2018 Crappie Gear: Don't Overlook These Rods and Reels

Crappie knowledge and strategy sit idle without the tools by which to apply them. Companies seeking to effectively equip anglers have recently introduced new crappie gear to advance this objective.

Here's a look at new crappie rods and reels for 2018.

RODS

St. Croix 6-foot-4 Panfish Series

A versatile rod suited for anything from pitching thumper heads and jig spinners to vertical jigging, the length allows for optimal lure action with enough "give" to avoid ripping a crappie's lips. This light, fast-action addition to St. Croix's Panfish Series boasts premium-quality SCII graphite combined with high-modulus/high-strain SCVI graphite for optimal weight, sensitivity and balance. stcroixrods.com $119.99

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Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod

Reinventing the graphite rod, Fenwick includes premium-grade, full-cork grips, Sea-Guide soft touch reel seat with positive lock design, Carbon Bound blanks, spiral wrapped with carbon thread, and Fuji Guides with stainless-steel Alconite inserts. Also available in a three-piece travel model that includes medium and medium-light tip sections. fenwickfishing.com $99.95 - $119.95

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

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B&M Pow-R-Troll

Built specifically for power trolling heavy-weight rigs at a peppy pace, B&M's new rod stands up to this rigorous technique with high-density graphite, stainless-steel guides and durable EVA foam handles, which include rear-mounted rod collars to securely fit into holders. Available in 14-, 16- and 18-foot models. bnmpoles.com $74.99

REELS

Pflueger President Spinning

The newest in the President line, this reel's graphite body and rotor, along with its aluminum handle, make it lightweight but durable. Other features include a 10-bearing system with corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel ball bearings, stainless-steel/oil felt drag, a braid-ready spool and a soft touch knob. pfluegerfishing.com $59.95

Zebco Crappie Fighter Combo

Spincast, triggerspin and spinning reel & rod combos come in 5 to 6-foot-6 models. Each reel, along with a round fly-style jiggin' reel, is also available in 7- to 12-foot combos designed for spider-rigging, trolling, dippin' and jiggin.' Each includes a 10-inch ruler printed on the rod blank. Reels come spooled with 6-pound monofilament dyed in alternating 30-inch sections to facilitate precise drops. zebco.com $24.99-$29.99

Lew's Wally Marshall Dock Shooter Combo

This combo includes a four-bearing Speed Shooter spinning reel with ZeroReverse, lightweight graphite body, skeletal graphite rotor and double-anodized aluminum ported spool. Available in 6- and 6-foot, 6-inch models with premium IM8 graphite blanks, fitted with American Tackle AirWave guide system and split-grip EVA handles. lews.com $59.99