality rod designed for today’s Crappie fisherman. It is sensitive to the lightest bite and has plenty of backbone to easily handle a 2-pound fish. The higher grade material and extra line guides make this rod a step above the competition. The Spider Troll is available in three sizes: 12′ 2pc, 14′- 3 piece, and 16′- 3 piece.

Key Features

  • Sensitive to the lightest bite. 
  • The rod has plenty of backbone. 
  • higher grade material and has more line guides.
  • stainless steel guides 
  • Super Durable

Berkley C-series Crappie Pro – Budget Choice

Specifications

  • Material : Stainless Steel, Graphite
  • Rod Length : 14′
  • Handle Material :  Carbon Fiber
  • Action : Light
  • Piece : 3

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for the best crappie trolling rod, the Berkley C-Series Crappie Pro Spinning rod is a great choice. This rod is designed specifically for trolling for crappie, and it features a sensitive tip that helps you feel even the lightest nibbles. The rod is also durable and has a comfortable handle that makes it easy to use all day long.

The Berkley C-Series Crappie Pro Spinning rod is made with 24 TON carbon fiber-carbon graphite fibers for a more light weight and sensitive rod blank. The EVA power grip is ergonomically designed for more control and less fatigue. The titanium oxide insert guides are durable, high strength-to-weight titanium oxide insert stainless steel guides. The tapered rear handle is a bell shaped rear handle for secure rod holder placement.

Key Features

  • Carbon fiber-carbon graphite fiber blank for increased sensitivity 
  • EVA power grip for more control 
  • Titanium oxide insert guides for durability
  •  Tapered rear handle for secure rod holder placement 
  • Lightweight and sensitive blank 
  • More control and less fatigue 
  • High strength-to-weight titanium oxide insert guides

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re looking for the best crappie trolling rod, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

Durable : 

You’ll want to make sure the rod you choose is durable, so it can withstand being used in the water day after day. 

Action : 

The action of the rod is also important. You’ll want to choose a rod that has a good amount of action, so you can easily reel in your catch. 

Comfortable : 

Comfort is also key when choosing a crappie trolling rod. You’ll want to make sure the rod is comfortable to hold, so you can fish for hours without getting tired. 

Price : 

You’ll also want to consider price when choosing a crappie trolling rod. You don’t want to break the bank, but you also don’t want to choose the cheapest option. 

Power : 

The power of the rod is also important. You’ll want to make sure the rod you choose can handle the type of fish you’re targeting. 

These are just a few of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a crappie trolling rod. Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect rod for your needs.

FAQ

Q: What kind of line should I use for crappie trolling?

A: Many crappie anglers prefer to use a monofilament line when trolling, as it provides good knot strength and shock absorption in the event of a strike. However, braided line can also be used effectively for trolling, and has the added benefit of being much thinner and easier to manage.

Q: What are some good techniques for trolling for crappie?

A: One popular technique for trolling for crappie is to use a slip bobber rig. This rig consists of a bobber that is attached to the line above the hook, with a small weight below the hook. The rig is then cast out and the bobber is allowed to slide up and down the line, keeping the bait at a consistent depth. Another popular technique is to troll along weed edges or over submerged brush piles, using lures or jigs that mimic the appearance of small baitfish.

Q: What are some excellent lures or baits to use for crappie trolling?

A: Some popular lures and baits for crappie trolling include small crankbaits, spinners, jigs, and live minnows. When using live bait, it is often helpful to use a bait bucket or aerator to keep the bait alive and healthy.

Q: What are some tips for trolling for crappie in stained or muddy water?

A: When trolling in stained or muddy water, it can be helpful to use lures or baits that are brightly colored or have a strong scent. This can help attract crappie to the bait, even in murky water. Additionally, using a heavier weight on the line can help the lure or bait to sink down into the strike zone, where the fish are likely to be holding.

Q: What are some tips for trolling for crappie in clear water?

A: When trolling in clear water, it is often best to use more subtle lures and baits. In clear water, crappie can be easily spooked by loud or flashy lures, so it is important to use baits that will not scare the fish away. Additionally, using lighter weights can help the bait to float up off the bottom, making it more visible to the fish.

Q: What are some safety tips to keep in mind when trolling for crappie?

A: When trolling for crappie, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to fish safely. Always use a life jacket when trolling from a boat, and be sure to stay clear of areas with strong currents or high winds. Additionally, be sure to keep a sharp knife handy in case you need to cut your line.

Conclusion

The best crappie trolling rods are those that are durable, have a good sensitivity, and are able to handle a variety of different lures. These rods can be found from a variety of different manufacturers, and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to read reviews and compare products before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting the best possible rod for your needs.

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