Summer Crappie Fishing in NE

[jordy1380]

Ok, so this summer has been really slow for crappie in NE so far. I think that many are suspended in open areas but they are down in 10+ FOW. What do you use to get down to them and what are the different strategies? The lakes that I fish don't have much for structure in the open areas' If you're fishing trees then you're fishing in 8' or less. I always struggle to fish on days that have 15mph+ winds because my baits never feel like they get down to the level they need to be. What things can I do?? Thanks for the input ahead of time!

[bhgammon]

The quick and easy way to set your baits for 10 FOW is to find an area that is flat and 10 feet deep; experiment with bait weight, and speed, until your baits are bumping bottom. If the crappie are at the 10 foot depth, increase your speed .1 to .3 mph in order to have your baits above the crappie. If this doesn't get results, the crappie have lockjaw and you probably need to stop by the meat market and get yourself a nice thick T bone steak and a bag of charcoal.

Better fishing days will come.

B-

[jordy1380]

I think that a limit of crappie is HARD to come by in NE during the summers. I caught more crappie in November and through the ice last year than I did the entire year! I caught most of my crappie this year in the spring. Crappie in NE must have lockjaw during the summer lol because they're just a pain. Also, getting baits down in the wind and waves you can't even feel a 1/8 or 1/16 oz sometime and I don't think you want to upgrade to a 1/4 because the hooks are too big? Guess I've never used anything more than 1/8 for them because 13" crappie are hard to come by here.

[Cmj]

Also, getting baits down in the wind and waves you can't even feel a 1/8 or 1/16 oz sometime and I don't think you want to upgrade to a 1/4 because the hooks are too big? Guess I've never used anything more than 1/8 for them because 13" crappie are hard to come by here.

1/4 oz is fine. I have caught lots of 6" Crappie on a 3" jig with a 1/4oz head. Remember, you can't catch them if you can't get the bait down to them. Do whatever it takes to get the presentation that you want.