Red Worms:

Pretty much a greenhorn as ‘panfishing’ goes. Recently, I experienced great success bluegill fishing using a #2 drop shot hook rigged with 4lb.test and a 1/4 weight (working at 22’) So, I have confidence in that form of presentation.
I used red worms and was wondering if I could have consistent success using red worms in a similar manner for crappies? Red worms last, and are easy for me to work with, so I’d much prefer to use them. But the question remains, will they be effective in producing crappies too? T/U for any insights shared from past experiences:ThumbsUp

Bout the only help I can give ya is that crappie will bite worms. I don’t use them for crappie but have caught them on worms. Waxworms work good also, especially in colder water…

black crappie like worms pretty well in some spots
white crappie a lil bit as well
but it would not be a go to bait for crappie in my book , just saying

Your responses are very much appreciated, as I do not take any instruction they offer for granted.
So, yesterday I was pan fishing and rigged a drop shot with a #2 hook, red worm and 1/8oz.weight. Proved very effective. However, worked the weed line (15’) and found some decent gills and smaller perch in certain areas - was bout 18” off the bottom. My intention was to hopefully get into gills & crappies, but no crappies were encountered. Tried a slip bobber with a similar setup over the tops of the deep weeds, but still no crappies.
So, is it the bait, or that crappies were moving in a different pattern to how I was fishing? My opinion is the latter. But what could/should I have tried differently - check for suspended schools farther outside the weed line? Try small cranks or tubes over or just outside the weeds?
I’ve taken crappies on small tubes before over the tops of weeds, but not consistently, nor in good numbers. To me, crappies seem to be difficult to locate when compared to gills. But, like I said, I have lots to learn!!

And thanks for that. So, when you’re crappie fishing are you ever working the bottom or do you work them suspending…with a slip - bobber or lure?
Yes, waxworms do work. But I’m constantly having to change them, as little fish often steal them. Redworms hold to the hook a lot better.

Minnows work better for crappie than worms. Jigs work work also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Student

Yes, waxworms do work. But I’m constantly having to change them, as little fish often steal them. Redworms hold to the hook a lot better.

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I've never used red worms or nightcrawler pieces for Crappie (Blk or Wht), but I have caught Black Crappie on Meal Worms before (may or may not have been a fluke :dono).
All of my Waxworm or Cricket use, along with the Red Worms and Stalk Borer Worms use has been directed strictly at Bluegill & the other "panfish" of that nature (ie: Longear, Redear, Pumpkinseed, etc). And out of all of those "critters", I've found Meal Worms to last on the hook the longest.

Might be you are fishing too deep. Crappie prefer a bait above them.

They will eat worms and crickets. Minnows might be the best. But I would not be scared to use other things.

You might try your same presentation but substitute in some sort of plastic shad style bait instead of the worms. I like your position along side the weed line to start but as was mentioned, you might get your bait up farther from the bottom for crappie, perhaps 3-5' as a start. One other thought would be to position yourself on the shady side of the weed line if you can. They like the shade, it seems.
I've never used the drop shot presentation but have worked a lot of weed lines. I'm betting they are there but might be more interested in a different lure rather than a worm.

a small jig on a loop knot and a bottle of gulp brand crappie nibbles and toss them worms some other time and place, if you want crappie , just saying

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 6poundtest

You might try your same presentation but substitute in some sort of plastic shad style bait instead of the worms. I like your position along side the weed line to start but as was mentioned, you might get your bait up farther from the bottom for crappie, perhaps 3-5' as a start. One other thought would be to position yourself on the shady side of the weed line if you can. They like the shade, it seems.
I've never used the drop shot presentation but have worked a lot of weed lines. I'm betting they are there but might be more interested in a different lure rather than a worm.

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So it’s becoming clear to me through my limited experience that crappie to tend to work above the gills when they’re in the area. I also too believe that minnows, or the small imitation type lures are the go-to-bait for them. While catching some average size gills near a 15’ weed base, I noticed some on-screen suspended activity in the vicinity. Put on a small minnow crank, cast it out and slowly trolled parallel, but out from the weedline (17’) Lure was likely 5’ down, but I nice crappie took the bait. Dropped a marker so as to work the general area and a repeat pass put another nice crappie in the boat. But that was it. However, and to the point(s) you brought up - working up and out from the weeds, and using a minnow type bait - is what made the connection. IMO, crappies are harder to catch than gills in the summer….location, location, location.


Thanks 6# or sharing that knowledge.

You won't be a novice long. You are doings things right by asking questions and taking note of what works and what doesn't. You have come to the place for the most in-depth knowledge of crappie in all the internet. Good luck!

Happycaster, fishing success comes from knowledge and effort. And sharing knowledge to help others come to be more successful at their fishing is a noble thing. I’m feel fortunate to have access to a forum where so many great fishermen come to share & instruct.