I've been fishing for years. Mainly chasing catfish and rainbow trout (when I lived in California). I'd really like to get into crappie fishing with my sons but don't know where to start. I have no boat so it's shore fishing for me. Any suggestions?

John...you'll really enjoy crappie fishing. You'll find tons of information in crappie books, videos, by posting specific questions on this site, and by asking local crappie anglers. You said you'll be shore fishing...this time of year, I'd look for places where you could fish deeper water from a bridge, dock or pier. Jigs are great lures for shore fishing. Generally, bright-colored ones are good for dingy water but smaller, drab ones are good for clear. Are minnows legal to use where you'll be fishing? A minnow fished beneath a float is a great way for kids (and adults) to start having success when learning to crappie fish.

Welcome to the forum, from Indiana
As mention this time of year need to get into deeper waters. There is lot of information pertaining to crappie fishing, this fourm is a great place to start.

PS
The coffee pot is on

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http://www.crappiebasics.com/

Welcome from Alabama.

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Mike

Check out www.fishin4crappie.com

Welcome to ya from middle Georgia. Great bunch of folks here and alot of good information. I'm more of a "catch whatevers biting" kinda of fisherman but there's alot of "just crappie" guys that can answer crappie questions alot better that I can. Check out the different boards and I'm sure you'll find what your looking for.

Bluegill

Greetings and Welcome from California.

We have Crappie in Cali too.

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Gonefission
Bill

Welcome from Virginia.

Welcome from N/W PA. AND ... don't believe the myth about fishing deeper water this time of year. I took 20 keepers out of 40 fish caught today, fishing in shallow water. (7ft) You just have to fish real close to the wood thats in the water. Find a few blowdown trees laying in the water and fish small baits, close to the trunk. I use jigs because minnows will swim into the branches and get you hung up. Put the jig 3 to 4 feet below a small bobber and fish it back to you. If that bobber does anything un-natural, like twitch or raise up higher, set the hook.

Welcome from Vermont!!!!!!! Check your local baitstores and see if they'll recommend any places that you can (HINT HINT) take your kids!!! All adults usually give up some places when it's for kids to learn fishing.

Ask questions here and you'll get answers or links to other places.

Fatman

Hi John. I am somewhat of a new fisherman myself and with no boat I am fishing from the shore. While fishing more this summer than I usually do with a group of friends I have learned several things. First of all, I have found new fishing spots here in Indianapolis with the different local city parks which I didn't know too well before. These are small ponds and mostly will have bluegills in them. I have also found that fishing a bee moth under a bobber in the evening (about 7 or 8 o'clock) will catch many fish. Small fish usually but I bet your kids would love to catch any fish that bites. I have also found that Crappie Nibbles work too as bait. Good luck fishing!