New here

[duckmaster1]

Hello,
Wanted to stop in and say hello. New to this site, my 2 boys and I are going to try and go after crappie this year, never really fished for them.
Is there any special ways to fish for crappie, I know that may sound stupid, but unless I ask, I will not know.
I bought the boys a crappie lure kit, but how do you use them, do you jig with them, use a bobber , or retrieve them?
Just some questions from a new guy.
This is a great site.

[GCD]

There are many ways to catch Crappie, use the search function at the top of the page and search for "long line trolling", "spider rigging", and "bottom bouncing"... heck. I've even caught them on live worms on bottom at certain times of the year!

This site is a wealth of information, read and check back often!

[PBUG2009]

below a cork is a great starting way..techniqes work different in every region

[Bob # 1]

Welcome from Indiana

[brushnjigs]

There is never a silly question when it comes to fishing. Asking someone will save you a lot of hours of wasted fishless time.

[OGFWeatherby]

You've come to the right place!

I just started targeting crappie last year. EVERYONE here has taught me alot. You will never find a better group of people than are here.

The easiest way for beginning to catch crappie is using minnows and a cork.

[HarleyMan08]

Welcome to (IMHO) the greatest fishing forums there is. You will find mountains of information and some of the greatest people in the world right here.

[Eager Beaver]

If your from Indiana than ask your questions on the Indiana State board to start with. Different things work different sometimes in different parts of the country. They can tell you what is happening at the time your planning a fish trip. Water temps vary around the country and can make a difference at times. It depends on if you are fishing out of a boat or off the bank as to what methods will work best for you. The local guys can tell you what is working best at the time. Then you can ask questions on the Main Board to get a variety of things to try in your area. Knowledge is the best fishing tool you can have. Never be afraid to ask questions on this site. Someone usually has an answer for you, or a variety of answers that will all work at certain times. That is what this site is for-to help new people find out what we have known for a long time and that is Crappie Fishing is one of the most fun and rewarding sports around. To answer your question tho for kids starting out I would have them use a bobber and jig or hook and minnow. It takes a little time to figure out fishing a jig on a rod and knowing when to set the hooks. You can cast or jig or use a bobber. They all work for different operations. If you are going to be fishing over a tree top that is less than 5 feet use a fixed bobber, If it is any deeper than that I would use a slip float to maintain a certain depth. This should get you started. Good luck and Good Fishing to ya, from Ne. EB

[crappieseeker]

welcome to the board and to the crappie fishing family

[crappiehnt]

I like minnows under a cork for kids. Just to see their reaction when that cork dives under the water is priceless.