So highly variable

[Ketchn]

I often try to make sense out of crappie . You well know the they want this today or that today when it comes to baits . The crappie are so highly variable on what might be the bait of the day . Often times something that is just magic one day at one spot is totally not acceptable at the same spot ,the same time ,the same presentation the next day .
Why you might ask ? DON'T GO THERE ! is my definitive answer !
Sometimes it is about lots of contrast , sometimes it might a simple as a pink head , yet other times it could be a totally solid color . There are times when the size is the ticket as well . Some spots a huge gaudy bait and sometimes the same spot the next day a tiny trout fly looking item .
I typically have about 4 or 5 colors in my pocket and a 2 or 3 size jig heads with various paint jobs and non painted as well . I also try to make sure the jigs i carry go from pretty small to good size . Now mind you this , If you are pretty sure they are down there and cant get a take , try up size and try down size , try solid and try contrasts . One of your guesses might just be the ticket to lots of pole bending .
So keep it it mind , there is accidental crappie ketchn and then there is very expected crappie ketchn . Sometimes it is what it is and what you think they want isnt what they want at all.
If it was easy I would probably still chase them , but to be sure the mind game is often quite entertaining . It is possible to outguess a crappie , but not every day of the week for sure .
I wish I had the magic bullet, but as of now I am still in the not for sure positive about when or where or what might get me my next bite . Go often and try things that might be out of the box a bit , you might be pleasantly surprised .
One other thing that might be very much a part of the never ending equation is presentation , lack of movement and or speed of movement can make a HUGE difference .
And remember this ,what you see is NOT what they see , so no worries on what it looks like to you , it might very well look like a food to them .
below are "some" of the baits I used the last 2 days and there is not any rhyme or reason best I can tell at that spot on the what they might like when I visit there .
luck to you all and .....
KABOOM is the word

[BobC]

Thanks for the insights and great story,
Bob

[RVG Fishing]

Very good post, thanks!

[Jamesdean]

Great info Ketchn. I have found this to be true on several occasions...it’s like a game of guess what I want today.


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[ET Fish]

Great info!

[hdhntr]

crappie are as fickle as those girls your trying to woo sometimes easy and other times what the heck just happened. Good information as always outlaw.