Spider rigging 101 from a Florida guy here: This mite be different than some other areas of the country but this is how I do it. I hope this will help some one just starting out, I got started about a year and half ago when I decided to start fishing crappie tournaments. Went on line and found crappie.com and went to youtube and watched a bunch of video's. My boat was a 16 foot Landau and a 25 hp motor, depth finder and a set of drift masters. Never had done it before, got to the tournament payed my money and off I went. Had a hand control riptide . I put twenty fish in the boat. Oh and a Lowrance Elite 5. I was a happy camper. I have learned a lot since then and still learning every time I go out. I figured I would share what I know so far. I Fish against Pro''s so I figure It will make me a better fisher man. I don't expect to win, but the way I see it. It should make me better and they do share info a little bit at a time, my day will come.
1. Lay out up front for pushing: I use Tite Locks rod holders ,pair of four rod holds on 24" bar. Depending on single seat or double seat will determine where you install your holders. I like them with in arms reach. I have a 8" rail and 18" rail on each side of the bow so depending on one person or two up front I can slide the holders around to match the scenario. With this set up I can move the rod holders quit a bit to fit me or two people.
2. Rods : I use 14' and 16' rods, Reason is I like to mix it up. Start with what you like or can afford.
3. Trolling motor: You can use what ever you like, I have used foot control and a hand control they will work. I currently use an I pilot, if you are serious about spider rigging you will get one of them trust me it will make life easier.
4. Speed: I start at 0.5 mph and I will hold that unless the fish tell me other wise. The fish, yes the fish. What I am saying is if I am moving along a get a hit and I turn on that bite and I get another hit on the inside of the turn or the out side of the turn. This tells me what they like. Inside would be slower and out side would be faster. I have ran as fast as 1.0 mph. Don't be afraid to try other things.
5. Set up on poles: I mostly run a single drop 1/2-3/4 sinker +swivel and 18"- 24" leader. Set them at different depths to find out were there at.
I hope this will help some one that is wanting to give this method a try. I am in know way an expert. Just sharing what I know rite now. My advise is to go for it and catch some fish. Don't be afraid if you don't catch any thing just keep trying.