crappie fishing tips and tricks

1. Use light line and an ultra-light rod - This will allow you to feel the fish better and know exactly when to set the hook.  Knowing when to set the hook is half the battle.  By using light gear you will increase your odds.


2. Locate A school - most of the time if you can find one you will find many.  You have to pay attention to which way the fish is moving though.  You will have to catch one throw back into the same spot.  If you don't catch a crappie start a fan cast.


3. Use a prince bead head nymph - a prince bead head nymph is one of a few select flies you can use to catch lots of crappie with.


4. Learn to use live minnows - crappie love minnows.  Naturally using live minnows will bring in many large crappies.


5. Use a tube - Tubes are great for catching crappie.  Using a one inch or one and a half inch tube will land you some really nice crappies.


6. Troll for Crappie - if you have access to a boat you could try a really slow troll.  Trolling a great way to catch many different fish and crappie are no exception.


7. Use a small crankbait - Crankbaits are used to simulate many different bait fish.  Use a shiny silver crankbait that can simulate a minnow.  Slowly crank it back to you.


8. Follow the current - All fish love current.  If you can find a current fish it.  Every body of water even ponds has some form of current.  Wind will cause a current just as much as a stream will.  Fish love current because they will not have to work as hard for their food.  The food just drifts right to them.


9. Use an improved cinch knot to tie on your hooks - The improved cinch knot is one of the most basic and one of the strongest knots to use.


10. Try using different hooks - if you are fishing a worm use an offset hook.  That will make your worm sit more natural looking.


11. Use jigs to get down deep - Crappie like cold water.  To get to them try jig fishing.   Using only a 3/32 oz jig you will really be able to feel them strike and be able to set the hook at the correct time.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when crappie fishing.  Reading a book or watching videos is a great way to nail down the basics check out The Instant Crappie Catching Tricks E-kit.  The second part learning the basics of crappie fishing is to go fish.  Every day you go will learn something new.  Experts say to get really good at something it will take about 1000 hours so get fishing.