New to crappie fishing

[divr71]

I am new to crappie fishing and need some help. I have scheduled a trip to Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee for the first week of May. Is this the right time to go? What type equipment should I buy? As you can tell I am a very inexperienced fisherman so books, articles, or anything that will help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[CrappiePappy]

a little "late" in the season ..... but, the fish can't all "leave" the lake, so they'll be there ... somewhere

If you need "help" ... you've come to the right place !! Welcome !

You may want to read the TN state forum posts about Reelfoot ... even post some questions there, too.

You will certainly want to read over the articles section, of this site !!
http://www.crappie.com/tips.html

You may also be interested in reading the articles in the following:
http://www.bnmpoles.com/newsletter/index.html
http://www.crappiestuff.com/crappie_articles.html
http://www.gameandfish.about.com/fis...nfish-fishing/

and here, for whatever state(s) you fish in:
http://www.gameandfish.about.com/

and check this frequently, for updated reports:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...fishing+report


................. luck2ya .......... cp

[crappiencali]

While you are down there you should try for then bream and redear that they got out there. Hit the Cypress trees. I'd try trolling a Reelfoot rig with minnows for the crappie. If you aren't familiar with the lake at all be cautios. There are a lot of cypress stumps and rebar in the water, that'll rip up a lower unit quicker than you can shake it stick. As for tackle a couple 9-11' crappierods with a couple goods reels and some good braided line and you should be ready to go.

[crappiequeennc]

Welcome divr71.You have come to the right place.You will learn alot here.I know I have.The guys and gals here will help you with anything.

[bobber-in-water]

welcome divr71 crappiepappy looks to have got you started in the right direc.hes real good at that.fish reel foot my self great lake.good luck and welcome

[skiptomylu]

Attachment 4012

From Toledo Bend Texas

[DENNIS BOWERS]

Welcome From Dale Hollow,Tn.!!Sure some of the Reelfoot folks will help you!!

[pepp1]

the guys on this site are great they helped me with a few tips went out yesterday and caught a little more than a dozen keep reading and take notes and soon you will be on your way


good luck

[Crappie Xtreme]

Hey divr71, I also am knew to this board and love reading it. I do fish all the time it is my passion. I fish reelfoot several times a year and it is great. The begining of may is still a good time to hit the crappie and catch them in reelfoot. But that is the time when the huge bluegill start hitting real good and they are really fun to catch there. We were bluegill fishing there last may and a buddy of mine caught a nice crappie in the cypress tree's well over a pound. Just be careful of the wind and stumps and watch out for the snakes they try to get in the boat. I caught a cotton mouth there during that trip and turned it over to the state viewing center across from Boyettes resort. They could not believe it. Guess they thought I would have killed it because that is what everone does. Not me i'm a snake nut. Anyway have fun and be careful.