I would try a different spot. Fish closer to cover or the bottom may help. Might try using larger minnows. A 2" minnow might keep the small fish from attacking it.
In captivity the larger fish seem to eat first. But if the larger crappie misses the minnow and the minnow swims to the other crappie they will not hessitate to inhale it.
I have read that fish tend to group in schools according to size. Big fish also take the best spawning spots and chase the smaller fish away.
I have the same problem as you. Lots of very small one year old or less crappie being caught. That makes it harder to find and catch the big one.
Originally Posted by Crappie15