3 Best Cheap Crappie Rod and Reel Combos
Crappie are one of the most fun and most underrated fish species to catch. You can catch them nation wide and 12 months out of the year. And in order to catch fish, you need a rod and reel.
So without breaking the bank, here are the best cheap crappie rod and reel combos.
Basics of Crappie Combo
For the most part, there isn’t actually anything specific to crappie about these rod and reels. They will be just like a standard panfish setup.
- Light or Ultra Light Rod: The shorter and lighter action rods are much better for fighting smaller fish and casting smaller baits. Also, they are way more fun.
- Smaller Reels: The smaller reels allow you to use very light weight line and still cast them far enough and precise enough.
1. Reaction Tackle SmoothCast
Price: $39.99
This is both my personal favorite and the newest combo on this list. I absolutely love Reaction Tackle products, and when they released their first rod and reels earlier this year, it got me very excited.
The Reaction Tackle SmoothCast is a 4’8″ ultra-light spinning rod and reel combo designed for finesse fishing and works very well for crappie fishing.
At 4’8″, this combo is a bit smaller than the others on the list, but in my opinion, that just makes fighting panfish like crappie even more fun and exciting.
Features:
- Rod: 2-piece 4’8″ IM6 carbon rod with ultra-light action.
- Reel: Smooth and durable spinning reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio.
- Performance: Engineered for excellent balance, casting distance, and sensitivity.
- Line Compatibility: Supports mono line from 2-6 lbs and braided line up to 10 lbs.
Need an all purpose combo? Read about the Reaction Tackle Predator Pro!
2. Lew’s Crappie Thunder
Price: $59.99
Lew’s is one of the most consistent and trustworthy rod and reel brands on the market. They have been making incredible rods and reels for decades, and the Crappie Thunder is their take on the budget panfish setup.
The Lew’s Crappie Thunder Spinning Combo is a 2-piece rod and reel combo designed for crappie and panfish anglers.
The combo is pre-spooled with 6lb monofilament line and is ready to fish out of the package.
Features:
- Rod: Premium 2-piece graphite blank for durability and strength.
- Handle: Comfortable EVA split grip handle.
- Reel: Lightweight graphite reel frame and spool with all-metal gears and dual ceramic pick-up pins.
- Versatility: Ideal for jigging over brush and standing timber or trolling for suspended fish.
- Action: Available in various lengths with light or fast action depending on the model.
3. Shakespeare Amphibian
Price: $34.99
Shakespeare has been a big name in the panfish industry for very long time. And they always seem to produce very high quality rods and reels at each price point.
The Shakespeare Amphibian Spinning Combo for crappie fisherman who are just looking for a basic panfish setup that won’t cost too much money. The combo is pre-spooled with 6 lb line, making it ready to use right out of the box.
Features:
- Rod: 5’6″ tubular glass rod with a 2-piece design and medium power.
- Reel: Size 30 spinning reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio and a multi-stop anti-reverse system.
- Handle: Comfortable EVA split grips.
- Colors: Available in blue, orange, and pink.
Best Line Size for Crappie Fishing
Some crappie setups, including a couple of the ones above, will come with line already spooled up on th reel.
But if you prefer to use your own, get tangled, or just want new line, I suggest using either 4 lb or 6 lb test line.
They do offer 2 lb line, but I have found that it is just too light and becomes difficult to even tie knots and undo tangles without accidentally breaking the line.
And then 8 lb line and heavier will start to become too invasive and visible to the smaller crappie that are eating and hunting smaller prey.
I personally use 4 lb test the vast majority of the time, but will use 6 lb if I am in muddy water or targeting very big crappie.
Also Read: How to Find Crappie in a Pond
Reeling this In
Fishing for crappie doesn’t have to be a big investment. With a wide range of affordable yet effective rod and reel combos available, you can easily find a setup that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
Whether you prefer the ultralight action of the Reaction Tackle SmoothCast, the proven reliability of the Lew’s Crappie Thunder, or the no-frills practicality of the Shakespeare Amphibian, there’s a great option out there for every angler.
Just pair your new combo with some 4 or 6-pound test line, and you’ll be ready to hit the water and start reeling in some of the most enjoyable fish to catch.
