Set-ups for casting for slabs?

[VaCrappieMan]

I have looked at the diawa ss700 just haven't ever bought one... My combo of choice is a 6'8" fenwick elite tech river runner (ultra light) w/ a 1000 series shimano sahara... I also have a esp rod that a liked for a bit and I found a 6ft rod from dicks called a tec lite which I like better than the ESP and I have a Sahara on it too... Happy hunting!

[CrappiePappy]

That's what I was curious about if you guys ever have luck casting to rocky banks. I seen a lot of people here cast into brush on deeper water. I normally fish deeper water because I can usually find crappie there most of the year. How do you guys set up floats when your casting and what kind of set up do you use. I know with casting you can get into the bigger fish with out spooking them and that's what I'm after I still catch large crappie when spider rigging but I know I'm spooking slot more especially in shallow water.

I have had luck casting to rocky banks & bluffs/cliffs ... usually in late Fall, early Winter period. I've also had luck casting to pea gravel & sandy banks ... usually in the Spring spawning period. But, even on those banks, there was likely some bit of wood or woody debris on the bottom, that was holding those fish there. Normally I would use a jig/plastics for the deep rocky banks ... and a 1/16oz Roadrunner for the gravel/sand banks.

I rarely use a float/jig ... but, when I do, I'm using a 8' BnM FnF rod/Mitchell 308X reel/6lb test Vicious hi-vis line ... and a small plastic clip-on float. I can cover water depths from ~1ft to about 10ft with the 8' rod & a fixed float.

... cp

[kycreek]

Seems like the black crappie prefer the rocky banks more so than the whites.

[bluedrifter]

Seems like the black crappie prefer the rocky banks more so than the whites.

I think so.

[bluedrifter]

I like to exp. with different baits that I might buy at the store. I like to bass fish and usually have some 4-5inch flukes in my bag. I have found that cutting the tail off to about 1.5-2inches long and cutting it at a 45 degree angle produces a great action for casting. it tends to dart up more than forward if it is cut that way. I have also cut the belly off of sassy shad baits to make a thinner minnow type profile. that also tends to make the sassy shad swim true and not roll over. I have also found that cutting a larger sassy shad that whey and cutting it down shorter makes the hole bait move and not just the tail because you end up with a large tail on a smaller body. I just thought I would post this for different bait ideas when casting.

[old crappie fisherman]

I prefer casting to any other type crappie fishing. I use many of the techniques already mentioned but one of my favorites is fishing deep river ledges (15 to 30 feet). Jig weight varies from 1/6 to 1/32 oz. depending upon wind and current. Lighter is better when conditions allow. My rods vary from 4 to 5 1/2 feet. My line is hi visibility yellow 4 lb test. My reel is any small ultra light with a smooth feel and a good drag. This method requires a fairly long cast and allowing the jig to sink to the bottom. Keep most of the slack out and watch for line movement on the fall. Strike at any change in line appearance. Once on the bottom lift the jig and make 1 or 2 reel turns and watch the line on the fall. Strike at any line movement or feel. Repeat until the jig is under the boat. I see and not feel 80 % of the fish I catch. I make my own jigs so that I am not concerned about losing some. I tie my jig on with an improved clinch knot that usually breaks in the knot when necessary. I catch more than I can use and like to share with older folks in my church and neighborhood who can no longer fish. I also eat fish 4 to 5 times a week.

[ehall]

I have looked at the diawa ss700 just haven't ever bought one... My combo of choice is a 6'8" fenwick elite tech river runner (ultra light) w/ a 1000 series shimano sahara... I also have a esp rod that a liked for a bit and I found a 6ft rod from dicks called a tec lite which I like better than the ESP and I have a Sahara on it too... Happy hunting!

I also use the elite tech river runner, only i have a Shimano CI4 2500 on mine. In the spring, after ice out, i throw 1/8th ounce Mid South tubes under a clip on red and white foam 1" wide foam bobber. I fish it anywhere from 6"-4' under the bobber. I figure the fish are up shallow for a reason and that's to put the feedbag on! I use bobbers with no weight, because many times all that will happen is the bobber will "pop" up on its side as the fish inhale the tube. Its a pattern that my buddies and i have used forever, at this particular time in the season.

[Chasincrappie]

I cast for crappie about 80% of the time and agree with what has been said. My favorite rod & reel combo is a UL Quantum rod and reel about 6 foot. I throw Panfish Assasins, twister tails, tubes, LFT Lures, but my favorite is a 1" Gulp minnow on a 1/64th jig head. The head being pink seems to help alot on occasion. This takes awhile to sink, but the slow sink is worth it. I cast to everything mentioned. I also use a clip on bobber in 4 to 10 foot of water and just reel, then stop. I see alot of lift bites by the bobber just rolling on its side. Works for crappies and gills both.