Winds of Change for Catching Crappie

Sometimes, the wind can be just too much. Even with drift socks, chains, or what other devices you are using to slow your roll, they may not work. That being said, a few years ago while fishing my favorite lake, Poverty Point, I learned to let the wind work for me. By chance, I was fixing to call it a day because the wind was just too much. But as luck would have it, I had a pole that I had not pulled in. Just as I lifted the trolling motor, bam, a fish tried to jerk the pole out of the boat. In the midst of gathering up my gear, that forgotten rod that was trailing behind the boat had hooked up on a nice crappie. Just as any good fisherman would do, I tossed the jig back behind the boat and another fish hit. Needless to say, I was suddenly on a pattern. I had fought the wind trying to spider rig, then by casting, and tight lining , none of which was producing fish. But this technique was producing. I decided to toss two jigs behind the boat, and letting the wind do the pulling for me. I had discovered "long lining". This saved the day and I boated a bunch of fish. The upside to this is that you can cover a lot of water, and because you are keeping a tight line, it is easy to feel the bite. The downside, as I learned, is that once you hang up, it is a lost lure. But through trial and error, I have solved that problem by using a heavier line and a light wire jig. This technique works well in open water lakes, but can also be used just about anywhere you fish, even the bayous of south Louisiana. When pulling jigs in shallow water, I use a cork and jig. Also, it is a killer technique for speckled trout and even redfish. Wind speed will determine what jig weight to use. Typically an eighth ounce is best. So, next time the wind is too much, changing techniques just may be the answer. Good luck fishing. I'll see ya on the water.