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Crappie Fishing
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Crappie are a great fish to go
after. When you find one, there
probably many more in that same spot. Don't set the hook too hard! |
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CRAPPIE FISHING TIPS
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WHITE CRAPPIE
Crappie Description:
Both Black &white crappie are identical in colors,
and they rang from dark olive to black on top w/silvery sides & black blotches
with striping. Patterns of the dark blotches will not be
the same on every crappie. Black crappie have spotsthat are
irregular and scattered.
On the white crappie, these tend to be neatly
arranged into approx. 7 to 9 vertical stripes. |
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Goin' Fishin'?
Why Not Cast for Some Crappie?
These are a great winter fish, if you can find
them.
Find deep holes and look for piles of brush or debris.
If working a spot, use the "round the clock" method to
find the deep pockets holding fish. Look ahead for
natural landmarks such as a tree that stands out,
a rock, or even a power line. Cast at 12:00 ahead,
then 1:00...and so on. After one round, take a step
10' to the right or left and do it again.
Repeat until you feel the hit. Remember that crappie
have "paper lips". You have to set the hook carefully
and get them right in and off the hook. When you find
one, stop there and start fishing the pocket. Grab some
nightcrawlers if you want to use live bait, and simply
use a jig if they're running low, or just live-line them
if suspending. By live-lining, you're simply putting the
nightcrawler on the hook and casting out.
No weight or
snaps/swivels. Free baitin'! When you
get a hit, you feel it instantly this way, and there is
no weight to pull the bait out of the crappie's mouth.
If using a jig, get a small one (any colors), and grab
some Mr. Twisters.
Purple is the color I always recommend here in
our
area reservoirs and lakes. Figure out your color and
set it up on the jig. Mepps Spinners are also great.
Shad darts and a minnow work great in the spring.
Winter and summer vary, so you need to experiment.
INTO SNAKEHEAD FISHING?
River2Sea V-Joint Minnow
Get the Lure
that GETS you
the SNAKEHEADS! |
SNAKEHEAD FISHING
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WASHINGTON POST.. |
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Use an ultra-light set-up...5 1/2'-6' rod...light action. Spool a spinning
reel with 4-6lb test...depending on what you know about your fishing area. I go
with 6lb when I know there are big crappie in the area from past fishing
experience. They tend to dive into cover, so be prepared. If new, go with
4lb and work it right.
That's all you'll normally need and it's a
great fight with that gauge line. You have to apply the right pressure and reel
stroke to avoid snapping off a big one. |
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Cast Near Boat Docks
Find the deep "cool water" pockets
Set Hooks Carefully
Use ultra-light gear for best fishing action and
challenge
Look for brush piles and debris for casting
opportunities
Practice catch, click, and release.
Take a photo and release your catch back into the water easy.
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CRAPPIE
FISHING - Summary
Crappie fishing is
incredible during the spring...and really anytime
as well (except dead of winter). Head out with some light tackle
and 4-6lb line. Bring varieties of baits/lures as well. It's good to
switch up when the hits aren't coming your way. I use nightcrawlers
live-lined...meaning NO WEIGHT! Crappies have "paper" lips...too much
weight or a heavily-set hook will result in a loss. If needed, use
moderate weight or a nicely weighted bobber. Work the clock at your
favorite cove...meaning you should pitch at every area of the circle you face,
like the face of a clock. When you get that rapid-hit...remember where
that pitch went and go for them there.
They are always in a school, and it's certain if you get one,
you'll get the others if fished timely and properly. |
 Berkley
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Crappie
Fishing Tips
