Crappie are one of the top five most popular freshwater species in the United States, and they are found in all the lower 48 states. Add in panfish – bluegill, perch, sunfish, and the many related variations found across the country – and aside from perhaps a die-hard saltwater angler, you’d be hard-pressed to find more than a few anglers walking through your doors who have not caught, and likely targeted, crappie or panfish at least a few times each season. This presents a great opportunity for you to provide in-demand tackle with little risk.
So, whether you’re on the precipice of hard-water season, or the local waters stay ice-free throughout the winter months, you’re going to want to be well-stocked on crappie and panfish gear to ensure the sales keep on going!
Freedom Baits
The Freedom Baitz DMR is a versatile straight-tail plastic with a unique twist. Named after the military’s Designated Marksman Rifle, the DMR is designed for precision targeting trophy fish. Just like its namesake, this bait is all about accuracy and effectiveness. Featuring two strategically placed arms off the sides, it delivers an enticing action that mimics the natural movement of prey, triggering aggressive strikes. But the DMR is more than just a precisely engineered tool, it’s the culmination of years of experience and angler ingenuity. Designed in-house by their pro staff member Robert Doubek, the DMR takes the best attributes of proven Freedom Baitz classics like the Tomahawk tail and the Apache, fusing them into one deadly weapon.
Retailer Contact Information
Please call 763-248-0127 or click the link below.
TTi Blakemore
The Slab Spanker features a Bobby Garland Stroll’R body. This body has a unique button curly tail that provides intense action that crappie love. It’s mounted on a Road Runner Sickle Hook Head. The 1/16 has a 1/0 hook and the 1/8 has a 2/0 hook. You can cast, jig or troll the Slab Spanker. This lure has been touted as one of the best selling lures since its introduction last year by retailers and distributors. The Spanker is also available in a 16 peg display for retail environments.
Retailer Contact Information
Please call 1-800-77HOOKS or click the link below.
Engel Coolers
The Engel Live Bait Pro 30 Cooler with Rod Holders is engineered with Engel’s signature injection-molded insulation and features an airtight gasket seal. This 30-quart bait station maintains the perfect environment for all your customers’ panfish bait. At its core is the advanced Engel XL Lithium-Ion rechargeable aerator pump, delivering powerful, whisper-quiet airflow for hours on a single charge—no disposable batteries required. Four integrated rod holders transform the cooler into a portable fishing station, keeping rods secure and gear within reach. Rugged handles and a padded shoulder strap make transport effortless, whether on the shore, dock, or boat.
Leland’s Lures
The Tungsten Eye Hole Pop-Eye Jig combines a fast-falling tungsten head with hand-tied feathers for lifelike motion that triggers strikes when nothing else will. Built with a No. 8 Mustad® hook, it’s strong, sensitive and reliable. The Eye Hole design holds scent in place—just add Crappie Magnet® Slab Bites or Slab Sav to the eye for extra scent and color attraction. Available in 5 colors and sold in packs of two, it’s a must-have for serious crappie and panfish anglers.
Retailer Contact Information
Please call Patty Taylor at 501-268-0754 or click the link below.
2B Fishing
For the ultra-lite angler, a reactive rod matters so 2B FISHING has delivered two new great models to the Genesis lineup. The 2B FISHING Genesis ‘Panfish Series’ has lengths that meet all measures of a classic ultra-lite rod. The moderately fast action blank offers the signature 2B FISHING lightweight feel and balance and is matched with a super comfortable reel seat and Army Cork handle, making it the perfect pairing for today’s advanced pan fisherman. This is the next level of ultra lite rods for the serious angler at a price point that fits every mold.
Retailer Contact Information
Please call 866-244-2277 or click the link below.
Daiwa
What does five ounces feel like? Find a deck of playing cards in the junk drawer. They’re about five ounces. Daiwa has something even lighter—4.8 ounces to be exact. It’s named LUVIAS ST (Sensitive Tune), and it might very well be the lightest spinning reel ever made. Specifically, the 1000 and 2000 sizes weigh a mere 4.8 ounces. An exceptional reel for casting inline spinners, small crankbaits, and jigs for panfish. Daiwa achieved such miniscule weights by building the 1000 and 2000 sizes on a 750 size frame, and the LUVIAS 2500 LT on a 1000 size body. Daiwa technologies include a one-piece, high-density carbon fiber ZAION MONOCOQUE body, elite AIRDRIVE rotor, bail, shaft, and spool, Tough DIGIGEAR, and the famous ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag) TYPE-L.
SEVIIN Reels
SEVIIN’s new 750, 1000, and 2000 size GF Series spinning reels are optimized for high-performance light-line panfish presentations. Each meticulously engineered for smooth and lightweight operation, uncompromising performance, hallmark reliability, and unprecedented value, GF spinning reels place premium panfish experiences within reach of any angler. GF Spinning reels feature lightweight carbon fiber polymer bodies and rotors, anodized aluminum braid-ready spools, slick multi-stack carbon fiber drag systems, and 5+1 stainless-steel bearings.
St. Croix Rod
All-new GXR Lite Combos bring St. Croix performance and SEVIIN reliability to the premium, panfish spinning-combo market. Offering five precision-matched models optimized for light and ultralight freshwater presentations for crappie, bluegill, perch, trout, and other panfish, GXR Lite Combos feature SCII carbon fiber blanks, stainless-steel hybrid guide trains, premium-grade split-grip cork handles, and smooth and ultra-reliable 8+1 bearing 2000-size SEVIIN spinning reels for elevated fishing experiences.
Lew’s
The Wally Marshall Speed Shooter combo features a high-performance reel with a premium 4-bearing system that ensures smooth and long-lasting operation. The Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing and oiled felt multi-disc drag system delivers flawless casting and retrieval. The rod features an IM8 graphite blank, delivering the perfect blend of sensitivity, strength, and durability to detect even the most subtle bites, giving you the control to land your next big catch. The Dock Daddy model features a rear style reel seat on a shorter rod, designed for fishing inside of and tightly around docks for fishability in tight spaces.
Zebco
The Zebco® Ready Tackle® Panfish Spincast and Spinning Combo is a ready-to-fish solution designed for anglers targeting panfish and small gamefish. Built through Zebco’s collaboration with Strike King®, a leader in baits and tackle, this combo features a durable 5’6” light power fiberglass rod and a 20-size spincast reel pre-spooled with 6 lb. Zebco line. It comes with the Strike King Bitsy tackle kit, which includes one Bitsy Pond Minnow, one Bitsy Spin, five Bitsy Tubes, three Tour Grade Bitsy Crackin’ Tube Heads, and one Stringer, offering everything you need for versatile fishing applications. Perfect for ponds, streams, or lakes, this combo delivers ease, reliability, and premium performance to help you catch more panfish.
These are but a few products in the Freshwater Rods, Reels & Combos category. To see more click HERE.
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