60 Mississippi Sportsman^ | April 2015
On the surface, choosing a long or short jigging pole for crap-
pie might seem like a no-brainer issue.
But is it?
Of course not, because like any other kind of outdoorsman that
specializes in one species, crappie anglers can be fussy about the
tackle they use, especially the type of rods they like.
They can be particularly opinionated on the ideal length of the
crappie pole for the best fishing action.
“As a Pro Team angler for B’n’M Poles (a fishing tackle manufac-
turer out of West Point), I get to use a lot of factory catalog fish-
ing rods and also some prototypes when they are testing new
products,” said Steve Coleman. “This company is known far and
wide for making some of the best crappie fishing rods there are
so it is easy for me to recommend them.
“Getting the opportunity to actually fish with a lot of different
crappie rods gives me excellent insight into which ones really
perform well on the water. I have my personal preferences.”
Give Coleman a long one, at least 12 feet and sometimes even
longer, which, thanks to modern technology, can still come in a
light-weight package.
“These lengths reach out over cover so I can drop bait down
into fallen tree limbs or far out next to a standing stump or tree,”
Coleman said. “As to rod stiffness, I like a pretty rigid rod, but with
a slightly limber tip.
“I want to be able to spot fish nibbling action right away by the
action on my rod tip. A really hard rod will not always react as
well to the weak bite of a crappie. I want no doubt a fish is going
for my bait.”
Sure you can catch crappie with just about any fishing rod
including a cane pole if you are so inclined. But, for crappie fishing,
you need to reach out over structure. For that it takes a long pole.
Enough said.
— John J. WoodsLong poles vs.
short poles
SPRING
SALE
SALE ENdS
APRIL 30, 2015
$699
Steve Coleman likes a 12-foot pole — or a longer
rod — for trolling and jigging. It gives greater reach.