When I down size for BIG Crappie, this is the rod combo I go to! Perfect rod for blue gill and trout but AMAZING for Crappie when you have to down size the baits. Bigger rods do not give you the sensitivity of those light bites that the TCB DELIVERS! Pair the reel with 4LB SOS line and you have the ultimate pan fishing rod and reel. My go to rod & reel for trout, bluegill and casting to crappie when you have to throw baits under 1/8 of an ounce.