Minnow Rigging?

[jovush]

Would you guys care to explain how to best rig a minnow for crappie? I have been reading the reports and hope to make it up this weekend to try my hand, will have a co-worker with me that is self discribed as fishing deficient. Hope to put him on some of the crappie you guys have been catching. Any suggestions as where to focus since my boat is a little 14 foot/ 20 hp alum and the closest ramp for me is at Greenfield. Thanks a bunch!!

Joe

[Thunderin Gobbler]

I'm sure there are better ways, and these guys will probably tell you, but for me it depends on the size of the minnow. If I'm using a small one, I will usually hook it through the mouth or tail. This allows it to still have plenty of action in the water. On bigger minnows or shiners I almost always hook them in the mouth. I've noticed that if I hook them in the tail they tend to wonder around more and move the line a lot, making it more difficult to detects hits.

Like I said, that's just the way I do it. It sounds like they are catching crappie all over the lake around brush piles. There aren't any MDC pile at the CC access, but there are a lot of stick-ups and timber that I've had good luck on in the past. I think if you can get to them you'll be in pretty good shape there too. I'm heading to Roark Bluff tonight so hopefully I will have a report to post Monday.

Good Luck!

[straw hat]

I agree with Thunderin Gobbler but would like to add this. If I am casting the minnow for a slow retrieve then it has to be through the lips so the minnow comes back in straight. If I am fishing vertical with a slip bobber then I prefer through the middle of the back so the minnow stays horizontal in the water. If you hook it through the mouth then it usually hangs vertical and you won't get as many hits. If you are fishing vertical with a tight line (no slip bobber) then I prefer it through the mouth again. That way the minnow will tend to move head first through the water as it is jigged up and down. Best of luck on your trip.

[jovush]

Thanks gentlemen, Not sure of my method yet but will try all suggestions. Now I just hope the bait shop/C-store in Greenfield will be open early Sunday morning for my supply of minnows. Any other places around the area?

[Thunderin Gobbler]

Son Sac Marine just north of Greenfield can help you out too.