Anyone else losing em at the boat?

[searchn4crappie]

New to crappie fishing & exploring Lakes Poinsett & Washington FL but losing almost every crappie when its almost in the boat. Mostly using small, painted jigs tipped with live minnows hooked up thru the lips. Sometimes trolling/drifting & other times anchored. Doesn't matter. Get em alongside the boat & off the go. Suggestions truly appreciated!

[Kelvin]

Long handled net. Are you possibly dropping your rod tip when getting close?

[trypman1]

Make sure your hooks have good barbs on them. Sickle hooks are not good, because they have almost no barbs. My 2cts

[220cst]

All the above and set the hook harder.

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[CrappiePappy]

What size hook is on the jigs you're using ??

Most fish that get off "at the boat" are lip hooked, which tears a hole in the mouth membrane & any slack or the flopping of the fish can easily free the hook.

[Chuck Adams]

Don’t really have to set the hook.
Constant pressure is all it takes.
I have a 12 ft long handled net and it helps with fish over 1 pound.
Good look, you’ll get the hang of it.
At least you’re catching fish so you’re doing something right. And yep, sickle hooks are no good.


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[Barnacle Bill]

I have always had good success with sickle hooks. I suspect those that don't are setting the hook too hard and pulling the hook out. A light set is all that is needed. One of crappies nicknames is papermouth. They are called that for a reason.

[Bals gib]

Are you using braided line or mono?

[CrappieHollic]

Its called... Use a Landing Net.. a long one.... with those small jigs... crappie mouths will tear off...especially if you let them flip in the water... keep them in the water... till you get them close enough to net them... dont try to pull them in the boat... it just doesnt work that way... the bigger they are... the more careful you have to be.... good luck

[jawjatek]

It ain't the hooks, I think. A swift yank into the roof of the crappie's mouth, and no hook is going to pull out, regardless of kind. Some guys just snatch them right into the boat, no playing, three seconds from bite to boat. Check out some CDC guys who post on youtube, for example.

Me, I take my time with every fish. I love the bite, and the fight. The right tackle is a big plus.