I have a friend who is looking for a rod for shooting small jigs up under docks to catch crappie. I am completely unfamiliar with this technique since 90% of my fishing is jigging and bobbering for walleye. One of his fishing partners uses a 6'9" medium light XF rod for this technique. I happened to also have a rod with those same specs build on an MHX dropshot blank that is my main jigging rod for walleye. I have tried using this rod in that style by pulling the jig loading the rod and basically using the rod as a sling shot to shoot the jig and it seems to work good.

My main question is guide train. On my rod I used CRB elite guides. I'm basically looking for suggestions on if there is a better guide train setup to use.

Also note that this will be a spinning setup

i think the line type may be more important.if your using mono or flouro try braid about 10#..braid works well on all guides..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/11/2021 01:08PM by ben belote.

i built a rod from fiberglass about 55" long just to use for shooting traps, spinbaits, and chatters when i fish brushy tight farm ponds..i use 10# power pro and can make 50 to 60' shoots..my butt guide is #8BYAG and then #5BLAG guides to tip..this guide train only works with braid not mono..no reductiion guides..they just add weight..just to be clear..i use this rod to make bow and arrow or shooting type casts bye pulling thhe lure back and releasing the lure..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/11/2021 06:58PM by ben belote.

Could try the light MHX shooter blank. The shooter blanks work quite well for skipping jigs under docks, and overhanging trees, plus they are reasonably priced.
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The CRB elite guides do the job. I have built several rods with them. The next step up would be Fuji K series in concept layout in my opinion. They are a user friendly traditional guide to work with and the layout for them can be quite simple using the calculator at anglers resource from the side bar. There are lots of folks here that can help you as well.

I second the recommendation of the shooter series. Very good value.

Light means under 1/8 oz. when I crappie fish, I would also consider the SJ720 in my quest for that, the tip would be a bit more forgiving of any timing, position, or weather issues.

Spencer is on point. The sj720 is exactly what you are after .