| Crappie are some of the best tasting fish to eat | | | | They love to get into brush and underneath logs. |
| and some of the most fun to catch as well. But if | | | | - Live minnows are usually the best Crappie bait |
| you have never been taught crappie fishing, how | | | | to use. You can buy these at the local bait shop. |
| do you do it? | | | | Tie a #2 hook to the bottom of your line about |
| The following Crappie tips for beginners will help | | | | 18 inches below a cork. You can experiment with |
| you get started on the right path to enjoying the | | | | different depths. You many need to adjust the |
| thrill of catching Crappie. | | | | cork down to 36 inches or more below the cork. |
| - Use light action rods. You do not have to spend | | | | If you have multiple poles that you are fishing |
| a fortune on expensive rod and reel combos. You | | | | with, try different depths with each pole until you |
| can even use a cane pole quite effectively. The | | | | find the sweet spot. |
| best rod and reel combo is something lightweight | | | | - If you are using jigs, start with the 1/8 oz jig |
| such as a Zebco 404 or similar model. Do not buy | | | | heads. Chartreuse is a very effective color to use |
| a medium or heavy action rod for Crappie fishing. | | | | when Crappie fishing, so that is the color I would |
| You will not be able to feel the bite as well with | | | | start with. Drop your jig close to a log or stump |
| these type of rods. | | | | and let down to the bottom. Bring back up and |
| - Do not blow a lot of money on loads of tackle. | | | | drop in another spot near cover. Do not forget to |
| All you really need to catch Crappie is some | | | | go back and drop your jig in the previous spot at |
| lightweight line (I suggest 4-8 pound mono | | | | least once more before giving up on it. |
| filament line), some #2 hooks (I prefer the wire | | | | - If you are fishing from a pier or boat, tie a light |
| braid gold hooks by Eagle Claw), and some | | | | weight at the bottom, and tie a loop knot about |
| lightweight sinkers, and corks. If you would like, | | | | 8-12 inches above the weight and put a #2 hook |
| you can also purchase a pack of Crappie jigs. | | | | on the loop. Hook a minnow under the dorsal fin, |
| Usually you can find a pack of Crappie jigs with | | | | and drop down your line about halfway down. |
| different weighted heads and different body | | | | Most Crappie will suspend, so that is why you only |
| colors at the local sporting goods store for under | | | | drop halfway down to start. If no bites, then drop |
| $10. | | | | to 3/4 down. |
| - Determine your fishing spot. Crappie can be | | | | Crappie are not difficult to catch once you get |
| caught easily in feeder creeks, rivers, ponds, and | | | | the hang of it. But just like everything else, you |
| lakes. If you are going to fish at a big lake, The | | | | get better the more you go. So why not get out |
| spring and fall will be your best chances to catch | | | | there this weekend and start reeling in a few |
| fish from the bank if you do not have a boat. | | | | Crappie of your own? |
| Look for cover where the crappie are apt to hide. | | | | |