Josh Jones Hyperlite
Long-reach livescope crappie casting series, 10–16 ft, for forward-facing sonar jig presentation
A crappie-specific livescope/forward-facing sonar rod series designed in collaboration with competitive crappie angler Josh Jones. The series addresses a real technique gap: once a crappie is visible on livescope, a longer rod allows the angler to position a jig precisely in the fish's sight cone and follow its movements without repositioning the boat. Standard 7–8' crappie rods are too short for this application; the Hyperlite series runs 10–16 ft. Blanks are high-modulus graphite with Kevlar wrap reinforcement, the long length makes structural integrity a design challenge, and Kevlar adds hoop strength without excessive weight.
Sea Guide guides with premium inserts keep friction low over long runs. Fuji reel seats. Full cork handles provide grip. The 2-piece construction (all models) is practical given that a 14–16 ft rod is unwieldy as a one-piece. Priced at $259.99 (10–12 ft) and $269.99 (14–16 ft), the series sits in the upper tier of crappie rod pricing. Five models, all casting (baitcasting), all MH power, all moderate action, uniform line (6–20 lb) and lure (1/16–1/2 oz) ratings.
The only variable across the lineup is length: 10', 11', 12', 14', 16'. This uniformity is intentional, the technique doesn't change, only the depth or cover distance that requires reach. The 14' and 16' models are aggressive tools for suspended crappie in open timber or deep reservoirs.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 5 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 5 casting
- Length
- 10'–16' 3.00–4.90 m
- Power
- MH
- Action
- M
- Line
- 6–20 lb
- Lure
- 1/16–1/2 oz 1.8–14 g
- Released
- 2023
Rods in this series
5 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JJ10-2CR | 10' | MH | Buy on Amazon | |
| JJ11-2CR | 11' | MH | Buy on Amazon | |
| JJ12-2CR | 12' | MH | Buy on Amazon | |
| JJ14-2CR | 14' | MH | Buy on Amazon | |
| JJ16-2CR | 16' | MH | Buy on Amazon |
Model notes
3 of 5 modelsEntry length of the series; most adaptable for general crappie work beyond just livescope, dock fishing, spider rigging adaptation, or bank work where 10' provides reach without becoming unwieldy.
Crosses into specialist territory; 14' is specifically suited for suspended crappie visible on livescope in flooded timber or around deep brush where boat positioning is fixed and reach must compensate.
Longest model; among the longest baitcasting rods commercially available for freshwater. Serves extreme-depth livescope applications or crappie anglers made for fish suspended under docks in clear water where boat approach disturbs fish.