A few stupid questions about rigging.

New to crappie fishing, so a few dumb questions.

I'm looking up ways to rig rods and baits better---enjoyed DrJayhow's videos BTW.

I am going to start rigging up some 3-way swivels and droppers and such. I was thinking that the way these were done with the dropper off the 3-way and the bottom bait dragging behind the 3/4oz. weight is so that the line the bait is on is slack and enables the fish to inhale it without feeling resistance from the main line. Is this correct?
In truth, I have always just tied two hooks directly to my main line with a 3/4oz weight on the end to drag bottom and keep the line tight. Obviously this is a huge no-no and I will no longer do this.
I was just curious if the above reason is why it's such a bad idea.
Also, will the bottom hook snag stuff worse or not as bad as the way I've done it in the past.
I am also planning on having some rigs already made up in prep for break-offs, and putting 8 lb. test on my reel, with 6lb. test on my droppers in hopes that the 6 will break off below below my 3-way and I can just snap a new rig on.
Any info appreciated.
JBJ

BTW, I was thinking about doing a minnow on one hook and a jig off the 3-way. Does anyone have any luck with this, or is 2 minnows usually best either way?
I know some of you guys use 3 minnows/hooks. Do you find you go through a lot of bait like this?

The main reason I don't let the weight drag the bottom is because of hang ups. I usually find the fish are always a foot or two off bottom anyway. I feel I get more bites with the bait above the fish rather than below. I think the rationale for the minnow being on a slack line is that it can move around easier. I don't think crappie have any problem inhaling a minnow no matter what line u tie it to . I tie to the main line and with the boat drifting, they look like they are swimming along ( at least in my mind).

I will say that in a lake like Pines, lots of people fish with the sinker on bottom because there is so litttle brush/cover out there. If you try that at Bist or Caddo, u are in for one miserable day.

Another option is the Capps/Coleman rig, just too much tying for me. I like something I can replace rapidly. I have also tried pre tied rigs and I ended up with a mess more times than not. Good luck, hope this helps,


drjaay

I use Mr. Crappie troll-tech crappie rigs with shiners and/or jigs:

Mr. Crappie Troll Tech Crappie Rig - YouTube

Keep in mind that I am a novice, but this is what I have tried and am going to try.

I wanted to fish 3 jigs at a time. I used loop knots for the top 2 to help simulate a swimming motion. I began spiderrigging and those a a lot of baits to lose when you "find" underwater structure, so I needed some quick to get all of the poles back in the water. I had some lines made up, in which I used swimming noodles to wrap them around while not in use. I didn't have good luck with them, due to tangles and if the top jig hangs on something; then I lose them all.

I changed the setup to one that consist of 2 jigs or #2 hooks and a 3-way swivel, basically like the Capps & Coleman rigs. I tied some 18" long and some 4" long, all have loop knots on the top so that they can be changed or replaced quickly. I haven't used this setup yet, but I believe it will be more versatile than my previous setup. Also, I put 1/2 oz. egg sinkers on the ones that are 18" long with #2 hooks.

I really appreciate the responses, guys! Dr.Jayhow, that answered all of my questions. I think I'll back off of the pretied rig deal. It makes more sense to me about the reeling up two cranks off bottom now, as well. I'll definitely start doing that. I think you guys are catching about 5-7 fish to my one so I definitely need to make some changes. I enjoy going to Cypress but have not had huge luck. Last Tuesday, we only caught 9 keeper crappie and a channel cat. It was bluebird weather right after a front, and they just didn't bite for us. I'm looking forward to trying some better set-ups, and am still considering a 10ft. jig pole. I just don't want to part with the money that they want for one. I'm definitely going to get one before the spring spawn on Caddo. I have intentions of catching some big crappie in the spring!

I don't know if anyone notices but me, but that ramp around by the dam is super nice and has an excellent angle to the ramp. Makes for very smooth launches.
Later,
JBJ

Hmmmmm,
I just checked out the Mr Crappie troll-tech rigs. Looked interesting.
:)

here is how i rig up my spider rig set ups. the lengths are up to your individual preferences.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5247.jpg

doc :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bayoumonster

Hmmmmm,
I just checked out the Mr Crappie troll-tech rigs. Looked interesting.
:)

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Instead of bare hooks for shiners, I use gnats from Donnie at Crappie Logic. They catch fish.

I am sorry but what are gnats? Thanks!

Go to member classified. Donnie has a lot of pictures and contact info. Donnie@crappielogic.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by docwaldo

here is how i rig up my spider rig set ups. the lengths are up to your individual preferences.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...o/DSCN5247.jpg

doc :)

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X2 except I may have only 12" from bottom hook to weight.
Quick, easy, cheap and it works.
SeaRay