CAST & RETRIEVE TECHNIQUE QUESTION

[Eagle 1]

Hard to drag a 1/16 or 1/32 jig across the bottom without getting 3-4 inches off the bottom so a crappies eyes that is on the bottom could and would strike one as drug across the bottom . As far as ultra lite spinning reels go , they will handle large fish on 4 lb. test .

[Speckalator]

Special K , could you elaborate on Carolina rigging for crappie? I'm new to a lot the techniques mentioned here.

usually I single pole fish with jigs and tubes. Have never fished crappie on bottom.

[Special K]

Special K , could you elaborate on Carolina rigging for crappie? I'm new to a lot the techniques mentioned here.

usually I single pole fish with jigs and tubes. Have never fished crappie on bottom.

I wouldn't want to do anything to hi-jack this thread... but because it is so closely related to the thread topic I will provide reference to some previous CDC threads at https://www.crappie.com/crappie/main...a-rig-crappie/ and you can also do a google search on "CAROLINA RIGGING FOR CRAPPIE" and there are many articles with tons of good info. Don't be misled into believing that the Carolina rig is only for fishing on the bottom. Whether I am pushing or pulling baits... at almost any depth in the water column... the Carolina Rig is by far my favorite tactical presentation under many different conditions and when you continue your research into this... you will soon understand why.

[Speckalator]

Is casting and counting down the jig to the desired depth to retrieve, the same as the cast n drag technique? Also do you ever drag the jig flat on the bottom like a t-rig worm for bass? I know crappie feed up, but some of you say that ain't always the case.

Carolina rigging or dragging a jig on bottom for crappie is new to me. Might try it sometime. Use this for bass a lot.

Thanks to Special K for the link.

[broharrell]

Good video Alphahawk! You got a real honey hole there.

[jay the baptist]

Thanks to each one of you for sharing you knowledge & wisdom. I learn something everyday on this site.
Have a wonderful Happy New Year. Blessings!!

[Spoonminnow]

I’m not a crappie fisherman.....but I catch several thousand crappie each year.

Coulda fooled me!

One of the most successful lures / presentations I start with are straight tail grubs like the Crappie Magnet with cone shaped split tail; 1 3/4" cut from the tail end of a bass finesse worm or Slider Worm or those I make myself. With each design, the action is varied on slow retrieves along with rod tip twitches, pauses and glides. This can be worked at any depth.

Another factor is line diameter and type. I rarely use mono but instead like a light braid with a 1' leader of 4-6 lb test fluorocarbon. I believe best lure action is accomplished as well as the ability to cast longer distances to cover water, feel the strike and keep the fish hooked.

Float fishing in my experience works better in my local waters when the temperature is above 60 degrees. I'm sure it would work using the above lures in colder water, but I like direct contact in order to feel light strikes. By light strikes I mean feeling for a change in lure speed as it's retrieved. A slight nothingness-feel is all it takes much of the time after which raising the rod to the side and taking line slack out forces the fish to hook itself, either in a panic or showing the lure who's boss if the lure pops out.

Slow and unsteady retrieves along with the above get the most fish where I fish and many fish species. There is no such thing as a crappie lure or panfish lure. A good lure in a proper size range used with a good presentation catch just about everything.