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Crappie Fishing Techniques

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Summary: Anglers from either shore or in a boat can enjoy crappie fishing. Like so many fishing techniques, both have some advantages and disadvantages. Shore fishermen have a wide choice, either fishing by wading or from the shoreline, a dock or jetty. Wading is a technique that allows an angler an extra degree of mobility in reaching more fish, especially in the spring pre-spawn period when the crappie are in shallow water. Boats offer the angler maximum mobility and ability to fish crappies using more techniques such as trolling or drifting.

Crappies frequently utilize the shade offered by docks or other floating structures during summer. These areas are attractive because there is an abundance of food and the water temperature is cooler. Still fishing under or around docks can be very productive.

Many state and county-owned lakes have fishing jetties. In many locations stake beds have been placed within casting distance of these jetties and crappie may be suspended near these sructures. Stake beds can be successfully fished by attaching the bait to a bobber at a height which will allow the bait to clear the top of the stakes. Fishing in this manner will reduce the amount of tackle lost and also entice strikes from crappies rising to the bait.

Crappies have a soft, fleshy mouth, and they are frequently referred to as "papermouths." Because of the soft membrane near the jaw, anglers should be very careful when setting the hook and handling crappie. Setting the hook with too much force will only tear the mouth and result in lost fish.

Boat anglers usually fish for crappie by drifting, trolling, or still fishing. Drift fishing is a very popular and productive method in man-made lakes druing summer when crappies are suspended just above the thermocline and are dispersed throughout the lake. Drifting allows a fisherman to cover a large area, and several depths can be fished depending upon the amount of line released and the weight used. If the wind is too strong and the bait moving too fast, the use of a sea anchor will slow the drift. In a situation where the wind is insufficient to move the boat, an electric trolling motor works well. Remember, crappies prefer to have the bait moving.

Still fishing works quite well once a large school of fish is located. Lines can be rigged to fish vertically off the side of the boat. If the action slows, casting with a steady retrieve may draw the fish back to the boat. Anchoring within stands of flooded timber or other habitat structures will also work for still fishing. Don't disregard the opportunity to jig a leadhead directly underneath in these habitats or to use a float to suspend a lure or bait just above the structure.

Many of the same crappie fishing methods that are used in the open water period also work as well for ice fishing. Ice fishermen should remember to move frequently until schools of fish are located. Much like open water, crappies are generally suspended, and it may be necessary to experiment at several depths until the crappies are found.

Regardless of whether artificial or live bait is used, move it frequently. Movement often attracts fish into the vicinity and usually provokes strikes. Jigging spoons should be snapped vertically by moving the wrist upward with a sweeping motion of the arm. When using live bait and a bobber, pick the float off the surface and jiggle the line ever-so-often. Sometimes crappie fishing in the winter is more productive at night than in daylight. A gas lantern not only provides light to see by but often times attracts curious fish.