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to catching Crappie? I hardly ever catch any. I never Crappy fished while growing up, mainly Bass and Catfish. I can catch bass, catfish, trout, bream and about any other fish I want but seem to struggle with crappie. Is there some deep dark magic secret that I am unaware of? LOL. Maybe it wasn't meant to be for me. I dunno. How do ya'll do it and what is the best lake in NEA for crappie this time of year? Thanks
I think the biggest secret is to get out there and fish. There are so many different techniques you could spend thousands of $$$$$ and still not catch any thing unless you go. Traditionally, I have been a "sit on a top" kind of guy. But, recently I have taken an interest in trolling crankbaits. This weekend, I marked at least two dozen brush piles on Quachita while trolling. I didn't catch anything. But, now I have some holes to check on through out the year. Some guys spider rig, others use jigs exclusively, some use minners, some use minners and jigs, while some tightline when others use a cork.
Bottom line is to concentrate on the trip and the fishing. The catching will come. Read up on some of the methods mentioned through a search on this sight. Try what sparks your interest until you find your MOJO.
DP
Crappie fishing is way more finesse type fishing. I see where you are from Jonesboro(I'm from Carlisle. You are probably used to fishing in water that when "clear", you can see your jig about a foot deep!! It is a type of fishing that you can't just jump into. Techniques have to be acquired with time. I started crappie fishing with my dad when I was about 3 years old, and am still an AVID crappie fisherman. My #1 point when fishing in timber is to NOT BE AFRAID TO GET HUNG UP!! Take your time, let you jig fall without slack in the line, and watch and "feel" the line. Sometimes they will just hold onto the jig. Go with another avid crappie fisherman, and WATCH! And do what he does.
My thoughts are to find a respectable guide (Jerry Blake or Darryl Morris are the only two I have had any dealings with). Take a day trip with them and ask plenty of questions. They will be more than willing to share what they know and with the years of experience these guys have, you can take their advice as truth!
I agree with getting a seasoned crappie fisherman to take you fishing. Learn from him or her and fit the technique that suits you best. What works for me is to know the lakes as well - obtain lake maps and learn to use a fishfinder to locate cover and FISH!
I'm no expert when catching Crappie but kind gentlemen and a hoot of a guy, "CRAPHEAD" took me out and basically allowed me to watch his "jigging" technique. Well, I kinda put my own spin on it, along with my favorite jig and I catch a few - a lot more now than in the past. So basically, I've improved 500%.
Don't listen to those other guys. It is just that you have too much static electricity in your body and the fish can sense it. you need to ground it out by jumping into the lake to discharge some electrons. It's an old indian trick that works nearly every time.
All of these ideas are good and the information is correct. Everyone has their on way, and that will include you. The main thing is learn how the crappie thinks and acts. Also learn your lake and its build. Just remember that in the spring they will stage and then spawn. After spawn they will find a good mud flat and eat like crazy to gain back what they have lost during spawn. Never overlook cover and the depth of water. Keep your mouth shut and watch and listen to the old time crappie fishermen.
Ole' Gomer really knows his stuff! It really helps to splash around a lot with 20 lbs of copper wire (or lead or steel chain) attached to each arm in 8 to 9 FOW. Be sure it's just enough chain that you can't swim with it but enough to let you splash a lot. Tie the anchor rope around some part of the body to help get back into the boat and now get rid of that static electricity!! It helps to have someone on the other end of that anchor rope to help you back into the boat too!! It being an old Indian trick, they just used rope and rocks. The crappie will smother you!!;);) :D :D :D :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Gomer Snerd
I too used to be a bass fisherman,if you can catch bass you can crappie the same way only down size lures and line.I only cast for crappie just like I did bass fishing in the same area's I used to bass fish.I mostly cast 1/32 jig heads with curly tails,sliders and sometimes tubes and have no trouble catching crappie.Altho crappie are like bass sometimes when lockjaw is in season,you'll have to look for the key to open the locked jaws the same way you do when lockjaw bass fishing.I use 6lb line b/c you'll still always catch alot of green crap lol.I also catch alot of big bream,crackers while searching for crappie.When lockjawed I drop down to 2lb line and smaller jig head,if the bite is good I go to a bigger jig head and 6lb.
Use the same tricks you do when bass fishing and you'll pick up the feeling for catching crappie while still catching bass too...down size line and lures
alot of good points have been made but the most important one is the fact that you have to go...the best crappie fisherman are the old timers...why? they have years of knowledge and most of the time they are retired and have more time to go...if i were you, i'd find out where the crappie are biting, find some folks fishing for them and get close enough to watch and duplicate what you see...don't be afraid to ask what they're using...most crappie fisherman are generous and don't mind sharing