winter crappie

[keeferfish]

I'll agree with the slow to no movement, even still the jig or minnow(even if dead is moving).

The very very slow retrieve works also and my theory is from watching the livescope.

Crappie do not like the lure pulled away form them especially above them. Nearly 100% of bites the jig/lure is above their head.

Your can put a jig right in font of their face and they will swim to it and look but not bite until you pull it away from them and by away I mean UP.

[Noodle rod]

how do you feel the hits when the jig is falling?
thanks for the tip - I have been holding mine low unless I was casting

You have had great help on this post already and agree with most all of it. The way you know when a fish has taken it while falling may not be completely explained in writing, or even in person. I make a medium cast and try for a slow fall with a belly in the line but no slack or tension. After a few casts I can determine what it feels like and how long it takes to reach bottom. Yes, watch the line with concentration, but don't be tense or stiff. Many times it can't be explained why you set the hook, but 80% of the time when I do set the hook, there was a reason for it,even if I can't tell you what it was. The hookset is gentle so if nothing is there so what? As said most of the time when the brain says one has put it in its mouth, it really is happening.

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[Noodle rod]

thank you for the advice! When you are retrieving deep how do you make sure your jig is at the same level in the water?

Hard to know for sure, but you can make educated guesses by a number of tells, including the angle of your line, and how deep the jig is when it gets near the boat. I would say that most people that think they are right near bottom are actually not. My friend that fishes with me is one example, he doesn't cast far enough, and doesn't let it sink slowly enough resulting in very little time with the jig near bottom. Sometimes he outfishes me,but day in,and day out, I will stay in the fish. Go slow too,it doesn't take much movement for line drag to raise your jig, even with 4# line. The jig should be as light as the conditions will allow, adding to the difficulty of keeping it down, but making it look more natural/edible.

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[bigtee]

Generally speaking crappie move a little slower in cold water, so try slowing down your retrieve. It's also important to have the right lure colors based on day light / water conditions. If it's muddy water, I'll stick to green / black, and if its clear water I like solid white with a red or blue head. Here's a little more in depth explanation on what colors to use based on water clarity and time of day Crappie Fishing: Key Tips to Catch More Crappie

Worst case if jigs don't work, just try using minnows. If crappie are in the area that seems to be your best bet.

[Wylie]

how do you feel the hits when the jig is falling?
thanks for the tip - I have been holding mine low unless I was casting

High vis line can make a tremendous difference in light bites. Just a little line twitch can be seen quite easy. And that line twitch might be a big ole slab


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