Crappie Fishing 101

[Bullet89]

With the temps beginning to get cold and the bass fishing getting really getting tough for me I plan on going out and trying to put some crappie in the freezer. Only issue is as clueless as I am of bass fishing I have even less knowledge of how to crappie fish. What kind of rod works well and what kind of structure and depth should I be looking for. I've read about bobby garland lures in various colors and 1/16 or 1/32 jig heads but how should lure be retrieved. Basically any tips on how to fish and what kind of water to look for would be appreciated. I'm not looking for a secret spot or lure or anything I'm just hoping to learn something new I know nothin about and any tips would be appreciated thanks.

 

[Blue76]

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I am trying to figure out the same thing.

Nice guys on this forum have offered to take me out and school me...

 

[Jpxb2003]

If you are used to structure fishing for bass then thats a start. Crappie are even more structure related than bass are. Brushpiles, docks, stumps, and points are what I mostly fish. This time of year I usually do the best in the 10-20 ft range. For equipment I prefer a 5 ft ultralight spinning rod/reel with 4lb test line. Bobby Garland makes good baits but really any grublike bait will work. Colors depends on alot of factors but any shadlike color, chartreuse, whites, and even pink works at times. Just change up till you figure out what they want on that day. As far as retrieve I would just have to show you but basically a slow steady retrieve works best for me. When you think you are fishing slow then slow down some more.

There are literally thousands of crappie holes on the lake. Heck find and make your own with brushpiles. Adds another aspect of the "hunt" for me. If you know one of the crappie gurus on here se if they will take you out and show you some pointers. Like anything, it takes time and patience but it is a load of fun. Good luck!

 

[cptenn94]

I dont have really any experience crappie fishing(I have a lifetime total of 3 crappie, and only 1 of them was a keeper), buying small 2-3 inch minnows can work very well for catching crappie.(or at least getting started).

The first crappie I caught, was around dusk, and on a small gold spinner blade with a red body and charteruese tail.
The second crappie was caught in the afternoon, on a small pinnk and black maribou jig.
The third crappie was caught on minnow. This one was a good sized keeper.

All the crappie I have caught have been from shore fishing, or the pier at chester frost. So I have kinda had to have the crappie come to me.

From everything I know, finding the crappie is the key to catching them.

Also crappie like to target baits that are presented above them rather than things in front of them, or below them. So if you can figure out what depth crappie are at, just present your bait or lure a few inches above them.

I have heard that crappie love to hang out in dropoffs.

 

[Bullet89]

Thanks for the advice guys I'm gonna go out and give it a try one day this week hopefully I'll get on some

 

[Javelin33]

I knew this was here somewhere. Read this older thread it has about all you need to know about crappie fishing included in it.

http://chattanoogafishingforum.com/...t=1&highlight=crappie+fishing&highlightmode=1

 

[JimP]

that's a good thread for all crappie guys to read.

 

[Footman1824]

This is a very informative article. I knew some of what was mentioned but took notes on things I didn't know. My question is has anyone used or is using fluorocarbon line for crappie fishing? If so, what brand, # test, and what are your thoughts and results from using this type of line for crappie fishing?

 

[foodsaver]

most people on here use hi vis yellow line for crappie. makes it easier to see the line jump