I will place a bobber stop at a predetermined distance away from the jig. This would allow me to fish an exact depth. Every cast, the bobber would slide up the line and return to that precise depth as the jig sank. The bobber actually has several functions. First, it marks depth. This is important if fish are suspended at a particular depth. Second, it is a strike indicator. place a bobber stop at a predetermined distance away from the jig. This would allow me to fish an exact depth. Every cast, the bobber would slide up the line and return to that precise depth as the jig sank. The bobber actually has several functions. First, it marks depth. This is important if fish are suspended at a particular depth. Second, it is a strike indicator. , the float bobs up and down with the water movement and provides action to the jig.
About 12 to 16 inches above the bottom jig is the “One More Chance” #4 hook. This was attached to the line using a Palamar knot then putting the tag end back through the hook eye. Attach your bottom jig with a loop knot about 16 inches below the hook. Rigging it this way will make it stand out from the line. Attach a minnow (Through the lips) or a soft plastic and the rig is perfect for vertical fishing or casting. The jig, and the hook, is open hooked face up, meaning that a simple sweep set of the rod is usually all it takes to hook the crappie. Crappies have a soft, fleshy mouth, and they are frequently referred to as "paper mouths." Because of the soft membrane near the jaw, anglers should be very careful when setting the hook and handling crappie. Setting the hook with too much force will only tear the mouth and result in lost fish.
Early season crappie can be found not to far from their spawning grounds. Find a large flat with brush and/or trees then look for a drop-off nearby. More than likely this is where they will be. If the crappie are in shallow water it may be better to make long cast to the crappie rather then setting on top of them. They can get lockjaw from boat noise and other noises. A change in weather (barometric pressure) change in the water level in the lake or a change in water temperature will cause crappies to hold tight to cover. Remember that crappie like to feed on bait that is in front of them or a bit above them. That is why they will hit a jig on the fall. If you are only catching small crappie, try lowering your bait a little deeper.
Crappie fishermen are very competitive when it comes to being one on one with the fish. Put two people on a boat and the one who is trailing in the amount of Crappies caught will always want one more chance to throw to them and make the Crappie bite.
Anyone that has caught a stringer of crappie will understand the reason behind this popularity. They are a fish for all anglers. The method and equipment necessary to catch this fish is simple and inexpensive. Their distribution makes them accessible to nearly all anglers. Crappies are found in a large variety of waters. They are in natural and man-made lakes, reservoirs, and small ponds. Crappies prefer standing water. They are also found in moderate to large interior streams.
Environmental conditions vary widely from one lake to the next. The most productive season for crappie fishing is during spring when fish movements are related to spawning. This will normally occur sometime in May when the water temperature ranges from 58 to 68 degrees F. Locating fish during the pre-spawn/spawn period will produce excellent stringers of fish.
During early spring, crappies move into shallow water areas where the water temperature is rising rapidly. One of my favorite areas to fish is at the Grant’s Mill Bridge Area in Birmingham Alabama. This is a part of Lake Purdy. When the water temperature is right, males move into the shallows near spawning sites and build bowl-shaped nests over gravel, sand, or even muck substrates. Spawning takes place near the base of vegetation stands, so look carefully for emerging vegetation. Although both males and females can be caught, males frequently dominate catches. They are extremely aggressive at spawning time and will often strike at bait in an attempt to defend their nest.
Look for spring crappie near inlets, adjoining marshes, canals and marinas. Spawning crappie is generally found in coves or near the dam. In large reservoirs springtime crappie frequently congregate close to submerged structure. The water flowing into these warms faster than the deep water and attracts crappies that are searching for spawning sites. Springtime crappies will also concentrate in the tail waters below the dam.
Regardless of your personal choice of tackle, it should be lightweight gear. Ultra-light spinning or casting rods equipped with lightweight reels are the best choice and make the detection of a light or short strike easier. Lightweight monofilament line, not exceeding six pound-test line, should be used. The most productive and universal artificial lure for crappie is a 1/16th or 1/32nd lead head jig. It imitates a small minnow when fished properly. The most popular crappie lead heads seem to be either feathered or plastic-bodied. The most consistent producers are white, yellow and chartreuse.
The final factor in giving the Crappie one more chance to find your lure is to remember to fish where they live. I am not talking about just casting your lure into the water. You have to remember that Crappie love weeds and wood. The critical thing to remember about weeds is that crappie lie under or in them and uses them as cover while they wait for passing prey. Presentation to fish in the weeds is critical. Casting directly to the weeds can often be ignored by crappie. What really gets them going is to make a cast past the weeds and then retrieve the lure so it passes parallel to the edge of the weeds. This allows the crappie to see the lure coming at them and then going past them. It is usually more stimuli than they can take; they just cannot let the prey escape!
Until next time, remember to give the crappies “One more chance.” A great source for you to learn how is to visit this teaching website. http://www.crappie.com/crappie/forum.php
Shipahoy and I’ll see you on the water.
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