I am looking to purchase a 10' crappie rod.  Does any one have the Berkley C-series crappie rod in the 10 foot length that is sold on the fisherie store?  Does any one use a 10' rod?  Use a 6 1/2 or 7' now.

I don't do the spider rig thing, but I do troll crank baits for them some. That's when I like my 10'6" light power Shakespeare agility steelhead rod. If I'm tossing small floats I prefer my 7'6"ul.

George:   I don't remember if you used a noodle rod or fly rod for steelies but if you used a noodle rod try it once.  For one season I used a 12 foot crappie rod as a centerpin rod and it seemed to work great for me.
 
I'm assuming a noodle rod can't be much different than some crappie rods.

I use a 10' noodle rod a lot also use two 7' UL rods. 1000 and 500 Sedona reels.

George:   I don't remember if you used a noodle rod or fly rod for steelies but if you used a noodle rod try it once.  For one season I used a 12 foot crappie rod as a centerpin rod and it seemed to work great for me.
 
I'm assuming a noodle rod can't be much different than some crappie rods.


I do have a 10' noodle rod.  I could try it for panfish.    My uncle bought a 10' crappie poles years back and he loves it.  But he mostly fishes from shore and I mostly fish from a boat but do both.

I use my noodle rod at times as well.  I think 9'.  I have a sturdier salmon rod as well, that I use for trolling for larger fish as well.  I find them both to be rather hard to use from the boat, casting wise with things to get hung up on, including a fishing partner or two.  It is nice if trolling, to have it out further than my 7'.  The 7' is much easier to use for casting from the boat.  Same reason that I rarely fly fish from my boat, too many things to get hung up on.  The longer rod is also nice for the rare occasions that I vertical jig into a weed bed or brush pile, a 15' cane pole would be much better, but don't do this often enough to ever purchase.  I also wade a bit, and the noodle is nice for getting the light offerings out further, but weighted bobbers do about the same with the 7'.  To me, unless you plan on using it for trolling or always fishing alone from your boat and want a bit longer casting distance (what the trolling motor is for...).  From shore, the only time I can see it being an advantage, is if fish are holding out rather far, and you need that extra 10' cast.  But, it better be pretty clear on your back cast, with trees/brush, ect.
 
Another advantage, which I never do for crappie, is if you wanted to free line fat heads or small shiners.  Or, if you have some small jigs/lures that you didn't want to use a bobber or casting bubble on a shorter rod.  

Porktown
You are correct about trying to cast with a longer rod on the boat.  I do fish from shore a lot so it would help if I needed a longer cast.  My uncle once told me where he was fishing the fish were just beyond his casting range so that is why he bought the 10' stick.

Very hard to beat a B&M rod for feel.I use the 10' Richard Williams model.

Panfisher
Porktown
You are correct about trying to cast with a longer rod on the boat.  I do fish from shore a lot so it would help if I needed a longer cast.  My uncle once told me where he was fishing the fish were just beyond his casting range so that is why he bought the 10' stick.

Dragging out an old post...  I've been doing some research on "float n' fly" fishing.  It's supposed to be great for cold weather, and I enjoy tying the jigs.  If you google it, you'll find some interesting info on how to help control that longer rod on a boat.  I think most use 8'-10' rods.  They will use clip on bobbers or tie them in on a 3 way swivel, with leaders up to 20', with a 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz jig "fly".  I'm doubting that 20' would be good for a beginner...  Regardless, when they cast, the bobber is 18"-24" from their rod tip, with the jig hanging behind them, suspended in the water.  I guess when casting, the resistance of the jig in the water will load the rod, and sling shot it when you cast.  I have not tried, but have tried casting about 8' of leader using my 9' rod, just laying the jig on the ground.  It wasn't the most graceful cast, but worked.  Slip bobber would cast twice as far, if trying to stay deep.  Although, slip bobbers, supposedly don't work well for the "float n' fly" technique.  I'll plan to use mine a bit more in the spring.  If you ended up getting one, let me know how it has been working, or any tips that you figured out.

My favorite way to fish for crappies. I use the foam egg bobbers with the lead pegs. Casts for a mile. I like to putz around with tying jigs too.