Need some setup help

I finally have the time to do something I've always wanted to do...learn to crappie fish. I've caught a few here and there but I've never focused on crappie and the various techniques that come with it.

So this year I'd like to rig up to do this right. I will be starting from scratch. I have no dedicated gear...all my stuff is bass fishing gear.

What are your suggestions for someone who wants to start out right and learn to pull cranks, spider rig, long line? Those seem to be the techniques I read most about so I figure I'll start with those.

Any suggestions are welcome. I already have a boat...18.5 Excel Crappie with a Suzuki DF90 and a Minn Kota Terrova iPilot.

My best suggestion would be to find 2 or 3 buddies that are already using these techniques and go with them and learn. It will cut your learning curve by years.

I would but all my buddies are deer hunters and bass fishermen...none of them crappie fish.

Come on down, I'll show ya how I do it.

youtube videos and the "search" feature on this website are good places to get started if your needing to learn a new technique.If you can't go with a friend,hire a guide.Each type technique you mentioned can require it's own equipment,so figure out which way you would prefer to catch fish and start there.As a bass fisherman,I like to worm or jig fish.I love the "THUMP" so I like to single pole crappie fish.I also enjoy spider rigging which is not as easy as it looks.One more piece of advice,remove ALL your bass stuff from your boat so you HAVE to concentrate on crappie fishing.

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Originally Posted by RTJ214

One more piece of advice,remove ALL your bass stuff from your boat so you HAVE to concentrate on crappie fishing.

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Dude...you totally busted me. I laughed when I read that because I know dang well I'd have had two or three bass poles with me "just in case".

I'll take that advice to heart. thanks.

X2 on the Bass gear. PM Feelay and set up a trip with him and he will teach you more in a day than most of could a year. Also save you a bunch of money in getting set up right the first time.

I think you should go with feelay it will save you money in the long run

The best way to save money in the end is to buy good gear as you can afford it......that way you wont have to keep upgradeing.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

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Originally Posted by fishinhunter

I would but all my buddies are deer hunters and bass fishermen...none of them crappie fish.

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That right there is your main problem, you been hanging out with the wrong kinda people, its time to make some new friends. :)

and by the way, no such thang as a bass, they are green carp and are a nonono in a crappie boat.:biggrin
get yo-self down here and fish with the likes of feelay. i can assure you, you will pay for the trip with money you save riggin your boat with the right stuff the first time....

A trip with a guide like Feelay will save you a chunk of money in the long run. Pick a style of fishing you want to do and go with someone that knows that style. You'll get 1000 opinions on what to do, buy, try, etc., but the best way to keep from spending money for the wrong gear is to go on a trip with a competent guide, and let them show you what you need.


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

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Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

A trip with a guide like Feelay will save you a chunk of money in the long run. Pick a style of fishing you want to do and go with someone that knows that style. You'll get 1000 opinions on what to do, buy, try, etc., but the best way to keep from spending money for the wrong gear is to go on a trip with a competent guide, and let them show you what you need.


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

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This is getting werid but for the second time in a week. I 100% agree with Brm.

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Originally Posted by fishinhunter

Dude...you totally busted me. I laughed when I read that because I know dang well I'd have had two or three bass poles with me "just in case".

I'll take that advice to heart. thanks.

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Voice of experience...Old habits die hard.I would be throwing a spinnerbait while spider rigging,get to close to the bank,get all that crappie stuff hung up,broke several rods that way.

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Originally Posted by Big H trucking

This is getting werid but for the second time in a week. I 100% agree with Brm.

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I've just got Lucky!!!!. Lmao.


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers