Quote Originally Posted by SwampFisher View Post
How far will crappie and panfish move to eat? As in, if the water is 6ft deep, will they hit a jig a few feet above/below them?
Sometimes they will chase it quite a distance ... but, generally they don't move very far (especially when they're in or close to cover). It depends on their mood at the time, as to how far they will move to intercept a bait. It may also depend on water clarity, temp, and any current (if present).

If you consider where the eyes of the Crappie are placed on their body, their best vision is "above" them, while their least visible area is below them. That's not to say that they can't "feel" the bait below them, and would never go deeper to catch that bait ... it just means that the majority of the time they're positioned to be watching for something to eat "above or at" their level.