Crappies

[himjunkie13]

Hey what are some good tactics for crappies in about 17'-18' of water where i know there are fish (vexlar)? I'm looking for baits, tactics, techniques, etc...

[Captain B.R.K]

I would have an assortment of baits for vertical and horizontal presentations as well as some hardware such as jigging spoons or small jigging rapalas.

I would first try a vertical or horizontal presentation with those crappie. Either tip with euro-larvae (maggies), waxworms, or minnows. What has really caught fire over the last year when fishing vertical is using plastics. Thread the plastic on like you would a typical jig or thread it horizontal on the jig and fish it "wacky style".

Either way with threading plastics, I have had success.

Once you have determined your preferred bait, I would drop the bait down a good foot or two above where you are marking crappie on your flasher. Crappie's typically feed on what they can see above them.

If you find that as you drop your lure down and the fish come up and slam your bait, you know that they are aggressive and you could switch to a jigging spoon or rapala. IF you find they are less aggressive or neutral, then start scaling back the size of the lure, the number of maggies, waxies you are putting on the hook or change the lure all together.

This should help you in your pursuit of those crappie.

Good Luck to you!

[himjunkie13]

thanks man ill give it a shot.

[mltjanderson]

i'm no expert while i'll try various jig and spoons on 1 line. I like to keep a plain hook tip with either a waxie or minnow in the other hole, sometimes plain and simple works best. Mark

[CrappieJohn]

Himjunk....

If you drop into the crappie forum you'll find a ton of more specific information.