Sometimes it doesn't matter what line or bait you use. It's the location of the bait that makes the difference. If your sticking the bait at eye level, they will suck it in and you may never know. In those cases, I move my bait up a foot or two. Crappie feed up, they look up to eat. They see your bait above them, swim up, grab it, and swim back down. Set the hook. There is no mistaking when they take bait above them.
I use slip bobbers. If my line never gets tight, I try to set the hook. If I have a fish on, I'll adjust my depth accordingly. If no fish, maybe the line got fouled during the cast, or my bobber is starting a fishing line wear in the bead at the top.
HOI Crappie Club
Where family and friends come to compete for a little more than bragging rights.
Quick, someone teach me how to fish so I can win this tournament!!!