No clue how to start fishing for crappie but determined to catch one soon

[CrappiePappy]

Yeah right there, the dam. Weed islands showed up like a month ago I think. Might not be there on map but they are on the North end near the shores... i think?


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Yeah, Google Maps is showing them concentrated on the Northern section of the pond, but still a few scattered around just North of the dam. It says it's a 2023 map, but that doesn't always mean it was satellite surveyed this year. It could be from several years ago & not updated in that area.

In any case ... check out around the rock rip rap bank (school yard side) ... and any trees that have fallen into the water along the banks. Black Crappie like rocks as much as weeds, and they will use wood cover often, as well. One thing about Black Crappie, they're just as likely to feed on bugs & crawfish as they are on minnows ... so black, brown, green, and other "bug" colors are good colors to try (or a combo of those colors ... or any of those colors & a chartreuse tail).

[6poundtest]

I'd also be searching the drop offs around all those points that stick out in to the main body. Edges are often very productive with a slow falling jig just to the deep side of the line.

[StronkKnight]

Found time to go fishing today. No crappie but I got these guys. Used a 1/8th oz jighead with some sort of small triple ripple.


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[6poundtest]

Looks like a good start, congrats!
Time on the water will result in finding the crappie, I'm sure. And when you find one, work that area pretty thoroughly as there is usually a few buddies nearby.

[StronkKnight]

Yeah man I can't wait. Can't fish most of the place mainly because all the dang weeds. Once fall turns up the weeds will finally die and I can fish those areas better. What I'm using right now is fine, right? Thinking of getting a beetle spin too so I can catch everything.

[6poundtest]

Proof that you're on the right track is in your photo's above. Personally, I like the lighter jig heads as I feel I can fish them slower if needed. Depending on the size of the plastic you thread on, 1/8 oz. sinks pretty fast. What size plastic are you threading on, 2"? 3"? Let the fish tell you what they want on a particular day and don't be afraid to try different weights, styles, colors and speed or manner of retrieve. Sometimes they want a steady retrieve, sometimes it's a rise and fall back retrieve, sometimes is straight down under the boat, dead still with a tiny quiver now and then.
I have a Beetlespin or 2 but somehow, they never seem to get clipped on; I should try them, too. But you can catch anything on a curly tail, straight tail or other tail shapes. Even feather jigs or hair jigs like you see our more southern friends use work great.
There is no one correct answer for all waters and conditions.

[CrappiePappy]

Found time to go fishing today. No crappie but I got these guys. Used a 1/8th oz jighead with some sort of small triple ripple.


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Looking at that top pic it appears you were "overhead wrist snap casting" .... your line is wrapped over the end of the rod

*that happens when snapping your wrist forward to cast before the jig has fully loaded the rod, which leaves slack line between the tip and next guide down and the jig flies thru between the rod and slack line.*

[StronkKnight]

6pound, I used a very small 1" lure. I will try 1/16th weight when I get them because 1/8th (said 1/10th) on a scale just sunk super fast, so ill use the 1/16th so they will have more time to bite it. I'm going to order stuff either tonight for crappie. Thinking about getting a few different minnow colors, 2", like 2-3 roadrunners, few more triple twisters, and 1/16th jigheads. All that sounds fine right? And should I add anythign? And should I just get it off basspro or tacklewarehouse? I've bought off tacklewarehouse before but not off basspro's website.

[6poundtest]

All sounds pretty good. Around 2" is my go-to for the most part. Fish USA is another good supplier.

[CrappiePappy]

6pound, I used a very small 1" lure. I will try 1/16th weight when I get them because 1/8th (said 1/10th) on a scale just sunk super fast, so ill use the 1/16th so they will have more time to bite it. I'm going to order stuff either tonight for crappie. Thinking about getting a few different minnow colors, 2", like 2-3 roadrunners, few more triple twisters, and 1/16th jigheads. All that sounds fine right? And should I add anythign? And should I just get it off basspro or tacklewarehouse? I've bought off tacklewarehouse before but not off basspro's website.

If I were getting Road Runners, I'd get the marabou ones. Just my

Also, what size line are you using ? I wouldn't use anything over 6# test mono.

If you're going to be ordering online ... price shop several different places & don't forget to check how much S/H charges are.