What rig and lures should I be using?

[SweetClover]

I fished with a bobber and worms as a kid, but I'm trying to learn how to use lures. I have no access to a boat, so it's all bank fishing for me. I'm trying to focus on crappie, but all I've caught are a few small bass off a jig tube. (I won't complain about any catch, but there are consumption advisories on bass in NC and so I'd honestly rather catch slabs.)

Right now I've got a slip bobber, a split shot, and I tie a jig at the bottom. I try to retrieve it slow, with some intermittent twitching. I have yet to catch a crappie.

Am I retrieving wrong (too much action maybe?), or do I need to try a different rig? I'm clueless and there seem to be about 500 types of crappie rigs.

Thanks for any help! Let me know if I can provide more details.

[Kevin22]

Almost impossible to say if you are doing something wrong or what to do as I am not there with you. My first question would be are you sure there are crappie where you are fishing? Any locals that you know that can help you pinpoint where the crappies are? You can have the best looking jig and work it perfectly, but you wont catch what isn't there. For the most part, catching crappies is pretty easy... finding them is 95% of the challenge.

Maybe post the location and ask if a member here that is from that area can help you out, that would probably be best.

[SweetClover]

Thanks!

I'm fishing at Big Lake in Umstead Park, Raleigh NC. There are supposed to be crappie in there, based on what I've read online. I have had one person say I might have better luck at Lower Lake, but I'm not clear yet on how to get down there. (There's no trail access that I know of.)

I'll pop over to the NC forum and see if there's anyone there with info.

[deathb4disco]

Right now I've got a slip bobber, a split shot, and I tie a jig at the bottom.

Lose the bobber and the split shot. A jig is all you need. The less "stuff" you have on your line, the better.

Try a 1/32 or 1/16 oz head with a plastic body, 4# line max. Crappie Magnets, Bobby Garland baby shad, beetle spins are all good. The trout magnet is also very good, but it's on a 1/64 oz head.

[deathb4disco]

Am I retrieving wrong (too much action maybe.

Read this. Focus on the "how to". Use any jig you like. The technique is what's important.

Charlie Brewer's Slider Company - Weedless Crappie Slider "Why&How"

[SweetClover]

Read this. Focus on the "how to". Use any jig you like. The technique is what's important.

Charlie Brewer's Slider Company - Weedless Crappie Slider "Why&How"

Thanks! That's really helpful.

[Crestliner08]

WELCOME Aboard! You've landed in the right place here to learn what you need to catch a bunch of crappie.