Trigerin, as it did with most most us. "My name is Jim, and I'm a crappie addict."....seems to be the way most of my crappie conversations start. lol

Started as a 10 year old with a true cane pole, crickets, a cork and a 12 foot jon boat with a 3 hp Eska (sp) flat top motor, at Reelfoot Lake with PapPaw. What memories!! I too, have evolved, and consequently my bill fold has diminished. Just got into spider riggin myself two years ago and got 'hooked". My very limited experience is riggin in early to mid spring, with some single polin thrown in for memories sake. My summers are filled with golf tourneys till bout Oct., then back to riggin. Haven't pulled cranks at all, so I'm NO help there. Best fishin for me has been FALL riggin. Weather is more predictable and the pressure seems to have quitened down a tad. Some of the 'true junkies' on this board give 'er heck year around. Lucky devils!! If you get into pullin cranks, better buy a large travel chest to hold the bandits.....least that's what I've HEARD. lol For me, it doesn't matter much how I go about the process, jus as long as I can go about the process. Not a "limit" kinda guy, just a few nice specks in the boat and then enjoy the day, meet some great folks, and thank the Lord for the opportunity. Good luck to you and keep experimenting....I think that's the ticket. Find your own niche and make it work.