Just my 2 cents worth

Last night I woke up about midnight and caught a crappie fishing show on T.V. Two guys sitting side by side at the front fishing for crappie with 4 poles and a long net . They had a cooler between them that they were putting in their catch in .When the guy on the right would hang one and get him to the top, the guy on the left would dip the fish up in the long net. Very unsportsman like. Like spotliting deer for their horns or shooting a covey of quail on the ground. I am getting on in age(74) and love to feel that thump or see a line go slack. I have caught my share of the fish and would much rather catch 5 or 10 my way than 50 or 60 that way . In the near future those fisherman will wonder why they can only catch 8 to 10 small crappie. I like to see crappie fishing shows that instruct how to shoot docks,vertical jig and cast and retrieve crappie jigs. If you fish using the above method, please don't take offence.Don't pat yourself on the back and tell me what a great crappie fisherman you are........Sorry guys, I just had to get it off my chest and that's my 2 cents worth......crappie1133

Respect your opinion, but mine differs. I love to spider rig, but have been way more productive single poling lol. Most of the single polers on this site catch just as many as the spider riggers if not more. I will say this, God created this earth and gave man the responsibility to rule with dominion. This is saying be responsible with what you take. Manage your flocks, but the more you need, the more god provides. Any method you want to catch em, take what you need (or what other brothers and sisters in christ need but cant get for themselves), and leave the rest for another day. This is just my opinion. It does feel good to gets things off your chest. Have a great day sir!

This is what we pay Biologists and Game Wardens (tru license and taxes) for is to determine how many fish can be taken and the methods for taking them. Now if you see someone breaking a law it is also your duty to call and turn them in. So take what is lawful or what you need and release the rest. But if we started trying to say who is right or wrong in how we fish and take fish. There would be some that would say that a hook gives the fisherman an unfair advantage. Don't give PETA any help because this is how they divide and conquer by turning one fisherman or even hunters against the other as how they fish and hunt.:twocents

Regarding spider rigging I used to feel some what the same as crappie1133. But after years and years of slow trolling with a jigging rod in each hand my shoulders can't take it anymore. If I fish like that for a hour or less I am forced to put the rod(rods)into the rod holder. As 1133 said "love to feel the thump" is a big part of the enjoyment of crappie fishing. One thing for sure is, spider rigging is here to stay. I'll bet that most crappie tournaments are won by spider rigging. But in my opinion nothing can replace the THUMP.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. I apologize for putting this in the wrong catogory. This comes with age or stupity. one or the other. I in no way would try to impose my quirks on anyone. I guess with age comes preferences. I mostly give away the fish that I catch. I fish with ultralite rods and 2 pound test line. I like to think,right or wrong, that the fish and I are on a level plating field. there must be a reason some states prohibit the number of rods. Yes, most of the tournaments are won by spider rigging. Maybe there needs to be tournaments where spider rigging is prohibited. Maybe someday, when age is a factor, the majority will love that " thump" or the excitement of seeing that line go slack on the water. Thanks for letting me voice my opinions and good fishing to all.......crappie1133

There are different rules and laws all over. And some of the tournaments here in Missouri are called "one pole" tournaments and contestants may only use one pole at a time. There are also tournaments that allow all types of legal fishing, including spider rigging. Our state's conservation department employs fisheries biologists to keep a close eye on fish harvest, fishing pressure, growth rates, lake conditions, etc. All these things are considered before regulations are posted. I don't know if I'll ever invest in rigging equipment....I love the same things you love about this sport. But as long as a rigger isn't abusing the sport, I say he has every right to pursue it any way he likes.

No matter what method you employ, as long as you abide by the size & creel restrictions, you will do no more damage to a fishery by using twenty poles than by using one. Remember ... not every spider rigger catches a limit every time out, anymore than a one poler does. :twocents

... cp :kewl

Here's a great story for you. I came off the water one day and as I was packing up a guy came over and stared making small talk. Nice guy. Somewhere in the conversation he looked at my spider rigging setup and said "you know there probably going to put a season on that type of fishing. Too many fish being caught"

Keep in mind I've never caught more than 9 fish in a trip. I've probably not caught 30 fish in a YEAR...I work and get maybe a half day to fish when I'm able to break away. This same guy told me at the start of the conversation that keeps a detailed log and that he's limited out almost ever day he's gone this year and that he had 600 fish in the freezer!

AAAHAHAHAA! That fool is taking 20 TIMES MORE FISH from the lake using a single pole than I am with my six poles...and he's still ignorant enough to try to lecture someone else on how they should fish.

Like others have said...you like your way...others like theirs...and there is a reason the state sets the limits and laws.

I do both...single pole and spider rig. It's all fun...even if I'm not great at any of it.

I saw the same show and immediately thought I've gotta get me a setup for that spider riggin thingie but ya know what I won't because as you said love to feel the tick and thump while holding the pole in my hand. That to me is the real thrill in crappie fishing. Now if I'm out looking for meat like saugeye just to eat then I'll troll and could care less about the feel of the strike but there's something special about seeing that bobber go down or feeling that thump. I'm with ya 1133.