Crappie Fishing 4-24

[Frost1920]

I went out today to crappie fish. I threw a couple road runners until 2 good sized bass broke me off. Then I lost one to a swimmin minnow. So i switched to the cheap 10 pack 1/8 oz crappie jigs and caught 4 or 5 little bass. I ended up scoring 3 crappie for the day, but I guess my question is : Is there any advice for a hook set on crappie? I bet I missed 20 fish today! It was windy but I dont think thats an excuse. I could feel the fish take it and then BAM no fish. Very Frustrating day. Missing fish after fish after fish. Was the bite really light on Friday? Or am i doing something wrong? One fish in particular, I felt the tick on my line, set the hook, and got him in the boat. Only thing was the jig wasnt in his mouth, it was in his side! I snagged a crappie. Any advice or similar stories would make me feel better or confirm that I do indeed suck.

[Moflash]

I went out today to crappie fish. I threw a couple road runners until 2 good sized bass broke me off. Then I lost one to a swimmin minnow. So i switched to the cheap 10 pack 1/8 oz crappie jigs and caught 4 or 5 little bass. I ended up scoring 3 crappie for the day, but I guess my question is : Is there any advice for a hook set on crappie? I bet I missed 20 fish today! It was windy but I dont think thats an excuse. I could feel the fish take it and then BAM no fish. Very Frustrating day. Missing fish after fish after fish. Was the bite really light on Friday? Or am i doing something wrong? One fish in particular, I felt the tick on my line, set the hook, and got him in the boat. Only thing was the jig wasnt in his mouth, it was in his side! I snagged a crappie. Any advice or similar stories would make me feel better or confirm that I do indeed suck.

What type of rod and reel are you using? What type and lbs line? Maybe I can be of help

[Frost1920]

I was using a 5 1/2 ft ultra light spinning rod with 8lb Stren Florocarbon line. After that 2nd fish in 2 mins broke off my line on my rod, I picked up my brothers rod so I could immediately get back in the water and I never did go back to my rod. I thought he had 6lb on it (being an ultralight) but he had heavier line on his for some reason. You think all those fish took it, felt the line and spit it out before I could react? Whats the best set up for crappie fishing? (Lesson learned...never take to battle untested equipment.) thanks for the help

[binman]

I have seen crappie caught on all kinds of different rigs but I use 4# on an ultra lite set up and works well for me. The best advice I can give with crappie is to be gentle when setting the hook don't rip the jaws off so to speak,bass now there is a different story just try to experiment and see what's best for you because if you don't feel comfortable with your equipment you will be let down every time. Good Luck and Good Fishing

[rngrfshrmn]

It sounds like you had a problem with your line. I use a similar set up 6' fast action light rod with a shimano reel and regularly have no problem with any crappie or white bass. The occasional large bass or walleye or even up to 10 lb channel cat only takes a little longer to bring to the net. I released 2 large bass last week one 7 and the other 4.5lbs. I use custom road runners and curly tail minnows and the only time they break the line is if they engulf them too far and rub the line quite awhile on thier teeth. I use the Segaur 6 lb Invisx. it casts like and allows the fall of 4lb regular line and seems as strong as any 8 lb line I have ever used. you might try this line and see if it helps.

[Quillback]

It sounds like you had a problem with your line. I use a similar set up 6' fast action light rod with a shimano reel and regularly have no problem with any crappie or white bass. The occasional large bass or walleye or even up to 10 lb channel cat only takes a little longer to bring to the net. I released 2 large bass last week one 7 and the other 4.5lbs. I use custom road runners and curly tail minnows and the only time they break the line is if they engulf them too far and rub the line quite awhile on thier teeth. I use the Segaur 6 lb Invisx. it casts like and allows the fall of 4lb regular line and seems as strong as any 8 lb line I have ever used. you might try this line and see if it helps.

I ma curious about your custom Roadrunners -what do you do to customize them?

[frosty]

I'm no expert, by no means. I think braided line would help. Theres no give to it. Also I like a #4 or # 2 Sickle hook. Hope this helps.

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

Here's my advice:

Place a weight (about 1/4 oz) aroud 15 inches below the hook, which you tie in the line. Use a Aberdeen hook, hook a minnow through the head, and pay attention because when your line gets slack, the crappie has the minnow. With the hook located above the weight, there is nothing to impede the feeling of a strike. Always remember that most crappie bite uphill, so when they approach the bait momentarily they are actually pushing it towards you. Therefore, there is less tension in your rod tip than there is when you have a downward strike, or tug. The weight below the hook does not interfere with subtle strikes, because the hook is between you and the fish, versus a weight between you and the fish.

I'd like to thank a guy named Big Ron for this information.

Marty Thompson

Thompson Fishing Guide Service

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS

Often imitated, never duplicated. Fish the Finest!