I am a novice fisherman. I have tried for a few years but only this summer have I had success with some artificial lures. I am really interested in catching some crappie. I've got a kayak, and have hit the spillway near my house twice in the past week. I've caught a few fish, but no crappie. I think I have hooked two crappie, one each day. They both threw the hook when they got near the surface. I can't tell if I am not setting the hook hard enough, or setting it too hard. I've been very careful not to set it super hard for fear of tearing the lip. I am using a b 'n m 10ft jig pole and vertical jigging. Should I set it harder? Or if they are coming off near the surface is it from ripping the lip?

Also, for anyone in north MS, what are the crappie doing now? Spawn is over, right? I have been fishing in fairly shallow water, about 10-12 ft give or take. Will there be many crappie in the rivers/spillway or should I head to the lake?