Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel Review

Let’s Dive into Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel

The Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel is a compact, right-handed trolling reel designed for the crappie angler who demands performance in tight spaces and heavy cover. Mr. Crappie partnered with Lew’s to create this reel, promising a true free spool functionality unlike many other mini crappie reels, and it comes in at an attractive price point of $34.89. I’ve spent years wrestling crappie from thick brush and around submerged timber, so I was eager to see if this reel could live up to the hype of being a scaled-down powerhouse.

I was looking for a reel that offered more finesse when tightline trolling and jigging around heavy cover, specifically a reel that wouldn’t back lash easily. My current reels, while reliable, can be a bit bulky and lack the sensitivity needed for subtle crappie bites. The Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel arrived well-packaged and the first thing I noticed was its incredibly light weight.

Compared to my Daiwa ultralight spinning reels and even some other small baitcasters I’ve used for crappie, this reel felt significantly lighter. I picked this over inline reels and other similar sized reels because of Mr. Crappie’s reputation and the design of this reel’s free spool capability. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I was excited about the weight and size, but a little concerned about the two-bearing system and how smoothly it would operate under pressure.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place on Lake Fork, a renowned crappie hotspot known for its submerged timber and brush piles. I tested the reel using a tightline trolling technique, slowly moving along the edges of brush piles with a 1/16 oz jig and minnow. The reel performed surprisingly well in these conditions; it was easy to control the line depth and detect subtle strikes.

Despite a light drizzle, the reel maintained its smooth operation, and the graphite frame didn’t feel slippery. I did have to adjust the spool tension a bit to prevent any overruns, which is to be expected with a new reel, but overall, the learning curve was minimal. After several hours of fishing, I landed a few decent crappie, but had some difficulty setting the hook on lighter strikes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel has proven to be a reliable, though not flawless, performer. There are some signs of minor wear on the graphite frame, mainly cosmetic scratches from bumping against the boat and branches. Cleaning is relatively simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my older, more expensive reels, the Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel doesn’t offer the same level of refinement in terms of drag smoothness and overall feel. It performs adequately in most situations, but it’s not quite the powerhouse I initially hoped for.

Breaking Down the Features of Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Mr. Crappie. This collaboration with Lew’s brings credibility and established reel design to the crappie market.
• Reel Type: Trolling. Designed specifically for tightline trolling and jigging, a favorite technique for crappie anglers.
• Hand: Right. Tailored for right-handed anglers.
• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1. Provides a good balance of speed and power for crappie fishing, retrieving 19 inches of line per turn.
• Bearing Count: 2. A 2-bearing system, while not the highest, contributes to smooth operation.
• Recovery: 19 in per turn. This is a decent rate for keeping up with moving baits or quickly retrieving line.
• Mono Capacity: 10lbs/100yds. Provides ample line capacity for most crappie fishing scenarios.
• Additional Features: 6.1-1 Gear Ratio, 2 Bearings. Seems to be conflicting information provided since the main Specifications state 5.21 Gear Ratio.
• Weight: 5.6 oz. This lightweight design minimizes fatigue during long days on the water.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the reel’s performance and usability. The lightweight design is crucial for all-day fishing comfort. The gear ratio dictates the retrieval speed and power.

Performance & Functionality

The Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel performs its intended job of tightline trolling and jigging reasonably well. It allows for precise depth control and facilitates bite detection, but the drag system could be smoother. The main strength is its lightweight design, which makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.

One weakness is the two-bearing system, which doesn’t offer the same level of smoothness as higher-end reels with more bearings; it’s not as effortless as it could be. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly crappie reel, but falls short of exceeding them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate for the price point. The one-piece graphite frame and sideplates contribute to the reel’s lightweight design. The reel feels comfortable in hand, and the compact size is a definite plus for anglers with smaller hands or those who prefer a minimalist setup.

There’s a slight learning curve associated with adjusting the spool tension to prevent overruns, but after a few casts, it becomes second nature. Overall, the design is functional and ergonomic, but not particularly innovative.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel should last for several seasons of regular use. The graphite frame is susceptible to scratches and dings, but it should hold up to normal wear and tear. Maintenance is straightforward; a quick cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s required.

Repair may be more challenging due to the limited availability of replacement parts, but for the price, it might be more cost-effective to simply replace the entire reel if something major breaks.

Accessories and Customization Options

The reel comes pre-spooled with 6-pound-test Mr. Crappie monofilament fishing line, which is a nice bonus for beginners. There aren’t any readily apparent customization options for this reel, but the spool can be swapped out for different line types and pound tests. Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited due to the reel’s unique size and design.

Pros and Cons of Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel

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Who Should Buy Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel?

The Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel is perfect for beginner crappie anglers or those looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight option for tightline trolling and jigging. It’s also a good choice for anglers who fish in tight spaces and heavy cover where a smaller reel is advantageous. Those who require the utmost smoothness and precision in their reels should skip this product.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality, low-stretch monofilament or fluorocarbon line to improve sensitivity and hooksets.

Conclusion on Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel

The Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel is a decent entry-level option for crappie anglers on a budget. While it doesn’t offer the same level of performance and refinement as higher-end reels, it’s lightweight, functional, and surprisingly capable for its price point. The value proposition is justified given its affordability and targeted use case.

I would recommend it to beginner anglers or those looking for a secondary reel for specific situations. If you’re just starting out or need a backup for tight quarters, give the Mr. Crappie Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel a try. Go catch some crappie!