Crappie Tactics

Crappie reside in the many of America's lakes and rivers, but can be difficult to catch. That's why it's important to try different tactics to catch the most fish effectively. Read some of the tips below before your next fishing trip

Crappie tactics vary with the season and the area of the lake or river you are fishing. Vertical fishing is one of the tactics that works best when crappie are deep enough (at least 8-15 feet). At this range, they don't really notice a boat right overhead, and you can drop jigs and slip-bobber rigs straight down. Try using a bottom-bumping rig.

Another proven tactic is casting into shallows, as you would for bass. Crappie like cover, so swim tiny jigs, spinners, and crank baits in shallow cover or in submerged cover. Cast past point where the crappie will be caught so your lure will sink to the appropriate depth, and slowly swim it through the cover .

Trolling is also an effective crappie tactic. Try spider fishing - use several rods on all sides of the boat to improve your odds. Set out a dozen rods or more, trolling at different depths. Also, using fiberglass rods will make your life easier - the fiberglass rods are more limber and respond when crappie gets caught in your jig. Try different weights and colors of jigs to increase your chances of attracting fish. Use 6-pound test line that is thin so that jigs will sink but strong to prevent snapping.

Remember that crappie typically prefer shallow water under cover, especially in early and mid spring. They will be spawning and require shallow water to do so. In the dead of winter, crappie are harder to find , so try fishing with worms. Crappie will be slow moving and deep in the waters at this time, so sink live worms deep into the lake and troll slowly, letting them take notice of the meaty meal. Crappie tend to feed less often in the winter, so worms are a great way to attract a hungry school of crappie.