Hey Who-dey

1) Where abouts are you? I think you are close to where I live.

2) My knowledge on Crappie fishing is very very limited, BUT my knowledge on bobber (float) fishing is quite very good. (even if I do say so myself):D :D .

When float fishing, first get yourself a decent float (bobber). The only good ones I can find over here are called "WAGGLER" floats and are made by "Mick Thill" (i think thats right). These ball type bobbers or clip on bobbers you can buy are, in my opinion, laughable. You need the longest rod you can get your hands on (at least 10ft) but not these catfish rods, you need something that has a soft tip.

Get some dish soap and "drizzle" a small amount around the spool onto your line. What this does is break the surface tension of the water and prevent "surface drift".

When casting, cast PAST where you want the float to land then QUICKLY wind the reel a couple of time with the rod tip under the water. ALWAYS keep the rod tip pointed towards the water inline with the float then you have the shortest point of contact AND the tightest line possible. So any striking motion will set the hook.

Hope that has helped some, and if you are close to Hamilton, give me a holler and show a "limey" how to fish American style and I'll show you how to fish European style:D :D :D

Tight Lines and good luck