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Thread: Please Help!! I can't catch fish

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    Default Please Help!! I can't catch fish


    First and foremost, I have no idea what I'm doing. I've read alot about crappie and know a little about how it's done. Went fishing yesterday and found some fish in open water. I setup to cast out to them and reel it back past them. This is where my problem comes in. The fish were 10-15 feet deep. I'm using 4lb. mono and a 1\16oz jig head with a bobby garland plastic. It was a windy day and the wind kept my line blown out and my jig never would sink. I know I could use a heavier jig head, but am I doing something wrong? What's the biggest jig head you would use? Please help!! I'm tired of going and not being able to catch anything.

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    The heaviest jig I use is 1/16 oz. 4# line is fine, also.

    When it's windy, I keep my rod tip low to the water. This minimizes the effect of the wind.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Auston22688 View Post
    First and foremost, I have no idea what I'm doing.
    Read this:

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

    Crappie sliders are great baits, but this method works with any jig, including your Bobby Garland. Technique is what matters most, not the bait.
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    MCG1 is offline Crappie.com 2K Star General * Crappie.com Supporter
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    Have you tried counting down after the jig hits the water to control depth? For instance. If fish are 10-15 feed deep, start at a 5 count , then add a couple counts until you find the number that matches the depth the fish prefer. Then your retrieve is repeatable at the depth the fish prefer. Like db4d pointed out keeping your rod tip low in windy conditions can help. Keep slack out the best you can and retrieve slowly. Good luck.
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    In windy conditions like you speak of, there's no reason not to go up a notch in jig weight. Even adding a splitshot sinker a foot above that 1/16oz jig is an acceptable alternative.
    The other suggestions are also viable alternatives.

    You may also try and get somewhat closer to the school, so that your wind bow isn't as severe ... if the conditions will allow it.

    There's also the "Vertical Casting" method, if you happen to be able to hold your boat directly over the school. (here's how : Please Wait... | Cloudflare )
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    The Alabama State forum below is pretty active. It would be another good place to ask this. Possibly someone there is fishing the same waters as you.
    The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along
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    Thanks guys. It never occurred to me to use split shot. Guess that’s a learning moment. Is it best to be downwind from the structure and reel with the current or what?

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    For me that depends. Although rarely does the wind and current play well together. Most of the time they seem to be going opposite. In a boat it is sometimes possible to find spots sheltered out of the wind.
    The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along

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    Quote Originally Posted by Auston22688 View Post
    Is it best to be downwind from the structure and reel with the current or what?
    Tricky question.

    I've always heard that whenever there's any current, fish are going to face into it. That's why they prefer eddy water or underwater obstacles .... so they can get out of the current & just hide & wait for bait to be washed close to them.

    I try and think like a fish that's in a restaurant .... I'm going to pick the table closest to the kitchen door, if it's available.
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    Quote Originally Posted by CrappiePappy View Post
    Tricky question.

    I've always heard that whenever there's any current, fish are going to face into it. That's why they prefer eddy water or underwater obstacles .... so they can get out of the current & just hide & wait for bait to be washed close to them.

    I try and think like a fish that's in a restaurant .... I'm going to pick the table closest to the kitchen door, if it's available.
    Timber that provides a break for from the current is definitely a good place for a crappie to ambush prey. That block from the current gets even better with it is also the shady side as well
    The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along

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