Crappies have a very soft mouth so don't jerk to set the hook, just a quick tug will do.
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Good reminder! I think many think they missed the bite but in reality the jerk or heavy hookset pulled the hook through that papermouth. I had a hard time myself as I usually fished for Bass so I was "hooksetting". Now I just give my rod a steady/firm lift. Gets plenty of Crappie in the boat.
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Sometimes you just flat out have to wait!!! Fish tend to like to swim off with the tail end of the minnow in their mouth, then they'll stop and turn it head first. Lesson sometimes let them take it. But this isnt' an exact science, one must have a feel for it!!!
I do this with Walleye, but with Crappie you will end up gut hooking your Crappie if you wait to set the hook. Any movement of the bobber and I don't jerk the rod but lift up swiftly and turn the handle at the same time. If I miss the fish I haven't moved the bait very far and can let it sit without re-casting. If you jerk and no fish you will pull the bait out of the strilke zone and away from the fish. If I miss the fish I let it settle down and then just give the rod a twitch and let it settle back down as an injured fish after a fish has hit it. jmo EB
Crappie will also strike while the bait is sinking. If your bobber never stands up, either your bait is on cover/bottom, or a fish has it in its mouth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JBledsoe
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Crappies have a very soft mouth so don't jerk to set the hook, just a quick tug will do.
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That will depend on your pole. I use an ultra light pole and set the hook hard. If you use a stiffer action pole, yea be careful.
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Bobber Down.
Bobber Down!
Bobber Down, Set Da Hook!
The problem i get is fishing from shore & the fish are way out there you cant see the little taps on the bobber or if the water is a little choppy. i have to wait to see no bobber.
All these tips will help you, the 2 reasons most miss a bite is, taking their eyes off the float, or too much slack in the line on windy days you really have to mend or tighten up to be ready when the bite comes.
Your absolutely right Dave....if I see any movement or any change with my bobber...I set the hook.
Ill third that...
When it goes under, or it changes ever so slighty but stays that way constantly (3 sec or so, which is actually a long time in fishing with a bobber lol) whether it be cocked to the side or goes down 1/4" and stays there or lays over sideways...set the hook. Can always pitch it back out there, but a bite missed is a bite missed, bottom line.
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