Tips for Catching Cold Water Crappie Around Pond Docks

I just recently got back to crappie fishing and feel like I'm finally starting to figure things out a bit, I've been casting and retrieving various jigs and caught a lot of crappies doing this but with the water getting colder I'm not sure this will be the best approach. I've seen where people say you can use a small slip float with a small jig and just let it sit and barely move it and wait for a bite. Just got a couple thill pro slip float medium 5/8 inch size and thinking of putting a tube under it. Any tips on baits, sizes, colors, and so on would be greatly appreciated

Edit: fishing for black crappies if that matters

I’m sure Ketchn will weigh in with some great suggestions. He is a master with different conditions.
Bob

If it's really cold you should downsize your bait. The Bobby Garland itty bit baits are perfect for this. You want your presentation to be as slow as possible because fish will not chase a bait when the water is very cold.

When the water temp goes down to 40, or less, I switch to small feathered jigs. Barely move them. The tail feathers will do the rest. I prefer a 1/32 oz head. The other trick I use is a 3/16, (4.6mm), tungsten bead from MFC. I slide the bead, on my line, before i tie on the jig. This has a couple benefits: More weight while still keeping the jig small. Secondly, If I occasionally lift my line, 6-8 inches, and let if fall the bead will "click" as it hits the jig head. I get the beads from BPS in the fly fishing section

I got the BG itty bit slab huntr, may try it next time, so just cast out under a float and slowly retrieve, and just let it sit at times?

The ten day forecast where I'm at is showing 70 for the high tomorrow, 39 for the high 10 days from now, lol

I'll add there are several little rocky rip rap spots that would attract the suns heat and may have fish near them. I always fish from the dock and have not tried these spots

the deepest docks are typically the best , depending on what the bait source is predominantly in the body of water should dictate what size and color bait you use. shade if it's daylight can sometimes make a huge difference .
I sometimes use large baits in lakes with shad because that will likely be what is on the menu for them . black crappie seem to like smaller baits better though .
if its a pond or small lake with crappie , a 1/32 feather jig as mentioned above would be a great choice . they will likely be VERY close to the bottom and you best not move the presentation at ALL ....patience is key on many docks to get bit ,,,,hold still like a statue and DO not twitch it or move AT all .....when you for sure positive you have stood still way to long , stay still a bit longer ....
when you finally start to day dream and you are positive you are wasting time .....they will knock the living fire out of it most of the time.
often times winter crappie just look at it for what seems like forever before they commit to it ....
(sometimes rising the bait in a VERY slow upwards motion and or falling stupid slowly will get bit)
winter fish are often quite a challenge to ketch , holding your jig very still is likely the ticket :highfive

Thanks for the tips guys, if they're close to bottom in cold water generally I might try a dropshot with a loopknot and a small jig and just dangle in their face, seems to be the best tactic