Thread: Newbie here-Help

Originally Posted by Armadillo

First, thanks for allowing me to be a part of this group. I'm new to crappie fishing. I've watched hundreds of videos, and read numerous articles. I'm catching 3-5 fish on my outings, while others are catching 18-40 in the same area. What gives? Am I trying too hard?

I doubt you are "trying too hard" ... but you "might" be fishing too fast, too deep, too shallow, or just not in the right spot "in the same area".

I would assume you are using the same methods as those catching more, but if you aren't ... it's time to start. And at the same time, don't beat yourself up over it !! Even seasoned anglers have days where they only catch a few (if any), and stone rookies can get lucky and limit out ... it's not always a given that seasoned anglers always out fish the beginners. Even failure teaches you something.

Keep after'em ... keep learning ... ask questions on your state forum (for local knowledge) ... & keep a positive attitude (even if it's "I'll do better next time").

I have fished in tournaments and been on of the only ones to bring fish in. Have caught more then the rest on some days and haven' caught a thing on other days when everyone else weighed in a limit. Knowing where the fish are and being in the right place at the right time never guarantees anything. Sometime just luck helps out. Willingness to change what you are doing is probably the most important thing. I have found myself sticking to one way of doing thins to many times and have came up empty. Be willing to change things. Move around, fish jigs instead of minnows, find new areas. Tight line, cast, troll. Anyone of these things might just be what the doctor ordered for that particular day. But if you find yourself not catching fish try something different and you may see your catch rate go up. Like Pappy says keep a positive attitude and have fun with. It is only fishing.

It's all about Location, Location, and Location! Crappie will hit most any jig with a fair degree of regularity. Catch one......analyze the conditions; depth, water clarity, presentation. Repeat it, spiraling out from where you've been successful. Use your sonar and take notes. In time, you'll be kickin' 'em!

I don't crappie fish a lot myself either. Even though I have fished for them "some" for 25 years. I mostly am a bass fisherman. What I have found is that most "real" crappie fisherman have the right setup. The right rods and holders for the techniques they are doing. Ex...proper spider rigs for tight lining is a good example. I use the 7' rods that I have and have not purchased the 10-14' proper rods for the technique. However, I have found that if you get the speed right and proper depth you will still catch fish. If you get the "right" setup, you will catch more fish.

Best bet is hire a guide or find a local mentor . I see guys sitting in the front of a boat side by side and one catches 10 to 1 using everything the same but technique and experience .